Charles Phoenix JOYRIDE - 1956 Continental Mark II Convertible

The 1956 Continental Mark II Convertible

[@asteverino8569]

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

[@robertd8572]

Absolutely stunning - and that color - drop dead gorgeous!

[@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.

[@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

[@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!

[@dirkbag22]

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

[@JohnCBurzynski]

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

[@hcombs0104]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@horaciomora75]

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

[@kchastain3]

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

[@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

[@Markybug-Keira-Cody]

“I’m a little speechless “ surely not 😎

[@LWVH81]

Yeah. He never is! 😀

[@trudygreer2491]

relatively speaking...

[@javiergonzalez9077]

"I know".

[@chrisshort9097]

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

[@GaryGrube1]

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

[@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)

[@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.

[@greeneyedwarlock882]

TRULY STUNNING. Repeat, STUNNING!!

[@dressshoeguy]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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....

[@brendakrieger7000]

Gorgeous rarity! Glad you had the opportunity to see this

[@bookeruzzell6213]

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

[@modmichael]

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

[@joycerichardson1810]

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

[@ToeCrusher8787]

Stunning 😍😍😍😍

[@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

[@charleshousman3570]

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

[@retroolschool]

Truly outstanding in every way!!!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@bitcoinion3711]

Beautiful!!

[@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 !!

[@christopherkraft1327]

What a beautiful car!

[@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

[@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.

[@BillyAlabama]

One of my favorites!

[@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! 💯👍😁👌✌️😁

[@horaciovivanco]

Bello, nice. Favuloso auto.

[@tomloncaric6189]

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

[@rja3226]

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

[@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!

[@JohnGeorgeHill]

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

[@RADIUMGLASS]

the doors were so heavy they usually needed adjustments.

[@thyslop1737]

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

[@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.

[@jamnee]

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

[@artguy2006]

Barry, how did I not know about this? Lol

[@sigmamale7241]

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

[@mikerafone4736]

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

[@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

[@danielmitchell6738]

This car looks 10 years ahead of its time.

[@roymarksberry4152]

❤ A convertible is more prettier than a hard top.

[@henry12397]

Love the way this guy says ,I KNOW!!

[@rajanrairealty8979]

Best car of the mid 50s by far.

[@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.

[@peterterry398]

Absolutely gorgeous

[@_charlesphoenix]

O totally!

[@Johnnycdrums]

Major American Art Masterpiece, doubt it not.

[@CowboyStag]

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

[@starchiefgrayflake8224]

Thanks. Had no clue there was a convertible

[@PBG345]

You are so fortunate to have had this experience!

[@ericcookorama3368]

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

[@yadyad1966]

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

[@joro8604]

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

[@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

[@michaelsenzamici6705]

Best description is, like you said, SPEECHLESS!

[@curtcollett2893]

Never a fan of the Mark II because the roof didn’t seem to flow with the rest of the car. The convertible on the other hand,,,,magnificent!!

[@b58hustler71]

He knows, he knows!

[@aaronwilliams6989]

GORGEOUS!

[@robertc1433]

EXCELLENT !

[@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.

[@jannasholm7223]

Amazing absolutely Amazing

[@fredklein724]

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

[@matrimonyconnections]

My favorite classic 1950's car!!!!!!😮

[@blakedawson2129]

nice! the finest car of the decade.

[@bryantsemenza38]

Outrageous

[@improperbostonian6722]

And now cars are small cheaply made plastic cookie cutter toys. Just look at all the car your money would buy, This car is a work of beauty and class it's a jewel compared to the crap of today.

[@peterjaniceforan3080]

We may have discovered our next Presidential candidate ❗️

[@twobrokeguyz1214]

Wow!

[@joehammond2586]

I think Ford lost money on every one. But, what a legacy!

[@danknox9986]

Beautiful

[@danielterry382]

That car is Killer !

[@randycompton5230]

Truly outstanding.

[@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. \

[@orionwarren4244]

The first handbuilt 'Continentals' ran about 10 times the cost of the average automobile at the time. And Lincoln LOST money on every one. Maybe that's why they only had a 2 year production run??

[@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 😀

[@kennixox262]

Understated to say the least compared to its contemporaries with all the excess chrome, tail fins and whatnot. This would be a gentleman's automobile by most accounts. The more garish cars of that era appealed more to the upwardly mobile working classes.

[@jamesandjoanthomas3914]

It's to bad that Lincoln forgot what Lincoln is about.....power , elegance and beauty ! Today's Lincoln lack all of these qualities!

[@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 !!!

[@malcolmnicholls2893]

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

[@caveman3201]

Sometimes you're so annoying ... I know! But we enjoy the treasures of the industrial age. You know!

[@user-fy6xz7jw9u]

A 1956 american classic

[@guywill7875]

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

[@_charlesphoenix]

they hand built

[@ksman9087]

Lincoln (Ford) lost money (about $1,000) on each of these cars sold because there were three layers of paint and each was hand rubbed, the leather was imported from Scotland and each engine was balanced before being installed. There were so many luxury features that AC was the only option.