Looking for a 1956 Mark II

[Richard]

Hello,

I am a new member. I would like some help in determining the best way to find and purchase a 1956 Mark II.

I would prefer an original, un-restored auto, however, knowing the limited supply, I would be receptive to looking at anything for sale. Then, I can narrow down my search.

I do not know a lot about these cars so I am also in the learning mode.

Any help on finding and purchasing one of these cars would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Richard

[Barry Wolk]

Buy the very best you can afford. These are very expensive cars to restore and the buyer usually comes out way ahead.

Welcome to the site.

[Phil Gevertz]

Richard, where are you located? Where is your search area?

[John Pawoll]

Richard,

I have a 1956 Mark II I would sell. It is black with the original 2 tone Grey leather interior. I have the complete ownership history on this car. It is VERY original. Built in November, 1956. It has factory A.C that works. It runs and operates very well. I have many old receipts, documents. owners manual, advertising, etc. Has a colorful history. The car is excellent condition and is used for local shows and a occasional special dinner. It recently won Judges Choice at the San Diego Car Museum show. Always a Southern California car with black plates. The car is located in the San Diego area. I feel this car is in too good of a condition to need restoration. I feel the car is well worth 44K. I can be reached at 76o-741-7414 (evenings). Please call with any questions!

John

[Richard]

Phil,

I am in Houston, Tex. Will consider any area if the car and price are right.

Richard

[dgaribay15]

Whats the right price?

[TomPiantanida]

Hi Richard,

You may not have seen my ad on this site, so I'm posting a copy here for you. Barry is correct in that you should buy the very best car you can afford. If your price range is under $20K, then my car may be right for you. It is in my garage about 150 miles north of San Francisco. Of course, numerous photos are available.

1956 Continental Mark II $18500

This is the sixteenth Mark II produced, and as an early car, it was produced without air conditioning. This classic car was stored indoors and covered for many years. It has recently been revived and is in great condition. The car drives, shifts, and stops fine! This Mark II appears to be an original California car, so there is no rust anywhere. The interior, headliner, and all of the glass is near perfect; the seats and door panels have been reupholstered in the original color scheme; and the padded dash is factory fresh. A dealer-installed black vinyl top accents the car’s black paint. The engine has been rebuilt and very few miles were put on it since the rebuild. The power seat functions perfectly, but some of the power windows do not operate. Also, there are, unfortunately, some scrapes low on the driver’s side from trailering the car; otherwise the body would be completely straight. The paint is presentable, but looks like it may be original, and there is an obviously repainted area in the middle of the hood. (I'm guessing that at some time in the car's past, someone closed the hood with the wingnut laying on top of the air cleaner; it happens all the time.) The car is missing the stainless steel rocker panel moldings and the original Mark II hubcaps. If you've always wanted a Mark II - especially a very early example - here is your chance. I’m amenable to reasonable offers and interesting trades, so please call me. Tom 530-534-3309

Good luck in your search.

Tom

[Richard]

dgaribay15,

The car should be representative of the price. My price range is up to $40K.

[Richard]

Tom,

Yes, I did see your and and was interested until I read the first sentence. I live in Houston, Tx and we use the A/C 10 months/year.

I will develop a list of questions and call you one day to discuss.

In the meantime, could you email me pictures to the following:

1977flh@yahoo.com

Thanks,
Richard

[jackfish]

Richard,

From what I can tell from the earlier comments, the asking price for my Mark II may be much higher than what you'd like to spend on a Mark II. However, if you are considering buying a Mark II that requires restoration, I would encourage you to contact me before doing so. My phone number can be found on the car's website (www.continentalmarkii.com).

I have documented every penny (not including my time) I have spent on the 6+ year restoration of my Mark II. Let me assure you, Barry Wolk is 100% correct in stating that "these are very expensive cars to restore."

I took the car for some exercise this weekend. During the leisurely Sunday afternoon drive I made a short list of things to do in my mind. In my opinion, the only tasks left on the Mark II is to fix the small crack in the steering wheel, replace the radio (or the right hand knob on the radio), buy a 'correct' replica battery, and find someone to fabricate a correct air conditioning hose. Everything else is complete... the car is mechanically sound, the glass is good, the body is perfect, the interior and chrome has been redone to a high standard, and the power windows/seats etc. work well, etc.

If you are interested in taking a closer inspection, you are only a $500 dollar direct (return) flight away (Houston to Calgary - Air Canada). I'd be willing to pick you up at the airport as we are less than 2 hours away from Calgary International.

Yours truly,

Greg Pallister

[TomPiantanida]

Hi Richard,

I sent five sets of photos to the email address you listed above and all of them were returned as undeliverable. The message I got was that there was no such yahoo account. Could you please give me another email address where I can send you the photos.

Tom

[Richard]

Greg,

I hope I'm using the forum email correctly. I went to your website and viewed the pictures of your Mk II. It is very nice and represents the type of Mk II I'm looking for. As you state, your's it probably out of my price range, however, I see where you would be willing to consider trades. I found your number and will call you one day (probably weekends) to discuss your car. If there is anything you want to add, send reply.

Thanks - Richard

[Richard]

Tom,

Like I told Greg in the above email, I hope I am using this forum correctly. I saw somewhere that you posted a reply but could not find it. I was stuck on page 1 and your email was on page 2.

Anyway, I'm sorry - correct email is: hd1977flh@yahoo.com

Thanks - Richard

[TomPiantanida]

Hi Richard,

I have sent five batches of photos off to you again. Please call me when you have had a chance to review them.

Thanks,

Tom
530-534-3309

[TomPiantanida]

Hi Richard,

Did you get the photos? Are you interested in my car? It is $18500, not $44,000 or $69,995, and a bargain at that.

Tom