Disclosure: This site may receive compensation when you click on some links and make purchases.

Classy Project: 1956 Continental Mark II

The 1956-1957 Continental Mark IIs are some of the greatest looking cars that came from that era. Sleek and attractive, epitomizing style and class. It looks to have been many years since this one has moved on its own power, but this car looks promising as it appears complete, and not eaten up with rust. For the Mark II fans this may be your dream come true. This beauty could be yours for $15,000. Find it here on craigslist out of Baltimore, Maryland.

Not a lot of facts are given about this car, but from what can be seen in the photos, it has certainly captured my attention. The interior is a little disorganized, but has some potential to clean up. The dash is the most concerning as it clearly has some condition issues. The vinyl has either been pulled back, or the sun and heat caused this issue. Showing in a similar fashion, the door panels are split almost giving the idea that this Mark II spent some time outdoors. There is no mention of the drivetrain or its condition, so at the least expect the worst, and hope for the best.

Studying the exterior shows a fairly straight body, but the manner in which the seller describes the rust seems a bit ominous. As the seller has put it “The rust is best assessed by your inspection.” The most obvious sign of rust is the orange streak running down the driver side signaling that this Continental was stored somewhere with moisture present. With some small spots of surface rust in various places, there is also some rot present. Located in the front section of the driver rocker, there is a rot spot that looks to be tennis ball sized. The passenger door has some rust developing, and it appears to be present in the rocker on that side as well.  Despite these rust concerns, this classy classic looks like a great start to a Mark II project. Is this 1956 Continental Mark II the classic of your dreams?

Comments

  1. Avatar doug6423

    Perfect candidate to RESTMOD!!! :)

    Like 0
    • Avatar Ben Kline

      Noooo!!!!

      These cars are best left to their stock form. If driven properly, you will able to cruise comfortably at highway speeds or more.

      Like 0
  2. Avatar Terry J

    “The rust is best assessed by your inspection.” That is really a great statement. A typical seller’s statement: ” Rust typical of a 50 year old car” or the dozen other opinions stated in various ways is at best unhelpful, and often down right misleading as we’ve seen countless times. Furthermore we’re not talking about a ’49 Chevy 4 door here. Surely the buyer of this classic car will be planning a major (and expensive) restoration and SHOULD be doing a through inspection in person or by a skilled proxy prior to purchase. A ’56 Mark 2 will not make a good Rat Rod or be a good choice for an amateur driveway restoration. One of my all time favorite cars. :-) Terry J

    Like 0
  3. Avatar Glen

    I like the car, but I don’t like the colour. It seems to have a pinkish hue to it.

    Like 0
  4. Avatar Scott in San Jose

    One of my customers was the COE of a large semiconductor company. He had one of these that was a convertible. When it was done it was stunning. No extra bling was added, was all put back to original.

    It was the interior that proved to me some cars are meant to be left for the wealthy to restore. It was not the parts but rather the workmanship that was needed.

    Like 0
  5. Avatar Todd Zuercher
    • Avatar Joe Haska

      I was ready to tell you there is no such thing, then when I looked at the web sight , all I could think is I want it!

      Like 0
      • Avatar JRATT1956

        I want it too, going to have to buy another powerball ticket, that is the only way I will ever own one, LOL.

        Like 0
    • Avatar Scott in San Jose

      Now you have me questioning my memory. Can’t recall ever seeing the cloth top or frame for that matter.

      Like 0
      • Avatar Ben Kline

        There was 1 convertible built for Ford that was on the show circuit as a test and later driven by the Ford Family. It would have raised the price to $18,000 so the idea was shelved. Two were built by H&E for the Ford marketing group in Chicago without direct approval from Ford HQ. Barry’s car in the story is one of those. The other is MIA. Ford also built a retractable hard top, but it went missing when they closed the Continental division. If you find either of those, you have found a true unicorn. There were another 10-15 cars converted to convertible by Collins Auto Trim. Some day I would love Collins to convert my car, but it would be a significant investment.

        Like 0
    • Avatar JackT

      What a stunning drop-top! Thanks for sharing!

      Like 0
  6. Avatar JRATT1956

    I like the car, but it is going to be a lot of work and money. I found one for $44,000 at GR Auto Gallery
    4722 50th Street SE
    Kentwood, MI 49512
    (888) 419-3548

    https://classiccars.com/listings/view/930468/1956-lincoln-continental-mark-ii-for-sale-in-kentwood-michigan-49512

    If you could talk them down on the price it might be a better way to get that dream car.

    Like 0
    • Avatar Francisco

      Someone should inform classiccars.com that these were not called Lincoln Continentals, just Continentals.

      Like 0
  7. Avatar Rustytech Member

    Terry is dead on! This car needs, and deserves a total and professional restoration. This is not only rare, but is considered a watershed vehicle.

    Like 0
  8. Avatar Robert Gallagher

    To: doug6423 from robertgallagherr@aol.com
    I think that making a car as beautiful as this one into a resto mod is a very very bad idea.
    It was already customized by the factory, and hand built on top of that.
    You would absolutely ruin the value of this vehicle if you customized it.
    I saw one that was cut and shortened by some genius, and he had to give
    it away for the price of a parts car.

    Like 0
  9. Avatar DrinkinGasoline

    When was the last time a vehicle such as this was spotted at a local cruise-in ? Ummm, errr…..

    Like 0
  10. Avatar Sam

    The wheel covers are very interesting….maybe “J C Whitney” period “50’s after-market? Full restoration!

    Like 0
    • Avatar Bill McCoskey Member

      With all 4 wheel covers missing, that’s gonna be a big problem in restoring the car, The wheel covers are MK II only, and the last time I checked [15 years ago], they were something along the line of $2,500 EACH for NOS ones. I’m told that in today’s market they are simply not available at any cost. I know 2 people who have these cars, and they no longer drive them with the wheel covers in place.

      Like 0
  11. Avatar stillrunners

    Such a beauty – just left out to the elements…..so sad.

    Like 0
  12. Avatar DRV

    The wheel covers make this car look like this car was a prototype.

    Like 0
  13. HoA Howard A Member

    The wheel covers are called Starburst, or Hollywood Ripple Disc. I’d say this would be considered an “ambitious” restoration. I mean no disrespect, but for someone to resto-mod this, clearly has no idea what a magnificent car this was. This car was the stuff dreams were made of, and only a select few got to drive these. You could too, but gonna cost you. I couldn’t even begin to imagine what it would cost. I guess, if you’re going for it, that’s not an issue. Quite a find, in any condition.

    Like 0
  14. Avatar BOOTSY FUNKWELL

    A tasteful restomod up to and including stylish (not blingy) wheels and a conversion to ragtop (or no top for that matter) is the most desirable option.(imo) Yeah…I said it.

    Like 0
  15. Avatar AMCFAN

    Excellent project I would agree to keep it original although a restomod would be tempting. Adding a custom chassis and upgraded suspension and modern power wouldn’t be anything to disrespect once completed.

    The seller nails it. The rust is best addressed by your inspection. That is clever. One has NO idea on what a pain in the ass it is to try and sell something. The truth is rarely is anyone going to get off their easy chair and come and look. I call those types picture collectors. Even if you have a lift and take the most detailed pics it does not compare to putting your hand on it and looking in person. Post your phone number and you get those who at first seem sincere and ask questions already posted but are only interested about the bottom line price.

    The real buyer of this car will be someone who knows them and can decipher in a few pics of what he needs to know to make a buying decision.

    Like 0
  16. Avatar Robert Gallagher

    I respectfully disagree. Your ideas to upgrade the power train would doom this car by destroying the value. You could spend $400,000. on customizing this vehicle and in ten years it would be worth the value of a parts car, about 5 to 10 grand depending how badly you messed it up. Where as if you just restored it to factory specs you could expect upwards of $200,000.
    But lets say if a person were to just keep the car in a dry environment without doing anything to it for 10 to 20 years, you would still make a large profit.

    Like 1
  17. Avatar Ben Kline

    From the Mark II forum

    VIN: C5601429
    SPEC: 01-2G6K-???-?
    PROD ORDER NO:
    ENG#: XXXX BODY TAG NO: XXXXX
    DSO NO: NONE
    DSO DETAILS: NONE
    NAMEPLATE: XXXX
    *
    OWNERSHIP HISTORY:
    1955-George I. Danly,
    Calendar Motors, Inc.
    LaGrange IL

    1987-99 Monte Masingale WA (L)
    2000-03 Bob Thomas IN (L)
    **
    HISTORICAL INFORMATION:
    None Reported
    *
    OTHER INFORMATION:
    None Reported

    SOURCE CODE INDEX:
    (C) Continental Mark II Association
    (D) Lowell Domholdt
    (F) FoMoCo Records
    (I) Internet Research
    (L) LCOC Records
    (H) Buddy Holiday
    (M) Mark II Forum

    Like 0

Leave a Reply to DRV Cancel reply

RULES: No profanity, politics, or personal attacks.

Become a member to add images to your comments.

*

Get new comment updates via email. Or subscribe without commenting.