Rare Opportunity, Documented 1956 Detroit Auto Show Lincoln Continental Mark II

  • Location: Clinton Township, Michigan, United States
  • Condition: Used
  • Make: Lincoln
  • Model: Continental
  • Type: Coupe
  • Trim: Mark II the Detroit Auto Show Car Feb. 18-26, 1956
  • Year: 1956
  • Mileage: 80,404
  • VIN: C56D2720
  • Color: White
  • Engine size: 368 V-8
  • Number of cylinders: 8
  • Power options: Air Conditioning, Power Windows, Power Seats
  • Fuel: Gasoline
  • Transmission: Automatic
  • Drive type: RWD
  • Interior color: White bolsters Black biscuits
  • Drive side: Left-hand drive
  • Options: Leather Seats
  • Vehicle Title: Clear

1956 Lincoln Continental Mark II the Detroit Auto Show Car Feb. 18-26, 1956 Description

The Detroit Auto Show 1956 Lincoln Continental Mark II

Displayed February 18-26, 1956


One ofthe most desirable Continentals in existence, 1956 Continental Mark II Serial #C56D2720

is a Genuine, Documented 1956 Detroit Auto Show Car. Please see attached

Factory Production Order, Factory Invoice, and Auto Show Photographs.

(Production Order, source: Benson FordResearch Center, Greenfield Village.)

(Photos, source: National Automotive History Collection, Detroit Public Library.)


Handbuilt at the Allen Park, Michigan Continental Division Assembly Plant, The Continental Mark II Sport Coupes

are one of the earliest examples of "Personal Luxury" cars and a stunning example of "Mid-Century Modern" design.

Ten years ahead of time in styling, the Mark II was low, sleek and elegant avoiding the excesses of chrome and tailfins of the 1950's.

Costing as much as a Rolls Royce, the Mark II was aimed at an elite clientele, Mark II buyers were scions of business,

politics and the entertainment fields. Only about 3000 were sold, fewer with the expensive option of air conditioning.


Continental Mark II features: 368 CID OHV V-8 engine, single Holley 4 barrel carburetor,285 HP at 4,000 RPM,

3 speed turbo drive automatic transmission, 4 wheel drum brakes, power steering, windows and seats.


This Continental Mark II is offered with a copy of the Factory Production Order and Invoice, and copies of

two 1956 Detroit Auto show photos where "C56D2720" can be seen. Additionally the expensive air-conditioning

option was specified on the production order, bringing the original purchase price to over $10,000 a tidy sum in 1956.


Well deserving of a fine restoration, “2720” is largely complete, in attractive color combination of white exteriorwith matching

white leather seat bolsters,black leather seat biscuits and black carpeting.Theoriginalinteriorand carpet are

largely there for patterns.Headliner appears intact and can likely be redyed.Steering wheel is in excellent condition.


Amateur repairs and bodywork to fenders, quarters, rockers and framewith additional deterioration since repairs.

Photos of exterior look better than car,plastic filler is bubbling in spots, etc.Also, numerous dings, dents and defects.

Windshield and backlight are scratched.Driver side floor has been replaced.One piece of grill surround needs replacing.

Car runs, while brakes, exhaust system, all other components and systems, needattention.Radiator and gas tank serviced,

carburetor rebuilt.Jack, jack bag and spare tire cover are included and assumedto be original to the car.


Auction prices of 1956 Continental Mark II’shave realized $247,500 (RM Sotheby’s 2015)

and$330,000 (Gooding and Co. 2016).


Vehicle is in as is where is condition.

Please ask all questions prior to bidding and buying.

Inspections and additional information are available prior to auction completion.


Non-refundable $2000 deposit by Paypal required within 24 hours of sale.

Full payment with 3 days of sale, or accepted offer.

Bank wire transfer preferred for balance of sale price.

Vehicle must be picked up within two weeks of completion of auction.


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If you are interested in additional history on Continental Mark II's, find on Youtube:

Restore Your Ford,"Making of the Lincoln Continental Mark II" and

Dennis Gage “My Classic Car,” Season 15, Episode 14, on Ford Family Mark II's