The 1956-57 Continental MK II will go down in history as one of the most elegant and graceful flops. Certainly not due to any awful mechanical failures, or nagging maintenance issues, but due to the fact that the original car was too expensive! Even the wealthiest elite would have trouble justifying the cost of this highly appointed automobile.
Dripping with midcentury design elements, this 1956 Mark II has truly witnessed history being kind to her, coming to our Hallowed Halls and lovingly restored at some point in the past, showing 31,073 non-verifiable miles as the title reads mileage exempt. This rolling hand built sculpture is ready to lead a one car parade down Main Street or lead you to wins at nearly every show you enter. Read on!
Exterior Nicely applied Cream White covers all the panels of this car, which are all are straight, and minding their gaps. Some bubbling is evident on the lowers, but one must be on their hands and knees to notice them. Chrome, brite-work, and badging is all correct, and nearly immaculate. From the massive small boxed egg crate style grille, to the massive bumper below it, flanked by single headlights protruding from the fenders, to the original continental trunk with its hidden but obvious spare tire mounted to the rear of the trunk lid, only INSIDE! Just like the exhaust exits which are within the bumper, this car was state of the art, and I emphasize ART. Oh and let's show 4 wide whites with those expensive turbine fanlike wheels all in glorious original chrome wheel covers.
Interior Deep red leather Biscuits, if you will, from the original Bridge of Weir leather factory, are surrounded by white leather bolsters, on a large split bench in front and the spacious rear bench to match. The front seat is all power controlled, and works well and the massive door panels emulate the design from the seats, and house all the power controls for the seats, windows, and vent wings. The beautiful simplistic dash with gold color plated aluminum, and enveloped by red padded leather, has exacting gauges in steel blue machined backgrounds and fine needles to show accurate readings. Looking down we see Jetson-like toggles with mid century modern handles which control airflow and other essentials. A search bar AM radio is embedded above the futuristic handles and works well. A creamy white headliner is tight, and blemish free. Red thick pile Wilton carpeting covers all floor areas and has nary a stain on it.
Drivetrain Pop the hood and we are met with the burlap noise deadening material under the hood, as well as dual courtesy lights which beam down on the pristine engine which comes to us in 368ci V8 4-barrel form. This is backed by the ultra-smooth 3-speed Lincoln Turbo drive transmission. A Dana 44 axle takes the power handoff and turns the tires with ease. It is unbelievable and a must see for the beauty of this power plant.
Undercarriage One would expect nothing less than close to perfection showing some age, but certainly unremarkable as to any major faults. Independent coil sprung front, and leaf sprung rear suspension gives it a ride of an air carpet, and power drum brakes are all around. Dual exhaust with stock style mufflers is in charge of the exhale, and speaking of which, let's get this luxury cruiser out on the test track and see how the other half live.
Drive-Ability My test drive revealed a quick starting, smooth riding, powerful piece of history. I only imagined the original owner enjoying the trappings of his success, one would have to go a long way to experience a larger sense of satisfaction, and appreciation for history. A few frowns crept up during my time behind the wheel. Those being a clock that didn't keep time, reverse lights that didn't light, a silent radio, a non functional heater blower and wipers that didn't wipe. All other functions were working as designed. While Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were working at the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be working at the time of your purchase.
Here's a classic car you can drive and despite its faults, this massive collection of steel and chrome, wrapped in mid century modern styling is an absolutely wonderful car. If you have a hankering for the lap of luxury, and want a challenge to parallel park, have a look at this hand built ride for the elite of the elite. Cue up some Memories Are Made Of This and croon along with Dean Martin as a car like this is sure to make you tons of new memories!
C56A1839
C-Continental 56-1956 A-October Build Month 1839-Sequential Unit Number
BODY SPECIFICATIONS
14-1F6M-1125-5
14-White 1-Leather Biscuits & Bolsters F-Deep Red Biscuits 6-White Bolsters M-Deep Red Welting
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8 acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person. There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee is not included in the advertised price.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy listening. You can also watch on YouTube!
