The Continental Mark II made its debut in 1956 featuring luxurious styling and an incredible $10,000 price tag, making it one of the most expensive cars in the world. Ford hoped the price would increase the car’s status as a premier luxury vehicle. Despite the hefty price tag, it is rumored Ford lost money on each car. Production was short lived for the Mark II, running only through the 1957 model year. For 1956 Lincoln produced only 2,550 examples of their Continental Mark II.

This Mark II was sold new in Wichita Falls, Texas. The car left the factory with optional air conditioning in addition to the standard power windows, seat, steering, and brakes. It spent most of its life in West Texas. In the early 2000s, the car was cosmetically restored by Hatfield Restorations in Canton, Texas. The Continental was repainted with an exact match to the original color, while the original interior upholstery and carpet were removed, cleaned, re-dyed where needed, and re-installed. Likewise, the trunk carpet was removed, cleaned, re-dyed, and re-installed. The headliner was virtually perfect and was left as-is. Due to age and cracking, the leather on the front and rear seats was replaced with a correct match acquired from Keleen Leathers. The front and rear bumpers were also re-chromed. The 368-cu. in. V-8 engine and three-speed automatic transmission were removed, cleaned, detailed, and painted as needed, then reinstalled with new hoses, belts, and hardware. The undercarriage was cleaned and painted where needed.

This Continental Mark II has been shown at three National Lincoln-Continental meets. At the first, the car won 1st Primary trophy; at the second the car won Best of Show Primary Division, Lincoln-Ford Trophy; and at the third meet the car won Best of Show Senior Division, William Clay Ford Trophy scoring 99.5 points out of 100.

The Continental Mark II stands out among the very best American luxury cars every produced. With its low production numbers, show-quality examples such as this remain highly sought after among those fastidious collectors.