1956 Lincoln Mark II

Unquestionably one of the most glamorous cars ever manufactured, the 1956-1957 Continental Mark II was a very expensive new car.  It cost the same as a new Rolls-Royce or two Cadillacs.  In fact, it was the first American production car to eclipse the $10,000 price range.   Yet despite this hefty price tag, Ford estimates they still lost over $1,000 per car. 

The build quality of the Continental Mark II was impeccable.  The materials, too, were the best, and critically inspected at every stage of each car’s construction, after having passed severe quality and durability tests.  For example, exterior chrome was subjected to a 10-day salt spray test.  Additionally, Scottish leather was used in the upholstery of each car and only lacquer was used in the painting process. 

With its high price and slow-moving production line, the Mark II was never expected to be a moneymaker for Ford, but was instead intended to be the flagship for Lincoln’s re-entry into the luxury car field.  It succeeded admirably in reestablishing Lincoln in the top rank of U.S. cars.  Production for 1956 and 1957 totaled just 2,994 cars. 

If you are known by the company you keep, then the Mark II deserves high marks.  A wide swath of the rich and famous in the 1950′s owned one, including Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, Dwight Eisenhower, Barry Goldwater, Spike Jones, Nelson Rockefeller, Henry J.  Kaiser, Howard Johnson and the Shah of Iran.

Because of their complexity and the quality of the materials originally used, a full restoration on a Mark II can quickly get expensive.  Both of our cars are awaiting a restoration. 

Color: coming soon

Body: Coupe

Transmission: 3-Speed Automatic

Engine: V8

Top Speed: coming soon

Horsepower: 300 bhp

Condition: Awaiting Restoration

Car’s History: coming soon

Claim to Fame: The first American production car to eclipse the $10,000 price range

Mileage: coming soon

Price: Please inquire