1956 Continental Mark II Convertible prototype (more pics 👇)
William Clay Ford’s Continental Division pursued perfection without concern for cost, creating America’s most expensive automobile with its $10,000 price tag in 1956.
The Continental model range was originally intended to include a four-door limousine and both fabric-top and hardtop convertibles, but the program’s exorbitant costs and limited volume meant only the two-door sedan reached production.
This convertible prototype was commissioned by Ford and executed by Derham Body Company of Rosemont, Pennsylvania, debuting at the Texas State Fair in October 1956.
Derham’s carefully considered build incorporated a fully functional convertible soft top without compromising the Continental’s stunning profile.
The Mark II used a 368 cubic-inch Lincoln Y-block V8 producing 285 horsepower, paired with a three-speed Turbo-Drive automatic transmission.
This prototype remained the sole example built for Continental by the prestigious Pennsylvania coachbuilder when the Mark II was discontinued after 1957. Total Mark II production reached just 3,005 units.
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