Recently Restored: 1956 Continental Mark II
Economic rationalism means that few modern manufacturers will produce a vehicle as a “price is no object” exercise and then sell the new model at a loss. However, Ford pursued that path with the 1956 Continental Mark II. It was an attempt to produce the world’s best luxury car. While many believe the company succeeded, the fate of the Continental Division created a rift between two brothers that never really healed. This Mark II presents superbly following its recent restoration, and the only thing it needs is a new home. The seller has listed it here on Craigslist in Lubbock, Texas. They set their price at $16,000, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Rocco B. for spotting this stunning classic.
Before focusing specifically on our feature car, it is worth examining the Mark II and why it was such an extraordinary exercise. Each vehicle was handbuilt in the spirit of the legendary coachbuilders. The body and hanging panels were assembled to ensure a precise fit before being disassembled to receive the lacquer-based paint that provided a shine that rivaled Rolls-Royce. However, the car’s hubcaps probably serve as the best example of the no-compromise approach. These were commonly one-piece items stamped from steel on most cars from this era, but the Mark II’s center, outer ring, and vanes were all separate items. Each cap was hand-assembled to fine tolerances to ensure a flawless presentation. That is why a Mark II cost its buyer over $10,000, but Ford still lost an estimated $1,000 on each sale. This Mark II presents superbly, with the seller confirming that its restoration included a repaint in its beautiful Black. The paint shines like a mirror, with no evidence of flaws or defects. The panels are laser-straight, and there are no signs of the rust that often plagues these classics. The bumpers and grille recently returned from a trip to the platers, while the remaining trim and glass are spotless. Those handbuilt hubcaps and the wide whitewalls add the ideal finishing touch to the exterior.
The options list for the Mark II was one of the shortest in automotive history. Beyond paint and trim colors, the only choice a buyer needed to make was whether to spend $595 on air conditioning. This car doesn’t have that feature, but its leather trim, power windows, power seat, power vent windows, AM radio, and comprehensive gauge cluster ensure occupants feel comfortable and pampered. A retrim was another aspect of this restoration, and the lack of wear suggests the car hasn’t seen much active service since the work ended. The seats and upholstered surfaces are spotless, the carpet and dash are excellent, and the bright trim pieces sparkle wonderfully. There are no aftermarket additions, and the new owner won’t need to spend a dime inside this classic.
The seller supplies no engine photos, but the drivetrain configuration further underscored Continental’s approach to motoring excellence. The 368ci V8 was sourced from the Lincoln Parts Bin, but each engine was hand-assembled and blueprinted before installation. The three-speed automatic transmission received similar treatment, with both components undergoing dyno testing once workers had bolted them together. Power assistance for the steering and brakes was a standard feature, further emphasizing Mark II’s luxury credentials. This was a “money is no object” approach, and the Mark II was one of the few cars from this era where each car underwent a comprehensive test drive once it rolled off the line to ensure that every system functioned flawlessly. The V8 should produce 285hp and 302 ft/lbs of torque, and with a curb weight of over 5,000 lbs, this car needed every pony to ensure adequate performance. Continental ensured it ticked that box, with a healthy Mark II capable of topping 120mph. The seller rebuilt the transmission and speedometer during the restoration, also treating the car to a complete rewire. They provide no information on how it runs or drives, but the visual indications are quite positive.
As an exercise in excellence, the 1956 Continental Mark II was successful. However, the company made a loss on each sale, which proved a sticking point. Had Ford remained family-owned, retaining the Continental Division and the Mark II as a Halo marque and model would not have been an issue. However, once Ford Motor Company became publicly listed, Henry Ford II knew that shareholders would find it unacceptable. “Hank the Deuce” had created the Continental Division in 1956, handing its control to his brother, William Clay Ford. The new marque was barely a year old when Henry II merged it with Lincoln and decreed that its new offerings were to be built to a price that guaranteed a profit. The decision was seen by William as a slap in the face and created a rift that never fully healed. Today that is water under the bridge. This Mark II is a beauty, and the seller’s price looks extraordinarily competitive in the current market. If it is as good in the flesh as it appears in the photos, this could be one of the first great bargain buys of 2024.
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Comments
See the 1979 Grana,,,I mean, Lincoln post. How this fantastic automobile could turn into that will be one of the (new) wonders of the world. I read, while Ford did lose about $1,000 on every car, supposedly, it was the tip of the iceberg for things to come( Edsel). Besides, I wouldn’t feel sorry for Ford in the mid 50s, sales for their other vehicles couldn’t have been better. There have been a couple cars that stood the test of time as far as styling, the Hawk, the Corvette, but this car is as beautiful today as it was in 1956. You could say, it was the “Excalibur” of the 50s, with some prominent owners( that may or may not have bought Excaliburs), like Elvis, Ol’ Blue Eyes, the Shah of Iran, even President Eisenhower ( let’s get busy), Roy Clark ( that alone sold me), and many more. Well, here’s your chance, folks, look mighty stately a cruisin’ down Santa Monica Blvd. around midnight!
Continentals of this era are listed on Hemmings for between $40,000 and $90,000.
Seems like an extreme bargain, if it’s real.
I agree that the price seems to be very low for this beautiful car. Paint and chrome alone would approach twice the asking price. Gotta be a fake ad.
Agreed. Somethings not right about that price. Typo? Scam?
That landscaping ain’t in Lubbock…
Exactly what I thought. I spent years down there and this ain’t right .
This one checks all the box’s for me! Beautiful car.
There is NO way this is not a scam.
I agree that the price seems to be very low for this beautiful car. Paint and chrome alone would approach twice the asking price. Gotta be a fake ad.
I agree. It could be a zero short. That might be little high but 16K is way low…
Beauriful car, but $16k?? I thought that must be only the opening bid!! I would think $50k mnimum!!
The styling is timeless. These cars will always look good.
I am with everyone else WAY TOO CHEAP! I want it, something is a miss.
This is a much better car than the ’57 being sold in Nevada. But I agree with the others: what’s with the ridiculously low price for such a gorgeous looking car? Either the seller doesn’t know what he/she has, or there are hidden issues, especially since no mention is made regarding the drivetrain and how it runs.
I think that Joe has got this one pegged.
Yeah, look at the other Continental on the site this AM, appears to be a lesser car but already bid to $25k. This one smells.
That other one that you are talking about just sold for $27,300.00.This one sure smells funny.
This car sold for $71,500 on BAT 0n 24 May 2023. Pictures taken from BAT.
I find usual scam indicators are: 1) Price too low. 2) Pro/dealer quality photos on sites like Craigslist. 3) “Owner” will pressure for deposit, but car will be in “storage” or otherwise unavailable for in-person inspection. They will often claim it is in a location far-away from potential buyer. When I encounter this, I usually reply with “Wow, what a co-incidence, my brother-in-law is the Police Chief there. He can look at it for me!” That Always ends contact, confirming the scam
Good research, Cam W., thank you and especially so for the ad education. More than a few of us have found out the hard way and it’s a costly mistake.
Especially too enjoy the reply you give to them!
BTW,Adam-this too was a really well researched/written piece on an amazing historical art of car history regardless of the veracity of the ad itself.
I for one can do little more than appreciate a fine machine like this but to read the history you and Michelle have lately done on these makes for excellent reading.
Other scam tipoffs:
The background in the photos doesn’t line up with the area geography. Why are there palm trees in a pic for a car advertised in Chicago?
Or a very average car is parked on the street in front of a really nice home. Why would someone in a $2M home advertise a 2013 Civic on CL?
I forgot to mention another Big Red Flag. Scammers Always try to impart a sense of urgency, often playing on our sense of FOMO.
I’m in western NY and according to some ads I see on Craigslist and Facebook, we have palm trees around here lol.
My aunt once sent me a link to a car asking why it would be so cheap. I told her it’s a scam. “But, one photo shows the people with the car!”. So what, it’s still a scam.
So….if it’s a scam why is it listed here ????
I’d like to have a little more faith in BF.
Can the staff please check on obvious Scams before posting.
There’s only about 10-16 posts per day.
Thank you.
It’s not really the job of BarnFinds to sniff out scam ads. If you want to buy a car that you see on this site or anywhere else, do the proper research.A fool and his money are soon parted.
This gremlin bit me in the butt a couple of years ago. Wanted a ’31 Ford Conv. Shaw replica. I bit, car at shippers (complete w/website and phone contact) but “wife of deceased” husband someplace else. Wanted pmt wire transferred to “agent” in yet another city. I felt it was wrong, but still sent the $7000 wanting to believe was getting a Shaw. Funny, when told them had truck on way to pick up (really did, friend in area) the line went dead and disconnected. I see it advertised once in a while on Trovid website. Whenever want to trust, view that site (and car) again
Thank you wes for your account. I’m sure it is still embarrassing to recount the incident, but it could happen to any of us doing a long-distance transaction. So we are thankful for your courage to provide the information.
A bad consequence of the “internet” world in which we now exist.
Omg. So, you lost the 7 grand? Was there any way to track them down by the bank account you wired to? I’m so sorry to hear.
You have to watch everything these days.
Wes:
These scammers can be very convincing. I called on one that had created a pro-quality website, making it appear to be associated to a large, legit dealer. They claimed to hold funds in an escrow account (again naming a legit business), until I had accepted the car. I contacted the legit dealer directly, and it was a scam. Always carefully check website/links. Fraudsters often build lookalikes with a letter/number or two different in the web address.
The more sophisticated scams are typically associated to organized crime. Many, especially younger members are shifting away from risky robberies and thefts. Chances of getting caught committing online fraud are relatively low, and if-caught, penalties tend to be light.
That interior is crap. It may be leather on the inserts, but the brown is vinyl. Certainly not top quality Bridge of Weir like the original
yes!
and ugly!
This is a scam just FYI, I live in the area and called the number. It went straight to a voicemail and when they called me back asked me for a downpayment even before answering any of my questions or letting me come look at the car.
Thank you from all of us for calling!
I have an idea, how about you folks who love having your name highlighted for finding something also work on being a pre-filter?
I would have never submitted this car since it does have the hallmarks of a scam. What are they? Five pics (CL allows you over 20 – why would anyone serious about selling not try to max out what you are paying for (yes, CL now charges)). Very short description. Again, CL does not charge by the word (although there’s a limit (1000?)).
Having said this, no excuse for BF posting crap like this.
You can’t fault BF. I consider this post like a wanted sign for a criminal or fugitive. However I do applaud all of the readers and members for bringing awareness to those that might fall victim to this potential scam. I’m sure BF would expect readers and buyers to perform your own due diligence before venturing out and making a big costly mistake. So once again thank all for the exposure and education.
This asking price would be totally believable. If this was 1994.
Glad to see everyone is on the ball in the comments on this one, especially when a lot of the commenters on this platform typically feel everything is overpriced. A little disappointing that the person who sent in the tip and the author didn’t know better. No offense meant, but it’s pretty obvious. If it were legitimate, the car would sell in literally less than an hour.
Another big giveaway that this is a scam, is the professional poses for the car. In any event, if this scammer wanted to reel in more suckers, he should have made the price a little more realistic than 16k.
Learn a lot from the comments so I think it’s good to post everything.
Barn Finder Rocco B. is probably part of the scam.
No Gordo, I am not part of the scam. Why don’t you and the Clayboy submit a few finds? We are all curious to see how well that you both do.
IMHO, Rocco B you’ve done an exemplary job of finding good stuff and we all know it.
Everyone here appreciates the car and the history of the marque-it’s the slick hair Jackball snake oil salesman that had us going until we all got to talking.
You always find better stuff than I do, that’s for sure!
Nevada1/2rack
The scammers out there use shills, the best way to find a sucker is to get the broadest coverage for your product, get it on Facebook, Craigslist, BF, BAT, etc. How often have we seen the first bid for an auction being the only bid? Not saying this is the case with Rocco B, he seems legitimate.
YES! … TOTAL SCAM! This is easily a $75K example!
Wow.
Well, gormless fool that I am, I was briefly psyched by this ad.
Then I scrolled to the comments.
A little more innocence lost.
Thank you Barn Find for a brief thrill, and a dose of wisdom.
I think more than a few of us fell for it initially!
I’m gonna send them $16k from my bitcoin account, with another $1k just to sweeten the pot for such a great deal!
Did I say bitcoin? I meant butcoin!
Selling it for the Ex, says he wants it gone,lol!
I don’t understand how BF allowed this obvious scam through. If they want to give a history of the car, that’s fine and good but with the caveat that this particular ad appears very suspicious. Even Rocco B should have raised some reservations of his own by mentioning it as well. Something tells me there’s other things involved here $$$$. Not the best look for BF and their members.
Maybe I missed something here. Nowhere have I read BF said go buy this car. The ice is thin and the water is deep. No one here has “hired” BF to validate the seller the vin true condition etc. There are other sources Lemon Squad etc that does these things for a price. But even so at the end of the day YOU have the CHOICE to buy or walk away. No better lesson is learned than a bought one.
I don’t mind BF posting this scam listing. BF commenters are on the ball pointing out the telltale signs of this scam. It lets others see what the scammers are trying to do and I like commenters posting their detective work.
I would think this originally had brown carpet.
I have only seen the black paint outside paired with all white leather or black with seating areas in quilted white.
I can’t believe you could build the “ finest car in the world” and use fake vinyl in the interior.
I’ll just leave this here: “If it seems too good to be true, then it probably isn’t!”
I prefer “not my circus, not my monkeys “.
I say, BFs should filter out the posts that have nothing to do with the actual car itself. You all got bent out of shape on what a possible scam it is, that surely must be Barn Finds fault, newsflash, it’s the 20s, scams are rampant, buyer beware( with cobwebs on THAT saying) and most here are never going to buy a car anyway. For me, it’s just a virtual car show from my kitchen table. Sheesh.
I agree 100%
I just want to make sure I’m understanding this comment correctly. You’re stating that comments that people make on here that aren’t relevant to the car being featured should be filtered out, as in removed? This is THE Howard A., correct?
Just making sure. So, no stories from anyone’s past, no comments about current day classic car pricing, etc? Are you positive?
Had to chuckle at the first lines of the article. Ford are continuing to chuck cash down the drain, in fact 4 billion of it on those ridiculous EV’s.
When eBay was just starting to sell cars, friends would send me links to check since I was their car-guy . It didn’t take me long to ask the “sellers” either one of the following: Fax me (yes it was a long time ago) a pencil tracing of the VIN plate or email me a pic of the car while holding up the front page of today’s newspaper. Legit sellers would agree to do it and scammers couldn’t since all they had were pics.