Hoping to regain the Continental’s prestige, Ford created a whole new organization, designated simply “Continental Division,” headed by Edsel Ford’s youngest son, William. Designers John Reinhart and Gordon Buehrig were given the brief to update the Continental idiom. The result was a clean and understated coupé with the Continental’s hallmark rear-mounted spare appearing as a vestigial “bustle.”

The Continental Mark II is powered by a 368-cid V-8 and an automatic transmission. The sedate, luxurious Mark II is equipped with power brakes, steering, windows, seats and air-conditioning. It is presented in a light blue accented by pleasant bright work and whitewall tires.

At $15,000 the Continental (not actually badged as a Lincoln but sold through their dealers) was the most expensive American car of 1956. Sales, however, were limited and the model was discontinued after 1957. Fewer than 3,000 were built, making the Continental a rare sight even when new.