Long appreciated for timeless design, the short-lived 1956–1957 Continental was the epitome of luxury and style. The classic profile with its simulated rear spare was reminiscent of its Lincoln Continental predecessor. Ford established a separate Continental division from Lincoln to add exclusivity to the largely hand-built marque. At $10,000 per copy, the Mark II was the most expensive American car in 1956, resulting in just 2,550 examples delivered that year and 444 in 1957. Ford reportedly lost money on each car sold.

Chassis no. C56F3054 was special-ordered for Josephine Clay “Dody” Ford, daughter of Edsel and Henry Ford’s only granddaughter. In 1956, with her older brother Henry Ford II serving as president and CEO, Dody was able to extensively personalize her new Continental. She requested it be finished in Silver Gray Iridescent with tinted glass and a bright red body stripe as well as a silver monogram. Additional special-order requests included a white leather interior with bright red leather welts; red-and-white-leather buttoned, tufted door panels; a bright red leather instrument panel; white steering wheel; trim with red interior print; a white nylon headlining; and light grey “fur” carpet in the interior, glove compartment, and trunk. An extra vanity mirror, left sun visor, and air-conditioning were also stipulated, with air-conditioning being the only option offered on the Mark II.

Today the car remains a stunning example of Ford’s most opulent offering. While the exterior has been fully restored in its factory finish, it retains its original interior optioned by Dody Ford in 1956. The car was shown at the 2014 Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance. Accompanying the car is a copy of the invoice from Ford’s Continental division dated 30 April 1956, listing Mrs. Walter B. Ford as the buyer.