1956 Continental Mark II Sedan

Summary

The Mark II was elegantly understated. Its appeal depended not on chrome, but rather flawless quality control, extensive road testing, shocks that adjusted to speed, and power steering, brakes, windows, and seats. At $10,000 it was the most expensive American car you could buy. This particular Mark II was owned by the president of Firestone Tire and Rubber Company, Harvey S. Firestone, Jr.

The Mark II was elegantly understated. Its appeal depended not on chrome, but rather flawless quality control, extensive road testing, shocks that adjusted to speed, and power steering, brakes, windows, and seats. At $10,000 it was the most expensive American car you could buy. This particular Mark II was owned by the president of Firestone Tire and Rubber Company, Harvey S. Firestone, Jr.

Artifact

Automobile

Date Made

1956

Driving America
 On Exhibit

at Henry Ford Museum in Driving America

Object ID

73.34.1

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford. Gift of Harvey S. Firestone, Jr.

Material

Metal
Steel (Alloy)
Glass (Material)
Rubber (Material)
Cloth
Leather
Chromium

Color

Black (Color)
Gray (Color)

Dimensions

Diameter: 4 in  (Bore)

Length: 3.66 in  (Stroke)

Height: 56 in

Width: 77.5 in

Wheelbase: 126 in

Length: 218.4 in

Weight: 4825 lbs

Inscriptions

Front and rear: CONTINENTAL

Specifications

Make & Model: 1956 Continental Mark II sedan

Maker: Ford Motor Company, Dearborn, Michigan

Engine: V-8, overhead valves, 368 cubic inches

Transmission: 3-speed automatic

Height: 56 inches

Wheelbase: 126 inches

Width: 77.5 inches

Overall length: 218.5 inches

Weight: 4825 pounds

Horsepower: 300 at 4800 revolutions per minute

Pounds per horsepower: 16.1

Price: $9,966

Average 1956 wage: $4,342 per year

Time you'd work to buy this car: about 2 years, 4 months

Related Content

Connect 3

Discover curious connections between artifacts.

Learn More