America’s post-war appetite for new cars had been sated by the mid-1950s, and manufacturers were looking for new niches. Ford’s flagship marque, Lincoln, had slipped further behind archrival Cadillac in sales. Lincoln had lost prestige after discontinuation of the iconic Continental model in 1949, even though they were successful in competition, scoring well in the Carrera Panamericana race series in Mexico.

Hoping to regain the Continental’s prestige, Ford created a whole new organization, designated simply “Continental Division” and headed by Edsel Ford’s youngest son, William. Designers John Reinhart and Gordon Buehrig (of Duesenberg fame) were given the brief to update the Continental idiom. The result was a clean and understated coupe with the Continental’s hallmark rear-mounted spare appearing as a vestigial “bustle.” Both coupe and convertible versions were initially planned, but the drophead was judged too costly to sell in the small production quantities of a luxury car.

At $10,000, the Continental (not actually badged as a Lincoln but sold through their dealers) was the most expensive American car of 1956. Sales were disappointing, however, and the model was discontinued after 1957. Fewer than 3,000 were built, making the Mark II a rare sight even when new.

This Starmist White 1956 Continental is equipped with rare factory air conditioning and has Deep Red and White leather upholstery. It was restored to high standards some years ago and has all its original brightwork, with the exception of NOS lettering and hood ornament. The interior was installed in 2007, and the fuel system, including the tank and exhaust, was replaced with correct parts in 2009. Radial tires with the correct bias-ply appearance were installed to improve handling and drivability. Recent upgrades have been made to the engine bay, and the car has been thoroughly detailed, inside and out. It is equipped, of course, with all of the standard Continental features: automatic transmission, power steering, power brakes, power seat, signal-seeking Town and Country radio, and heater. The mileage showing is less than 49,000 and is believed to be original.

The Continental Mark II has traditionally been undervalued in the marketplace, and this holds true today. This example is a stunning reminder of the 1950s, when Ford Motor Company took a bold step in the luxury market, with the result being an elegant and timeless design.