Charles Phoenix JOYRIDE - 1956 Continental Mark II Convertible

[@robertd8572]

Absolutely stunning - and that color - drop dead gorgeous!

[@chrisshort9097]

One of my all time favorites car's. First time I've seen a convertible love it❤

[@JohnCBurzynski]

It's like a jumbo t-bird. Love it.

[@asteverino8569]

A rare car in rare condition indeed. Beautiful, may I say, sublime.

[@glennhargrove3299]

I believe one of these cars was built for one of the Mrs. Fords. The lines of this car made such a beautiful convertible. Color is perfect. Stunning car. Thanks for not calling it a Lincoln.

[@gene978]

Another Fav. This interior is 15 years ahead! That Dash is very modern and lean. So reserved, and classy. $10K when new THANK YOU Barry and CHarles

[@steveyoung1224]

$90,000 at least if you bought one like it new today. Auction value most likely $120-$150 or more today.

[@cristianabarsuglia629]

Divinely elegant classic! I wish we could see it with the power convertible top going up.

[@paulkirkland1535]

My thoughts exactly,I wonder how much is it worth? If I were to guess I'd figure about $150-250K? Wow what a stunning automobile! Didn't know a convertible was available in the Mark ll Continental.

[@jessebrueshaber6915]

Perhaps it's a retractable hardtop!

[@brettb8825]

I had no idea that any convertibles were made of the Mark II. Gorgeous.

[@davidallen5776]

Actually only two ragtops were ever made!

[@BRAINFxck10]

@@davidallen5776 actually there's at least 8 of these convertibles in existence, Hess & Eisenhardt made the 1st conversion, Durham made the 2nd, and years later Collins Trim and Auto converted 6 more cars. The 1st convertible is in a museum and the 2nd one just sold for $300k

[@dirkbag22]

This is my favorite car that you have ever Joyrided. I love this car.

[@billmagorian490]

The 56 and 57 Continentals are my favorite 50's cars. The first time I saw one was over ten years ago at the Forest Grove Concourse de Elegance. It was very much a driver in need of TLC but the clean lines of the Continental design captured me. I wish you would have pursued the convertible story. I didn't see an A/C compressor. A/C was a very expensive option on this most expensive car.

[@hcombs0104]

What can I say? The Hedy Lamarr of cars. Absolutely, breathtakingly stunning!

[@GaryGrube1]

The ultimate personal luxury car! And they were EXTREMELY expansive! The price tag duly reflected the luxury.

[@dressshoeguy]

Wow that car is stunning as a convertible it’s gorgeous as a hardtop but the convertible is a sight to behold.

[@donaldleavy4379]

I know a lot about the chippy chive & 56 Lincoln’s But Chuck Ya Bested Me With Ol 3 Convertibles Made... I Did NOT KNOW This... Kudos Mr Phoenix .. You’re The Bees Knees Of Classic Americana Autos... well done sir .. well done indeed.. Keep Em Rollin Chuck....

[@horaciomora75]

Continental Mark II are the most beautiful car from the ´50 years. Saludos desde Argentina.

[@dj33036]

I used to see one of these driving around town in Kingsville Texas back in the early 70's. I think it belonged to someone on the King Ranch. It wasn't a convertible but it was a head turner even then.

[@nomebear]

There was so much money floating around South Texas during that time. There were folks in Fulton, Texas that owned one of these, the same color as the one featured in this video. It was such a beauty to see on the streets.

[@brendakrieger7000]

Gorgeous rarity! Glad you had the opportunity to see this

[@Carlito-Fxwg]

Gotta be in the top 3 of the most beautiful cars I have ever seen... It's in good company with Jaguar XKE Convertible and Rolls Royce Corniche Convertible...that saying alot considering all of the amazing cars out there.

[@joycerichardson1810]

This has to be the most beautiful car! In every way, styling, interior, color, it is simply stunning! I know!!!!!

[@bookeruzzell6213]

I never knew there was a convertible!Man,that thing must be PRICELESS!

[@greeneyedwarlock882]

TRULY STUNNING. Repeat, STUNNING!!

[@michaeltaylor1603]

YYYYYYYY?? Did I not become an automobile stylist??? Such scrumptious details in an auto that is shipped in its own "slip cover" Imagine the pride of also building one of these? If the top lowered/ raised in this video, I'd have used the WHOLE bottle of smelling salts. LOL!

[@violet2048]

Listen to that motor. The lines are so smooth and elegant.

[@steveyoung1224]

Another fantastic find Charles. Keep up the great work. P.S. I wish I had those rich tones of your outstanding radio voice.

[@_charlesphoenix]

Thank you kindly

[@joemccarthy4532]

About 5-7 years or more ago on a beautiful day in Farmington Michigan I saw this car driving it was and is a GORGEOUS sight

[@retroolschool]

Truly outstanding in every way!!!

[@christopherkraft1327]

What a beautiful car!

[@BillyAlabama]

One of my favorites!

[@starchiefgrayflake8224]

Thanks. Had no clue there was a convertible

[@swabby429]

The 1961 Continental borrowed several of the design elements of the 1956 Mark II. Simple, classic styling is never obsolete.

[@_charlesphoenix]

I was just thinking the same thing!

[@hcombs0104]

I was just thinking how similar-looking the tail ends of this and the '61 Lincolns are. Only this one is more exquisite!

[@robmcgowan4034]

Agree completely. The regular Lincolns of 1958-'60 had backed themselves into a corner (no pun intended) that had nowhere to go except to completely start over with no ties to those models, BUT ties to the tasteful '56-'57 Mark II; particularly in their simplicity and the taillights. It was a look that would never go out of style and lent itself to gentle updates every few years. There were still traces of the styling on the regular Lincolns through the 1990's! (The 'Mark III-VIII series of 1968-1998 had a lot of variation)

[@modmichael]

This car and the 1953 Studebaker coupe are the two most magnificent American car designs of the 1950s.

[@kchastain3]

This is one of only 3 ever made of this beauty? Unreal. The aesthetic of those leather colors with that paint is incredible.

[@gayleanderson6138]

OMG! 😳 I’ve NEVER SEEN ONE OF THESE BEFORE!😳 OMG! 😳 This the BEST “Joyride” EVER!!! ❤️ I need a cigarette! This is DEEEEEEEEVVVVVIIIIIIIINNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEE!😃

[@ms.sonshine8878]

And a martini.

[@bitcoinion3711]

Beautiful!!

[@joe6096]

This is the kind of car that, at Barrett-Jackson, would come up to the block on Super Saturday at around 4:00 in the afternoon when the crowd in the arena is full shoulder to shoulder.

[@kayeninetwo3585]

Really glad to see that Charles is putting out some new videos. His enthusiasm captures a character in the cars that other videos don't tap into. HE'S THE BEST! And the Mark II Continental just may be the best production luxury car ever made in the US after WW2. I was blown away by the drop top look...BEAUTIFUL! They didn't leave the factory that way, but it's still a great look. THANKS!

[@_charlesphoenix]

Thanks Kaye, that means a lot!

[@frankfrankenstein5933]

I know! This is unequivocally my favorite car of all time! I would give both my left and right _ _ _ and maybe one of my kidneys for this masterpiece! I know! 💯👍😁👌✌️😁

[@cristianabarsuglia629]

The Derham-built convertible Mark II that Barry mentions is to be sold at RM/Sotheby's upcoming Monterey auction (Aug. 18-20, 2022). The estimate? $250,000 - $350,000 USD!!! I think Barry's is much nicer.

[@Markybug-Keira-Cody]

“I’m a little speechless “ surely not 😎

[@LWVH81]

Yeah. He never is! 😀

[@trudygreer2491]

relatively speaking...

[@javiergonzalez9077]

"I know".

[@b58hustler71]

He knows, he knows!

[@tomloncaric6189]

As a convertible, it’s one of the most beautiful cars I’ve ever seen!

[@slicksnewonenow]

I'm pretty sure that the Mark II' s were the most beautiful American cars ever conceived. The few convertibles built are absolutely EXQUISITE. This one is gorgeous, but it sounds like she's got a little lifter noise going on.😕

[@peterterry398]

Agree 100%

[@horaciovivanco]

Hermoso automóvil: Lovely Continental

[@roymarksberry4152]

❤ A convertible is more prettier than a hard top.

[@charleshousman3570]

Wow, seeing this rarity and the 58 Edsel the same morning!

[@captainover-tighten6729]

Oh I so share your enthusiasm! One of my MOST favourite cars ever. Beautiful. Thank you for sharing. I’m curious as to how tall Barry is? He looks squeezed in there. I’m 6’3” and would be sad if I couldn’t comfortably drive a dream car - lol. Devine for sure. Perfect.

[@henry12397]

Love the way this guy says ,I KNOW!!

[@rja3226]

Holy shit. Your entertainment is delightful. The cars you get to review are amazing.

[@PBG345]

You are so fortunate to have had this experience!

[@stevenhwilcox2640]

I have never seen this car in convertible mode before. Beautiful style! I remember well the 1956-7 Continental Mark II coupe as I was 12 years old when this car was introduced.

[@thyslop1737]

Beauty and the color is amazing.The car is MINT.

[@jannasholm7223]

Amazing absolutely Amazing

[@michaeldonaher2851]

In all my years as a car geek I have never seen a Mark II convertible and now I know the reason why, they only made 3!

[@mikerafone4736]

Greatest post classic ever. A true classic s much as MKI of Edsels

[@jamnee]

This car as a convertible must be really rare. So beautiful that it won a 1956 design award.

[@horaciovivanco]

Bello, nice. Favuloso auto.

[@usamasamara1556]

mi padre tuvo uno .para esos años eran muy adelantados a su tiempo.todo era electrico.tenia hasta un toca-disco de 45 rpm.era un tanque en 4 ruedas.

[@JohnGeorgeHill]

Instead of the flash of the Chrysler's, this Mark ll is just subtle beauty.

[@peterterry398]

Absolutely gorgeous

[@_charlesphoenix]

O totally!

[@emjayay]

Mark II's with air conditioning had trunk mounted AC units with air scoops cut into the bump in the fenderline. This one doesn't have the air scoops and of course the convertible top folds into where the AC unit would be. There are no vents visible in the interior. But there is clearly an AC compressor, clutch and AC pipes and hoses under the hood. ????? Also this guy has an Olds, another Continental, and a period camping trailer in the garage!

[@barry2952]

Actually, the "camper" is a 1951 Royal Spartanette 35-footer I built a new frame for and converted it into a toy hauler with a 21 foot garage in the back and an air conditioned lounge in the front. The Olds and Mark II just sleep in my shop together. Their owners keep the lights on and the building heated. You observations on the Mark II are quite good. It was air-conditioned. It was never hooked up, but it could have worked. When the top is down it fills the storage well and the top bows are covered by the fiberglass fillers. When the top is up and the covers are off and the top stowage area becomes the cold-air plenum. I had the interior replaced after it went to Pebble Beach and had the unit in the trunk removed for more trunk space. With the stowed top where the a/c was the unit got pushed 2 feet into the already small trunk. I now have a norma side trunk for a car with a/c. Many people think that all 1956 air conditioned cars have the bronze intakes, but they were actually discontinues early into the program when they found that any car that picks up its air from the rear will be deficient in cold air delivery b.cause it's sucking in engine and exhaust heat. The engineering change that corrected the problem was an air intake tube that ran through the body to get air from in front of the radiator. They found a 30° difference. I collect transportation with the Continental name. Did you notice the Burgundy one in the background as I pulled out? That's a 1955 Porsche Continental Cabrio.

[@2packs4sure]

That answered my questions on the air conditioning,,, thanks !!

[@jamesfisher9288]

I’m trying hard not to hate you because of your possessions. It’s not working. Just kidding. Good on you!

[@cliffordkiehl3959]

It would have been interesting to see the top put up and down. Did the builder strengthen the frame when they made it into a convertable?

[@barry2952]

Yes. \

[@guywill7875]

Were these mark II's all made by hand? The badging alone is like the window at Cartier.

[@_charlesphoenix]

they hand built

[@rajanrairealty8979]

Best car of the mid 50s by far.

[@ericcookorama3368]

As always, you speak my language Mr. Phoenix! Where did you come from. How did you know? Yet another SPECTACULAR presentation!

[@Johnnycdrums]

Major American Art Masterpiece, doubt it not.

[@blakedawson2129]

nice! the finest car of the decade.

[@danielmitchell6738]

This car looks 10 years ahead of its time.

[@fredklein724]

I have a Mark 2 that has never left the city of Tucson.

[@sigmamale7241]

Wow...I have always loved these. I believe that there were 3 made at the factory, two of which are accounted for{?}

[@randycompton5230]

Truly outstanding.

[@artguy2006]

Barry, how did I not know about this? Lol

[@matrimonyconnections]

My favorite classic 1950's car!!!!!!😮

[@nonelost1]

Only THREE (3) 1956 Continental Mark II convertibles made 1...this one... 2...the one in Idaho... 3...and one is MISSING?! WOWEEE! This has got to be one of the greatest vintage vehicular mysteries ever, right up there with... 1...finding the 2nd 1968 "Bullitt" Mustang... 2...finding the Columbomobile(s) (1958 Peugeot 504 convertible)... 3...finding the only Australian built red 1963 VW bug that went to Antartica when it was new, returned to Australia about a year later, and lost to history.

[@aaronwilliams6989]

GORGEOUS!

[@KimSevern]

Oy, I understand he didn't want to raise and lower the top but the gas fill behind the tail lamp? Thanks though, awesome. 🔥

[@citibear57]

The American Rolls-Royce. Elizabeth Taylor was given a coupe version of the Mark II by her studio. It was reported that it had been painted in the same color as her eyes. The convertible is so sexy! I am surprised that there are so few remaining! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[@_charlesphoenix]

FOMOCO made just two of them.

[@hcombs0104]

Elizabeth's love rival at the time also drove a Mark ll...Miss Debbie Reynolds.

[@VonRyansExpress]

Fantastic - relatively restrained but so stylish and classy . . .

[@michaelsenzamici6705]

Best description is, like you said, SPEECHLESS!

[@karelkroon]

these cars are the closest you can come to time travel, driving in the 50's!!! 😍

[@_charlesphoenix]

Yes they are!

[@karelkroon]

@@_charlesphoenix love your show! Love the detailed look on the designs lines and ambiance. Grt from the Netherlands

[@bertcushman7427]

this was one of the most beautiful cars made! I didn't know there was a convertible.. Charles! this should be your car... cheers 🍸🍸🏳️‍🌈

[@_charlesphoenix]

I wish !!!

[@RADIUMGLASS]

the doors were so heavy they usually needed adjustments.

[@lliamjurdom9505]

Would have liked to have seen the cover top operate ...

[@Porsche996driver]

LOL Oh man!! I knooooww! Dweeeeyeeeeeoooohhhhh 🛸👽🛸👽🛸🇫🇲

[@jamesh7571]

Charles I can't find a link to check out your book, Lil help please... 😎

[@_charlesphoenix]

go to CharlesPhoenix.com

[@Markybug-Keira-Cody]

Is that the exhaust behind the front wheels ?

[@barry2952]

Yes. Stainless wrapped.

[@CowboyStag]

Nice car. I was 3 years old and had no money. But I would have bought it

[@mkamka5274]

How big is the driver to make this large car look much smaller

[@twobrokeguyz1214]

Wow!

[@quagmiredavis4117]

Scared to get it out on open road ? Our mark II is exercised monthly 100 -200 mile trip ... 80 mph is happy spot for the 368 engine 😀

[@joro8604]

So huge but the back seats are so teeny. This car is complete!

[@samspace81]

Overbuilt and they lost money on every one, I KNOW! :) Love it

[@secularsunshine9036]

*Boy I tell you what, I sure would love a 56 Continental to go with my 56 2dr Buick Riviera and my 56 Caddy Sixty Specials, that would be GREAT.* *I'm NOT in shock, I'm in Love.* Thanks man.

[@gregghanson6095]

Does the top work??!! Does it?? Does it!!!

[@Ransomhandsome]

That's what I was wondering. I wanted to see it operate.

[@barry2952]

@@Ransomhandsome It works, it's manual.

[@gregghanson6095]

@@barry2952 ah!! got it. thx

[@robertc1433]

EXCELLENT !

[@yadyad1966]

Three words BEUU TEE FULL. I’m done. 😍

[@malcolmnicholls2893]

I believe Continentals were more expensive than Rolls Royce. Perhaps better? (Brit)

[@pepitodelospalotes4482]

Precioso

[@RS-yu4lb]

This is an A/C car. I wonder where the air comes out. Normally in the roof on a hardtop.

[@danielterry382]

That car is Killer !

[@danknox9986]

Beautiful

[@peterjaniceforan3080]

We may have discovered our next Presidential candidate ❗️