This 1956 Continental Mark II hardtop coupe (serial no. C56C2271) is described as a rare Cobalt Blue Metallic example with 58,860 original miles and factory air. It reportedly came from a private collection and appears to be in remarkable condition. With timeless styling, exclusivity (total production over two model years was less than 2,000) and superb build quality, these remain highly desirable ‘50s classics. Find this one here on eBay in Palm Springs, California with no reserve.

Ford set up a separate Continental Division to produce these prestigious 2-doors as a separate make, so you won’t find a Lincoln nameplate on them even though they did use a Lincoln engine and transmission. They also share the 1956 Lincoln’s 126-inch wheelbase, though their chassis is unique. This car’s body looks very straight and appears to have excellent paint and chrome. The small air inlets at the front of the rear fenders are for the factory A/C.

The leather upholstery (cloth also was available) appears to be in very good condition, as does the dash, the dash pad and the steering wheel. The chrome trim looks excellent as well. In keeping with its original $10k price tag (a huge sum in the ’50s) standard equipment included power steering, power brakes, power seat, power windows, tachometer, electric clock, AM radio, whitewall tires and full wheel covers. Factory air was about the only notable option and reportedly some 75 percent of Continentals came with it.

The engine looks quite clean and though it is the same 368-cubic-inch powerplant used in ‘56 Lincolns, the Continental units sported alloy valve covers, were built to closer tolerances and were dyno-tested and inspected before being installed. The 285 horsepower from the V-8 was good for 0-60 times of 11-12 seconds — not bad, given the car’s 4,800-pound curb weight. The seller says the engine in this car runs well, that the transmission works flawlessly and that the ride is very smooth.

We’ve long been fans of these cars and see a lot to like about this one — the color, the condition, the factory air. These cars have an understated elegance that remains appealing after more than 50 years and if this one checks out it would seem hard to go wrong.