Synonymous with luxury, the Lincoln Continental spanned through ten generations of cars, and while it took a pause here and there the Continental nameplate ultimately lasted until just a couple of years ago when it was put to rest after the 2020 model, due to low sales and the company’s focus shifting to SUV and crossover vehicles. The Mark name saw its first use back in ’56 when Continental rolled out its Mark II, and at a cost of $10,000 it was the most expensive American car on the market for that year. But the car did come fully loaded, with air conditioning being the only available additional option, and as a status symbol, it was hard to beat. If you’ve been on the hunt for a vintage Continental and like the looks of the early Mark series, this 1956 Continental Mark II may be a good car for you. It’s located in Trenton, Ohio, and can be found here on Craigslist with an asking price of $8,400.
Barn Finds would like to thank reader Thomas Kitchen for his great tip on this one! The story behind this Mark II is that the current owner bought the car with the intent of making it a nice driver, as a frame-off would have been cost-prohibitive, but he’s now 80 years old and wisely decided it’s time for the car to find a new home. He says the Continental is very solid, with one small rust hole in the back corner of the passenger side floor and an even smaller one in the bottom of the spare tire well. At some point in the past, the car was hit in the right front, and while it was fixed he describes the bodywork as only so-so, thus the low price.
There’s good news and bad news under the hood. Good, in that the original 368 cubic inch Y-block is still residing under there, but not so good as it doesn’t run. The motor does turn over by hand, but two cylinders have low compression and the seller thinks it needs to come out for a rebuild. The Lincoln valve covers are still in place, as is the Holley-built teapot carburetor, and the car even still has its original exhaust system. Also good is that the seller mentions there is no rust on the frame, although we don’t get a photo of the underside.
Inside, the dashboard and gauges are said to be in very good shape, and the seats have no tears or worn spots but could use a good restitching by a skilled upholsterer. This car does feature the optional air conditioning, however, it’s not functioning and the seller says it needs more than just a belt or a recharge. The car also comes with a clear Ohio title. What are your thoughts on this 1956 Continental Mark II?
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