An Old Classic, the 1956 Continental Mark II
Let me introduce you to the 1956 Continental Mark II. It’s not just any car; it’s one of around 2,550 first-year coupes. Once the pride of a couple of owners, this once-majestic ride has since fallen on harder times. By 2021, a selling dealer found it in its current non-running state, hiding beneath a coat of peeling and faded burgundy paint with some rust and damage to its beaten bodywork.
The Engine That Time Forgot
Under the hood, there’s a 368ci V8 engine, though it hasn’t roared to life since the early 2000s. It’s got a three-speed automatic transmission and a sprinkle of luxury features like power steering, a driver-side mirror, a cassette stereo, air conditioning, and a power-adjustable front bench seat in black and red. As of now, this project is being offered in Darien, Wisconsin, complete with some spare wheels, tires, and a clean Illinois title.
The Continental Mark II’s creation was nothing short of a star-studded affair, with industry legends like William Clay Ford and Gordon Buehrig at the helm.
A Luxury Legacy: Continental Introduces the Mark II
Step back to 1955, when Continental, Ford’s own luxury offshoot, introduced the world to the Mark II at the Paris Motor Show. Thanks to Ford’s Special Product Operations team, featuring big names like William Clay Ford and Harley Copp, this car was positioned as their flagship model. With a starting price of about $10,000, only 2,994 coupes made it off the line between 1955 and 1957.
Painful Peeling Paint
Originally, this classic was kissed by a Light Blue finish. It was later revamped in burgundy, a paint job now peeling, cracked, and faded. It’s not just the paint—there’s some visible heartbreak on the driver door, and rust is slowly consuming the lower bodywork and trunk lid. But this classic still teases hints of its past splendor, with its wrap-around windshield, driver-side mirror, egg-crate grille, and dual exhaust outlets below the bumper. Oh, and the driver-side taillight still proudly guards the fuel filler.
Chassis and Suspension: Classic Yet Sturdy
Sure, the Mark II is now chilling on white-finished aftermarket steel wheels with old Power King Towmax trailer tires. But back in the day, this car floated on a Y-shaped chassis with a 126″ wheelbase. State-of-the-art—for its time—front shock absorbers adapted from the standard Lincoln lineup. And lest you forget, it boasted power-assisted steering and drums for brakes.
Inside the Time Capsule
Let’s step inside. The cabin, once clad in Medium Blue and White leather, now wears black vinyl with red cloth inserts. You’ll find air conditioning, an aftermarket cassette stereo, an aircraft-style dash with anodized trims, and electric windows. Sure, there’s peeling paint in the door jambs and rust on the door undersides. But isn’t that just the charm of a classic?
Dash, Odometer, and Steering
The steering wheel, now wrapped in aftermarket vines, still shows off its chrome horn ring. It frames an impressive 140-mph speedometer, a spunky 5k-rpm tachometer, a combination gauge, and, for those who marvel at vintage precision, an electric clock. The odometer holds stories from 77,000 miles traveled. Imagine the roads it’s seen!
The Heart of the Beast: The 368ci Y-block V8
Here’s where it gets juicy—or dusty. The 368ci Y-block V8 once purred with 285 horsepower and 402 lb-ft of torque. Sadly, it hasn’t stretched its legs since the early 2000s. Makes you wonder about its once-glorious power!
Transmission and Skeletal Rust
Sending power to the rear wheels through a three-speed Turbo-Drive automatic transmission, this beauty also features a limited-slip differential. But corrosion, much like a classic villain, lurks in the shadows, attacking the underside surfaces.
Tempted to switch to more modern options? Take a look at something like the luxurious Audi Q5 or the practical Ford Tourneo Connect.
Yet for enthusiasts, this Continental Mark II is more than just rust and nostalgia. It’s a dazzling glimpse into an era when cars were crafted with heart and passion. And while she sleeps in Darien, Wisconsin, she dreams of roaring back to life. Scared or excited yet? Both would be appropriate.
