This one:
1956 Continental Mark II.

The Continental Mark II was a unique and exclusive personal luxury car produced by a newly formed Continental Division of the Ford Motor Company during 1956 and 1957. Many aficionados of the automobile consider the Continental Mark II one of the classics of the postwar period.

The new Continental was not intended to be the largest nor the most powerful automobile, but rather the most luxurious and elegant American car available. What emerged was something quite unlike other American cars of the period. While other makes experimented with flamboyant chrome-laden styling, the Continental Mark II sought to evoke a European simplicity of line and understated grace consistent with its name.

The Continental sported a Lincoln style spare tire hump, shared the new Lincoln Lincoln 368 in (6.0 L) V8 and running gear, and was sold and serviced at Lincoln dealerships, causing many to think of the Mark II as a Lincoln when it was technically not. Although designs of a four door and convertible version were explored by Ford, they were never manufactured and marketed. The Mark II was offered and sold only as a two-door hardtop coupe.

Most of the car was effectively hand-built to an exacting standard, including multiple coats of paint hand-sanded down and double-lacquered and polished to perfection. Due to this manufacturing process the Continental Mark II cost US$10,000, as much as a Rolls-Royce or two top-of-the-line Cadillacs. All units were fully equipt with power steering, power brakes, automatic windows, automatic transmission, motorized radio and antenna, and luxurious interior of imported Scottish leather. The only option available was air conditioning which evidenced itself in the 1956 units by "nostrils" for air intake located on the upper rear fenders. Cool air from a trunk mounted evaporator coil enterred the passenger compartment from four vent registers located in the corners of the roof headliner.

Famous owners included Elvis Presley, as well as Frank Sinatra, the Shah of Iran, and a cross-section of the richest men in America.

Today, it is estimated that 1800 of the original 3000 cars still exist. A "parts car" can command up to $10,000. A running vehicle depending on condition will range from $20,000 to $90,000. Examples judged to be "concours" minimally command $125,000.

Owners and enthusiasts of this rare car are active on their web forum Mark II Forum

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1982 300SD " Wotan" ..On the road as of Jan 8, 2007 with Historic Tags