This 1956 Continental Mark II was completed as one of 2,550 first-year coupes and was refurbished in the early 2000s. The car is powered by a 368ci V8 paired with a three-speed automatic transmission and is finished in black over gray and red leather. Features include a limited-slip differential, turbine-style wheel covers, whitewall tires, power steering, an AM radio, air conditioning, and a power-adjustable front bench seat.
The 368ci Y-block V8 was factory rated at 285 horsepower and 402 lb-ft of torque. The engine was rebuilt during the refurbishment, and in June 2024 the fuel pump was cleaned, the fuel filter was replaced, and the oil was changed. Power is sent to the rear wheels through a three-speed Turbo-Drive automatic transmission and a limited-slip differential. The transmission and the rear end were rebuilt during the refurbishment.
Continental was introduced as a stand-alone luxury subsidiary of the Ford Motor Company with the debut of the Mark II at the Paris motor show in October 1955. Just 2,994 coupes were produced for 1956 and 1957. This car left the factory finished in Black (01) and was repainted during the aforementioned refurbishment, which have been conducted by Mark II Enterprises. Features include a hood ornament, a wrap-around windshield, a driver-side mirror, a retractable antenna, an egg-crate grille, chrome bumpers and trim, and dual exhaust outlets that exit through the rear bumper. The driver-side taillight swings away to reveal a fuel filler, and a spare-tire hump is integrated into the decklid.
Steel 15″ wheels wear turbine-style covers and are mounted with 235/75 Coker Classic tires. The Mark II rode on a Y-shaped chassis with a 126″ wheelbase and utilized speed-sensitive front shock absorbers as well as additional suspension components adapted from the standard Lincoln lineup. The car was equipped from the factory with power-assisted steering, and braking is provided by power-assisted drums. The suspension, brakes, and steering were overhauled during the refurbishment.
The seating surfaces are trimmed in gray and red leather, and interior appointments include air conditioning with ceiling ventilation as well as red carpeting, a power-adjustable front bench seat, aircraft-style auxiliary controls, anodized dash trim, and electric front and rear windows. A brass plaque bearing Continental lettering and the name of a prior owner is found on the transmission tunnel. The air-conditioning system still utilizes R12 refrigerant. The interior was refurbished with freshened chrome plating.
The three-spoke steering wheel features a chrome horn ring and frames a 140-mph speedometer, a 5k-rpm tachometer, a combination gauge, and an electric clock.
The five-digit odometer shows 5k miles, and true mileage is unknown.
