Ending on February 15, 2024 at 7:37 pm
Winning Bid: $73,000
8

1956 Continental MK 11

Reserve Met

Auction ENDS Thursday 7:00 pm!
*Price Guide $65,000 - $85,000+
Make
CONTINENTAL
Model
MK11
Year
1956
Engine
FORD 368ci V8
Transmission
TURBO-DRIVE AUTO
Lot No.
1011

 

Model Overview:

The 1956 Continental MK 11 — A masterpiece of impeccable build quality, offering pure elegance along with raw power of an American Big Block V8. Crafted by Ford, the Continental MK11 stands as the epitome of luxury in the 1950’s, earning its title as the Ultimate car of its time.

As echoed in the Original 1956 sales brochure, “this motor car goes beyond mere transportation; it embodies the very pinnacle of American automotive craftsmanship”. With a retail price surpassing $10,000 in 1956, it rivaled the esteemed Rolls Royce in both prestige and price.

 

The Continental MK 11, a testament to exclusivity, was mostly hand-built in very limited numbers, garnering attention from the elite of the era. Notable figures such as Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, Nelson Rockefeller, and U.S. President Dwight Eisenhower proudly owned this symbol of automotive excellence. Even Hollywood’s leading lady, Elizabeth Taylor, received a specially crafted MK11 in the exact shade of her mesmerizing eyes from Warner Bros. Movie Studio. A touch of glamour that remains immortalized, as Jay Leno himself houses a replica of the iconic Elizabeth Taylor car in his renowned collection today.

The 1956 Continental MK 11 continues to be a highly sought-after by collectors worldwide, coveted for both its breathtaking beauty and unparalleled rarity. Don’t miss your chance to own a piece of automotive history that very few get the chance to own, let alone Australia.

 

 

The Vehicle:

This remarkable vehicle has a history of five discerning owners, three in America and two in Australia, and stands today in outstanding condition. The journey began with its first owner, who in 1990 sold it to an enthusiast who undertook a comprehensive nut & bolt Rotisserie restoration, investing $70,000+ in the process. The third American owner showcased the car at the Annual Lincoln & Continental Owners Club meet in 1999, where it impressively scored 96.5, the highest at the event.

The first Australian owner in pursuit of the finest Continental MK 11 he could find, acquired this exceptional example we see here. With his professional background in painting and car building, the car was disassembled for a full inspection and restoration. The car a was painted in  a stunning coat of House of Kolor – Custom White Cream paint, while the roof received a striking finish in Goldmine Pearl/Brandy Wine Kandy metallic. The vehicle also received a expertly crafted custom-designed grille, bespoke Billet wheels tailored specifically for this particular car and subtle custom modifications including frenched headlights, shaved handles and badges to enhance its already distinctive style. A factory-standard feature of note is the left-hand rear tail light, which is ingeniously designed to swivel away, revealing the hidden fuel filler. Please look up (Google it) the STREET MACHINE Magazine Article, about this car & its owner who repainted this car in Australia.

A rare feature of this car is its ‘Ceiling’ Air-Conditioning system, a coveted addition from new, that underscores its uniqueness. Complementing its ‘Ceiling’ Air-Conditioning are unique ‘factory option’ body scallops on each side, which not only enhance its aesthetic appeal but also serve a functional purpose by drawing in air into the AC unit stored in the rear of the car, adding to the vehicle’s overall magnificence and uniqueness.

 

 

Mechanical:

Under the long bonnet of this 1956 Continental is a 285-horsepower, 368-cubic-inch Ford Built, Big Block Lincoln V-8. A marvel of engineering at the time, the powerplant underwent enhancement in 1956 for this model, featuring a new block, crankshaft, camshaft, and other refinements. With a standard 9.0:1 compression ratio and a Holley four-barrel carburetor, this engine delivered an impressive 402 lb-ft of torque. Ford’s commitment to perfection extended to balancing each V-8 destined for a Mark II, ensuring impeccable build quality and operational smoothness. The generator was even balanced before installation, guaranteeing a refined performance. Finned Alloy Rocker Covers top this wonderful looking engine. The engine bay is beautifully presented with factory standard lights beaming down from the long Bonnet when opened.

The original Ford 3 Speed Automatic Transmission is retained for a seamless and responsive driving experience.

The suspension system is a traditional set-up with coil springs in the front and leaf springs in the rear, featuring a live rear axle. Suspension items have all been renewed to ensure a comfortable ride. Power-assisted drum brakes on all four wheels provide reliable stopping power.

Custom-designed 17″ wheels paired with 225/55 whitewall tyres complete the exterior aesthetics, offering both style and performance. The solid body-on-frame construction, a hallmark of luxury cars from that era, ensures enduring structural integrity.

Another unique item from new is the dual 2.5-inch exhaust system that gracefully exits through the rear bumpers, adding to the impressive visuals and sound of this classic.

The mechanicals, including a complete engine rebuild are said to be completed in 1990, and this exceptional vehicle has purportedly traveled less than 7,000 miles since then. A second restoration was then completed by the first Australian Owner in 2007.

 

 

Interior:

Featuring a spacious cockpit that is large enough for the whole family to ride in comfortably. Beautiful leather adorns all Seating and door trims along with its elegant dashboard. Large instrumentation shows a sophisticated simplicity of design with its four-instrument cluster complete with clock and a tachometer. Many power-packed interior features came standard, elevating the driving experience to new heights. Every MK II rolled off the assembly line was equipped with power windows, a power-adjustable front seat, AM radio, heater and power vent windows. This particular car is equipped with Factory Air Conditioning. Chrome trim embellishes throughout with luxurious dark red carpet & a Red roof lining complete the extravagance. As if that weren’t enough, the boot is also trimmed with the same luxurious dark red carpeting with lighting extending to the boot & engine bay when opened.

 

 

Exterior:

This Continental MK 11 is a Show Stopper with its elongated luxury sports coupe design. Beautiful paintwork, dead straight panels, amazing standard outward appearance along with its low slung overall dimensions, make this rare vehicle hugely impressive to look at. This particular car has lived a charmed life, being cared for by all previous owners. In 2007 this car was imported to Australia and stripped down, checked & professionally repainted. The body of this car is the Star of any show. Riding on Custom Billet 17″ wheels, designed for this car only and matching Whitewall tyres, this car truly is a sight to behold.

 

 

Summary:

A sought-after Worldwide Collector’s item in fantastic condition. A very rare opportunity to own such a quality example like this and secure possibly the best in Australia.

 

 

Supplied with Sale:

Import papers. Previously fully registered in Queensland & currently Club Registered in Victoria.

 

 

Inspection:

Inspection available at the Chicane Auctions Showroom by Appointment.

Monday – Friday 10:00 am – 4:30 pm

Saturday 10:00 am – 2:00 pm

Video Phone Inspections by request.

 

 

Buyers Premium:

6.5% of Winning Bid Amount. (GST Inc.) Deducted from Winning Bidders stored Bank Card details.

Example: $50,000 Winning Bid + Buyers Premium $3,250 (6.5%) = $53,250 AUD Total Amount.

 

 

Bidding:

Register to Bid. Contact our Office for help.

Bidding is in $250 Increments. Our system will extend the Auction by 2 Minutes if a bid is placed within 2 minutes of Auction End.

We use an Autobid system. Place your highest bid & Autobid will increase your bid by $250 increments up to your highest bid amount, ONLY if another bidder is competing with you & bids up to that amount. In the case of a tie bid, precedence is given to the earliest bid.

 

 

Conditions of Sale:

Vehicle information is provided to us by the Vendor. Each Vehicle is to be personally verified by the Bidder, for its Condition & Authenticity. The Chicane team check-over the vehicles for internal checks & auction suitability only, not of a qualified inspector, mechanic or other professional.  Classic Cars can have unseen flaws & Odometer readings can be incorrect.  We Highly advise to inspect any Vehicle before bidding, as Items are sold as is, without cooling off period under Victorian LMCT Auction Guidelines. All Vehicles are sold unregistered unless otherwise stated.

 

Please refer: Terms & Conditions or our Buyer FAQ’s pages.

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Questions

Bids

Auction has expired

Highest bidder was: hddev

Bidder Name Bidding Time Bid Auto
hddev February 15, 2024 7:34 pm $73,000 Auto
hddev February 15, 2024 6:42 pm $70,000
bish09@msn.com February 15, 2024 6:42 pm $69,750 Auto
bish09@msn.com February 15, 2024 6:40 pm $66,750 Auto
hddev February 15, 2024 6:40 pm $66,500
bish09@msn.com February 15, 2024 6:35 pm $66,250 Auto
eltorochilli@gmail.com February 15, 2024 6:35 pm $66,000
bish09@msn.com February 15, 2024 9:49 am $65,000 Auto
bish09@msn.com February 9, 2024 6:13 pm $60,000
Auction started February 5, 2024 12:08 pm