1956 Continental MKII
Design by Gordon Buehrig

The Scottsdale Auction|16 January 2020, 11:00 MST|Scottsdale, The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa

1956 Continental MKII
Design by Gordon Buehrig
Chassis no. C56D2845

368ci OHV V8 Engine
Single 4-Barrel Carburetor
285bhp at 4,800rpm
3-Speed Automatic Transmission
Front Independent Suspension – Live Rear Axle
4-Wheel Drum Brakes

*Exceptionally well-presented Continental Mk II
*Just three owners from new and well-documented history
*Retained by the original owner for 51 years
*Ultra-desirable livery
*Offered with impressive history file

THE CONTINENTAL MK II

Lincoln's new Continental debuted at the Paris Salon in October 1955. The supremely elegant model was the work of a team which included American styling icon Gordon Buehrig, William Clay Ford and John Reinhart. Under the lovely skin lurked a powerful 300 horsepower overhead valve engine mated to an automatic transmission. Front suspension was independent, with a live axle bringing up the rear. Standard equipment included power steering, brakes and front seat, as well as a radio, heater, and whitewall tires. Maybe the most astonishing feature of the Continental Mk II was its $10,000 price tag. To put things in perspective, top of the line Packards had cost around $6,000, with a Cadillac Eldorado Seville selling for about $6,500. The trouble was that even at $10,000 Lincoln lost money on each car.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

This three owner Continental is an exceptionally original example. It is reported to have been purchased new by a Pennsylvania Lincoln dealer, as a gift for his daughter's 16th birthday. Powered by a 368ci V8 and backed by an automatic transmission, this conservative, but distinctive car has an impressive list of equipment including power steering, brakes, windows, seat and door locks; heater, full instrumentation, AM radio, carpet throughout, dual exhaust, whitewall tires and pushbutton lubrication. The lucky teen drove the well-equipped car from 1956 through 1967, when it was placed into storage. The car would remain safely tucked away until it was sold at an auction in 2007 to its second owner. At the time of purchase, the odometer was showing just 39,000 original miles registered. Upon receiving the car, the second owner had all of the mechanics overhauled, ensuring that it was once again road worthy. The car's impressive history file has over $30,000 in receipts documenting the work performed. When the car was acquired by the consignor, the decision was made to treat the body to a fresh coat of black paint. Due to its incredibly preserved condition, the interior was largely left untouched. Today, the impressive Continental shows just 41,441 miles driven.

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