Chassis no. C56A1751

368-cid, 285-hp OHV V-8 engine, three-speed Turbo-Drive automatic transmission, coil spring independent front suspension, live rear axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs, and four-wheel power hydraulic drum brakes. Wheelbase: 126-inches

The decision to drop the Lincoln Continental after 1948 was not unanimous. While the new-for-1949 body did not lend itself to the theme, there were several proposals for specialty models with exposed spare tires, which providentially never saw production. Thus the way was left clear for an all new, clean-sheet-of-paper Continental for 1956. This handsome coupe with vestigial spare, styled by John Reinhart and Gordon Buehrig, was consigned to a new Continental Division headed by William Clay Ford, youngest of the three sons of Edsel Ford. Although not given the name “Lincoln” by Ford, it is generally considered as such by the public.

Handsomely finished in maroon, this Continental Mark II has leather seating in white and dark gray with black piping. The carpet and dashboard repeat the gray theme, while the headliner is tan cloth. Equipment includes an AM radio, power steering, power brakes, air conditioning, seat belts and windshield washers. A nice touch to the interior is furnished by stainless steel cladding on the door jambs. The engine compartment and undercarriage appear original, generally clean but showing signs of age and use. Entirely presentable as is, it could be selectively upgraded, or with a full restoration could be a stunner on the concours circuit.