1956 Continental MkII

Barrett-Jackson, Palm Beach, Florida April 12-15

A 2009 RESTORATION by respected shop Grey Hills, this Continental was said to be a frame-off labour-of-love that took multiple years. Finished in black inside and out, with extra touches that include mouton fur carpeting, its 368ci engine and three-speed auto transmission have both been rebuilt. Almost ten years after the restoration, it shows remarkably well. Close to perfect, in fact.

Introduced at the Paris auto show, the 1956-57 Continental MkII was Ford’s attempt at a European-style automobile that was built in the United States. Priced at just over $10,000, it was more than twice as expensive as many of its rivals, and indeed other cars from sister company Lincoln. (During the MkII’s brief two-year run, Continental was its own division, with separate marketing from Lincoln or indeed other Ford and Mercury brands.)

The only option offered was air-con, a $595 accessory, and Ford is said to have lost something like $1000 on each car. This was probably because the MkII was handbuilt. Just a handful over 3000 were made, most from the 1956 model year, and the list of first owners is awash with captains of industry, Hollywood stars and TV personalities.

Prices have been all over the place in the past decade, ranging everywhere from $30,000 to more than $100k. The difference is usually related to the age or the quality of the restoration. At which end is the better buy? The more expensive car, like this $102,300 example, of course. The MkII is costly to restore, and a ‘just good enough’ car can be a world-class money pit. Spend more, get more.

Dave Kinney is an auction analyst, an expert on the US market scene and publishes the Hagerty Price Guide.