1956 Continental Mark II
The late 50's was an interesting time for the "Continental" name. These models were previously offeredthrough the Lincoln division and would return to them later. However, for a short 2 years in 1956 and 1957 the Continental became its own division under Ford. These were meant to be ultra luxury coupes and were the most expensive American produced vehicles of the time. They were named the Mark II and marketed against the Rolls Royce Silver Cloud and the Bentley Continental. These were largely hand-assembled vehicles so it should be no surprise that their production number is limited to right around 3,000. They were an excellent vehicle for the time with very unique body lines but wealthy consumers had trouble justifying the price so they were quickly discontinued. This 1956 is a really nice and unique car that is in good shape. It is painted all White and features like the cuts on the tops of the rear fenders and the continental kit style deck lid just scream vintage class and luxury. It has a very nice chrome front grill and the large bumpers look great. They were designed to resemble each other but instead of the lights the front has in back that is now where the exhaust exits. It really is a great looking car with a unique style that is all its own. It rides on factory wheels with finned hubcaps that are wrapped with wide white wall tires.
So what is a car guy supposed to do to take the ultimate luxury car to the next level? Well, beef up the horsepower of course! The car is now powered by a crate LS3 that certainly out performs the 368ci it would have had originally. The motor runs great and is kept cool with an aftermarket aluminum radiator and electric fan with custom shroud. The LS is combined with a 4L60E automatic and Ford 9 inch rear end. With the modern motor, power brakes, power steering and air conditioning what more could you ask for? This thing was set up to handle long drives comfortably.
When it comes to assessing luxury look no further than just opening the door. The entire door jambs and edges are entirely chrome. That's not the type of treatment you apply to the average person daily driver, especially back in the 50's. The interior upholstery is all done in Dark Red. It has a very stock layout with the stock trim and stock steering wheel but the gauges have been gone through and upgraded to Classic Instrument gauges. These cars even came with factory power windows which was pretty uncommon in that time period. It has a very high end dual AC system as well with vents in both front and rear. The trunk of the car is all nicely carpeted and houses the original spare and jack.
This is a really neat car that you aren't just going to see many of. They are rare to being with but even then, the amount out there with a modern drivetrain is pretty small. The car does come with some extras like additional hubcaps (same style) and an old Continental advertisement. Over 100K has been invested in the build.
This awesome machine could be yours for $87,500.00!
