1956 Chris-Craft Continental 20 Foot with Trailer

Greenwich Concours d'Elegance Auction|2 June 2019, 11:00 EDT|Greenwich

1956 Chris-Craft Continental 20 Foot with Trailer
Hull no. 20-CL-145

351ci OHV Ford V8 Marine Engine (see text)
Single Holley Carburetor
236bhp at 4,200rpm (est)
Velvet Drive Transmission

*Iconic Mahagony-hulled pleasure craft
*Perennially popular with the rich and famous
*Recent mechanic work
*What better way to start the summer than with a new boat?

THE CHRIS-CRAFT

Founded by Christopher Smith in 1910 as the Smith Ryan Boat Company and later became Chris-Craft in 1922. Making its mark with its high-end powerboats sold to titans of industry such as William Randolph Hearst and Henry Ford, Chris-Craft began offering more affordable runabouts in the late 1920s before surviving the Great Depression with entry level craft and later military contracts through WWII. When hostilities ended, the brand ramped up its image by focusing on its mahogany speedboats. The gleaming wooden craft with inboard motors and simple controls were widely considered among the best craft available and quickly became a must-have accoutrement for the well-to-do set. Celebrities of the day such as Elvis Presley, Katherine Hepburn, and Frank Sinatra all plied the nations weekend lake destinations in the Chris-Crafts

Chris-Craft would continue as an independent company before being acquired in 1960 and later merged into Chris-Craft Industries in 1962. Today their pleasure craft as still the gold standard for machines to have fun on the waves.

THE MOTORBOAT OFFERED

The early history of this 20 foot Continental is yet unknown, but from 1989 to 2014 the boat was owned by a Dr. Morgan from Sarasota, Florida. During his ownership the craft was fully restored to its original condition by the Old Time Boat Company. It was during this work that the ship was christened "My Era". A service work order on file details restoration. At some point, the original MBL straight six engine was replaced with the current Ford 351 Marine motor that now sits at the center of the vessel.

The present owner purchased the pleasure craft in 2014 and has since used it in fresh water only. Most recently, the engine has received a tune up, fluid change, new water pump, and new battery. Regular maintenance has been performed as needed ever season.

Complete with its trailer, this Chris-Craft is ready for its next owner to join the list of rich and famous who have been proud owners of these beautiful wood-hulled machines!

Saleroom notices

Please note, the correct hull number is CL20-145.

Additional information

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