ELIZABETH TAYLOR'S 1956 CONTINENTAL MK2

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Mr. Robert Ratinoff has been a classic car collector his whole life. He's built such an extensive collection of prestige vehicles that Hollywood has made him the go to man for the best of the best in classic cars. Clients like Lady Gaga and James Franco still don't compare to the honor that it is to own one of Elizabeth Taylor's prized vehicles.
When Mrs. Taylor finished the film Giant Warner Bros. saw fit to gift her with one of the most exquisite cars that America has ever made. The 1956 Continental, America's Rolls Royce.
It's not a Lincoln, it's not a Ford... it's a Continental.
As always enjoy, share and SUBSCRIBE!
clicking like helps as well ;)

[@ardscorner]

Happened upon your channel searching for a Delorean (not to buy) but to research into how they performed. Watching your video about the Back to the Future model, and then this video I can only say your talent is going very much unnoticed. The camera work is flawless, the use of light, both ambient and artifical is on point. The script dovetails into the video without either overpowering the other. Overlaid is a subtle sound track that you are aware of but does not distract. The editing is without a shadow very good indeed, almost akin to something such at The Shawshank Redemption. Although slight, I have subscribed and can only wish you all the success you deserve. As others have said, there are channels on KZbin with millions of subscribers that cannot hold a candle to your content, but I suppose they trade any desire to deliver quality content for subs. I will, if you'll allow, share your videos with people over here in The UK. Thank you for your time, skill, attention to detail, but above all for creating videos you believe in, as content such as this could not be made unless you had a need to fulfill your dream of sharing that which you hold dear with us.

[@theaficionauto]

ARD's Corner this is the kindest and most thoughtful comment I've ever received on my channel. thank you so much for taking the time to write such encouraging words. It's true the KZbin landscape can at times be poisonous and insulting but when I get comments like yours I am reinvigorated to continue doing what I do. Please share with all your friends in the U.K. It's all I could ask for as a reward for my work. Again thank you for your kindness. I hope you enjoy the videos that are yet to come as much as this one. CR

[@ardscorner]

theAFICIONAUTO Appreciate your time in replying. Ironically I saw a piece in the news today about The Blue Bird which Donald Campbell lost his life trying to better his own speed record. The boat was located and raised from a lake i 2001. Since then it has been restored and today it was set on the water for testing. I thought what a video it's story would make with you at the helm. I imagine KZbin can be a harsh environment it is a million voices all screaming for attention.....however your videos speak so very much louder. Keep doing what you are doing. You are on the cusp now and it should not be very long until you are realising success borne from hard work and dedication of which you have both in abundance.

[@marccherry7409]

ARD's Corner.

[@montymatilda]

I agree with ARD.

[@blackbird_actual]

Such a classy, beautiful old American car. Not too flashy, but definitely refined and unmatched in luxury at the time.

[@tracylemme1375]

Fomco hit the nail on the head with this automobile. It is the most elegant vehicle of the time. Rolls was no competition to the Mk II. It is so understatedly beautiful. No other car in the world could or can compare.

[@jakekaywell5972]

Facel-Vega would certainly like to dispute that claim. Before you denounce it as "only" being a French car, know that every one had a MoPar Hemi V8 from the Paris assembly line.

[@Nakkisampyla]

​@@jakekaywell5972Spare part Hemi? Do you mean en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chrysler_Hemi_engine

[@scottwitkowski1298]

That car is sexier then any 2018 model.

[@willyboy6126]

...and that can be said of the automobile kind too ... ; )

[@Z-Twinturbo]

by far

[@IAML84aD8now]

Most of the older stuff is sexier and classier than the junk they build today

[@dumontthe5th]

None of the current models including the 2020's can match the 56 Continental; it was literally hand made while today's cars are cookie cutter repetitions of each other!

[@anularedoro]

But not sexier than Liz Taylor...

[@ms.sonshine8878]

The most beautifully designed car ever. Yes, the older American luxury cars floated along-like riding on a cloud.

[@dumontthe5th]

could not agree more! It has a charm, class and elegance that are timeless! It still looks grand today after 64 years! Class is ageless!

[@justron1234]

I was cleaning dash lights, left-right high beam, and blue? LOW FUEL 1956

[@railtrolley]

1956 was the era of big fins and rhino tusk grills. The Continental styling is about 4 years ahead of it's time.

[@popcultureaddict733]

Better than that. It is timeless, unlike many of the cars of the era.

[@sharksport01]

No, 59 is.

[@bobpierce115]

@@sharksport01 The '59 "Mark V" of the '58-'60 era? The styling of those were overdone land yachts. The '56 Continental with its simplicity and good taste, actually previewed the 1961 model; especially in the taillights.

[@sharksport01]

@@bobpierce115 I meant cars in general, just my opinion.

[@dumontthe5th]

It is a textbook example of the adage: less is more

[@jackmehoff1840]

one of the most underrated classics ever, great video

[@donaldstanfield8862]

So are you, Jack, so are you!

[@jec1ny]

Generally speaking when talking about luxury cars from the post War era (1946-1964ish) I am a Cadillac guy. But this car is absolutely stunning. The understated elegance just compels you to look, even stare at it.

[@stevencoffeen6684]

The Mark II is one of my best memories. My dad had one. His was black, but did not have air. I was privileged to be allowed to drive it and my date to my senior prom. That was in 1963. That event and other memories of the car are and forever will be special for me. Thank you for an excellent portrayal of this car and it original owner.

[@hi-test7122]

I saw this car in person during Monterrey Week in 2013. It was parked on the main drag in Carmel with a placard describing its history. Even in this environment, with nothing but beautiful cars up and down the street, this car stood out.

[@ghw7192]

When I was 13, my nexr door neighbor had one and that was the first time I evet fell in love with an automobile. I am 72 now and I still think that is one of the most beautiful cars ever.

[@leonotarianni7733]

A lovely story of a son's passion for the Continental and his father having a huge influence on his interests and passions. Very touching

[@ianroberts9195]

Incredible, beautiful automobile. My late father had two of these that he restored...a 1956 and a 1957, the only two years produced. I used to love taking it to the gas station and seeing the attendant look for the fuel filler. They would pull on the license plate and when I finally let on that it was behind the left taillight, it was always met with amazement. The air controls were like the throttles in an airplane. I would kill to have one again.

[@chucklambooy8457]

This is one of those fabulous automobiles. My grandparents had two...this 2 door model and the 4 door Premier. I loved them but never knew what happened to them. If I could only have them today!!

[@sexylover780]

I don't believe any car could match the grace, elegance, and style of Elizabeth Taylor but if there ever was one..........................this one would be it. Like her it is a timeless beauty.

[@cookingprof]

I so get the idea of this motorcar. Super elegant and so beautiful matching Elizabeth Taylor. The only other car that I can think of that had that sort of star prestige was a Duesenberg SSJ that was owned by Clark Gable.

[@rare6499]

An amazing car. One of my favourite car designs of all time. Truly stunning.

[@jamesh7571]

Such a beautiful story about a car and life... Well done indeed !

[@texasamericanpatriot7720]

My favorite car of the 1950's. I was lucky enough to rebuild the carburetor on a Mark II while working as an apprentice in Santa Ana, CA in 1992 for a restoration company. I got to drive it and I still remember feeling like I was in a Rolls Royce. The original leather smell was something I will never forget. The dash pod was even covered in deerskin or leather. The back seat wasn't even noticible unless you needed it. I have a restoration shop myself today, and have driven many hand-made vehicles from all over the world. This is by far my favorite design (looks like a custom factory prototype), and absolutely has the best luxery ride of anything I've ever driven. Great electrics and solidly built. I've had other 60's Lincolns, but nothing compares like that Mark II.

[@downhilltwofour0082]

When I was a lad in high-school in 1956, my English teacher gave us an assignment to write what we would like to be doing twenty years from that date. This would include general things like jobs homes etc. I had seen a brand new 1956 Lincoln Continental that week and I was very impressed. So, in my paper I said I would like to be driving a 1956 Lincoln Continental 20 years hence. I remember her gently ridiculing me for my obvious childish dream. In her mind no-one who was successful, would be interested in driving a 20 year old car! I still think it's one of the most beautiful automobiles I've ever seen. The lines are still a work of art!

[@MerleOberon]

I read about Miss Taylor's Mark II years ago, good to know it's still around.

[@jmsiii4751]

One of the nicest cars I've ever seen! I have never seen air conditioning vents on the roof of a car before.

[@OrnumCR]

To the owner of the Continental, a very nice machine, I must say. Your last words about your dad mirror my own experience. I lost my dad at 22, was very close to him and never got to say goodbye. Yeah, that’s something that still stirs deep feelings of loss when I reflect and I’m 49 now. Your car is a beautiful memorial to your dad’s memory.

[@MrRollsRoyce1]

Thank you for the kind words.

[@OrnumCR]

@@MrRollsRoyce1 ….You’re most welcome. Nice to receive a response from a fellow classic car man. Greetings from Australia.

[@washingtonfootballfanwgil8392]

Beautiful car. Beautiful story. Beautiful presentation.

[@a.a.p3254]

One of the most beautiful Continental ever built for one of the most beautiful women the world has ever known. They sure as hell don’t make beauties like Elizabeth Taylor anymore. Had the pleasure of seen her on set in Toronto in the mid 80 ‘s. Just amazing like this Continental.

[@johnmonkus4600]

Timeless styling. It even foreshadows the hopped up rear fenders that was the sixties style.

[@MatSpeedle]

Stunning car and superb video as always! The embodiment of the phrase "They don't make them like they used too"

[@displayfireworks1]

3:26 You can see the exhaust in the fender well. They did this way to keep the car low. Beautiful car.

[@0_O_0001]

Damn, 13:18 to the end got me.

[@FrankiexNYC]

Me too, TA B. :'(

[@lukesylvester2022]

i felt his pain

[@lukeskywalker1840]

A literal work of art. Much different than the trash produced today.

[@yoseppijoe]

Beautiful machine, very touching story

[@saipuakivikaupias]

One of my favorite cars ever created. '56 Continental was absolutely stunning. Would love to see this sort of styling and ingenuity utilized in today's designs.

[@xrmerkur]

The Continental Mark II has the most impressive 126” wheelbase. I think that gives it such a distinctive stance. The design is so original, you can clearly see all other Marks paid homage in one form or another.

[@rwj777]

Vehicles had so much character and sex appeal back in the day, unlike today's vehicles...smh

[@jefferypiotrowski6059]

What a beautifully photographed and edited story of an iconic American classic. Thank you Chris for shedding light on a meticulously maintained Continental. Hollywood certainly had the promo dept running overtime when it came to Liz Taylor. To have seen her in this 'Taylor Blue' beauty must have been a heart stopper back in the day. American coach building at its best from craftsmen who cared.

[@StealthyWolfDaddyWerewolf]

Great story, such a awesome car. I wish Lincoln still made vip cars for vip people like they used to.

[@xKmotx]

Such a beautiful car. I remember seeing these type cars driving around the streets of Los Angeles when I was a child.

[@packrcch]

now I’m obsessed with this color... I have always liked the car but this color is the icing on the cake.

[@Sprocketboy1956]

I watch many auto videos on KZbin and this is the first one of theAFICIONAUTO I have seen. It is exceptional: a beautiful car, an engaging owner, a touching story told superbly. Well done.

[@paulconn5803]

Just saying I could have written your comment. I would add the finest single car video I have seen not just because of the the truly magnificent automobile but also because of a deeper humanity than I have found in most car vids.

[@gollycondas]

A beautiful car so different from the others of its era. Subtle in a world of uber-over chromed road beasts .

[@conniefernandez8135]

The Elizabeth Taylor Continental is Beautiful and Gorgeous just likeElizabeth Taylor ♥️

[@bobpierce115]

Absolutely. I can picture her (in my mind) driving it. Not just in the '50s, but in the early '90s also around the time she did the White Diamonds perfume ads!

[@conniefernandez8135]

Bob Pierce yes! For sure, she has always been so beautiful!

[@noggin48]

Elizabeth Taylor, I'm afraid, always had her ultimate idea of beauty, which was not a car, it was something she could only dream of, that being Montgomery Clift. From the moment she saw him, she fell in love, she wanted to marry him, almost at any cost, but she always gloated on him, right up to the day he died.

[@72Yonatan]

Christopher: From a former student of film history, this is one of the best quality productions that I have seen on KZbin. Well planned and executed, from your choice of subject to interview and for the multiple threads of history that you have woven together here. I nominate you for best quality photography, writing and editing. Your voice as narrator was fitting.

[@charger19691]

Beautiful car. I can see Liz Taylor back in the day driving this amazing automobile and looking incredible. Oh and by the way, Lincoln's and Continentals always rode better than Cadillacs. Period.

[@samschossig334]

Danny Rumbles And they always will! When I bought my first Lincoln, it was over for me. I refuse to drive anything else. I’ve owned seven Lincolns. I love them all. Especially Mark VII LSC’s.

[@charger19691]

Sam Schossig , Cadillacs do not take bumps and potholes as well as a Lincoln. The Lincoln is a more refined driving experience all the way around! Sorry Cadillac.

[@califdad4]

this Continental would out ride a Cadillac of the day, but a regular 56 Lincoln I doubt seriously would out ride a Cadillac, and they sure didn't in the 1990s when I drove both

[@jakereal3604]

Sam I agree! Ive owned a '70 Continental Mark III since 1985 when I was 19, and mom and my Late Father had Mark Vs and I currently use a 1997 Mark VIII LSC as my daily driver. GREAT cars the Mark series were! I was PRAYING that with the launch of the 2017 Continental that Lincoln's sales would jump and that they might used the Mustang platform and give us a Mark IX, a RWD V8 Sports Coupe with all the current technology. Sadly that won't be happening any time soon! : ( So I will drove my wonderful 1997 LSC till the wheels fall off. It's got 309,000 miles on original engine and still purrs!

[@tomhuckabee1402]

Wow! This car set Ford's styling for 30 years. Put the Mustang next to it. You can see the echos of this first sounding. The long hood, short trunk. The round gauges. The valve covers and engine detailing is remarkable. It has always been one of my favorites. I would like to see one of the bags the car can in, I thought it was just a legend.

[@ferlenarab]

The star was a Continental only badge for Lincoln for a few years, then about 1961 all Lincolns were Continentals and used the emblem. The "lesser" Lincolns used a different star. (I had a '58 Premiere with the different star on the hood.)

[@383GARAGE]

Great video mate quite touching story on the guys father in the end 😭😭❤️

[@ms.sonshine8878]

HZ383 To lose a loved one is sad enough but the horror of having a loved one murdered is another.

[@willyboy6126]

Deepest sympathy and much love

[@Scorp308]

I love your videos. The combination of music and cinematography is perfect. What you show is not just the car but the owner as well and their passion.

[@jamesh7571]

Well if this beautiful car isn't going to sweep you off your feet, Christopher definitely will! Excellent presentation indeed 👍

[@Spencer481]

This car makes every scene it's in look like a Art Fitzpatrick advertising in the best way possible.

[@Nicks66Service]

One should not drive this vehicle without first putting on a suit.

[@joshuaherpolsheimer4699]

@Your moms HITACHI Kurt didn't kill himself, just like Jeffrey Epstein

[@joshuaherpolsheimer4699]

@Lucas Cruz yeah he was murdered by the Clintons

[@joshuaherpolsheimer4699]

@Lucas Cruz no I didn't vote for him. I wasn't even registered

[@cardinaloflannagancr8929]

You cannot even spell like yet a billionaire is the idiot? No matter what the political party or race of the president a virus does not care. An identical action being stupid or intelligent isn't any different because of the particular person doing it. There are conspiracy theories abound when any powerful person dies, it is not exclusive to whatever the other political party they were in.

[@geoben1810]

@@joshuaherpolsheimer4699 Josh, stop playing with your mommy's computer and run out and play in traffic with all your little zombie freinds. 😆

[@mostwantedb]

Wow. Elizabeth taylor's.... just when you think you already had the perfect car to go down the road with style. The fact is lizzy just makes it even more perfect. Atta boy men. Exceding the expectations of the viewers.

[@MRP78]

Wow! This channel is on fire! Great editing and perfect interview. Love this car and it's story.

[@BlackCatNoni]

Absolutely stunning car and beautiful story. Enjoyed watching this very much.

[@jimervin387]

A totally inspiring car, just like much of the music of the time. i once won a model kit of this car, made by Revell, which I built and still have. At the time of it's introduction, a small LP record called Continental Echoes was distributed by Ford, I believe. It featured a painting of the car on the cover and I'm happy to have it in my collection.

[@arnepianocanada]

Terrific story, beautifully told. You're a gracious host, and your star subject speaks from his heart right into our hearts. Bravo to you both. 🙏

[@billyodamit8709]

ABSOLUTLY my favorite ride of all time.

[@rvrschrs64]

I'm 77 years old. I became aware of and in love with the Continental MKII from a plastic model kit by Revell. I've had a life long love of great cars, mainly sports and racing cars. But I also can't resist truly elegant luxury cars such as Duesenberg SJ's, Rolls Royces and the ultimate Bugatti Royale. The MKII is certainly in this class and I believe it to be the most beautiful American car since WWII.

[@Mr_Mike_S]

2018 is missing two GREAT things we had in 1956. Liz, and the car we built for her! Despite all her ups and downs, nothing has matched her since. Just like this car! What an amazing story

[@felawes]

What an utterly gorgeous perfect car.

[@RonaldvanderPutten]

You make solid video's sir... Story lines, narration, videography, music, editing.. all world class... every single time!

[@theaficionauto]

Ronald van der Putten thank you so mich

[@RomanAlexander1]

"World class" hardly.... The man is opining on her personal life, WTF.

[@RonaldvanderPutten]

And that was my opinion... however, you can have yours.

[@mu99ins]

Music? You liked the music? It annoying pablum for the under-educated.

[@toddselph5992]

Love the lines of that car. Your videos are nicely done.

[@kimnielsen9332]

I saw one of these junked up in the weeds in Williamsport PA next to an old motel. I cried.....

[@UberLummox]

The passion instilled in this video is more evident than most. Thank you!!! And seeing "Taylor Blue" at dusk in a very dark tone was just heart-meltingly gorgeous...WOW.

[@SupraBdub]

We have one and it's all original. An absolute beauty and so many details. Thanks for the video.

[@jeremycangiano2657]

All of the feels at the end

[@YouDontWannaFightMe]

This car is so beautifully elegant, both inside and out. By seeing this car, you can tell how Lincoln is drawing from their past (while looking to the future) for their new cars. They’re finally going back to offering the opulence of their 50s and 60s cars

[@carlcosola5274]

As noted elsewhere -- like the car the production of the video and the story is superb. Yes, I did subscribe and look forward work to viewing more of your work.

[@nrs6956]

A car as exquisite as Ms Taylor! Thank you.

[@Brad772006]

Beautifully shot and put together Christopher. Glad you document these one of a kind pieces of history such as this Continental. Always enjoy watching your work.

[@samspace81]

I really enjoyed this! Thanks for helping keep these cars alive, rock on brother

[@BigslimDB]

One of the most beautiful cars ever built.

[@yettobseen]

It IS the single most beautiful cars ever. Since I was a kid when I rode my bike past the neighbors house that had a white one parked in the carport, I’ve loved them.

[@ficuswizard945]

Its sad how cars now have just gotten quite shitty

[@dorsk84]

Ficus Wizard It's a simple matter of money. If they built cars like they used to, their sales would plummet. Car companies need people to buy new every 8-10 years.

[@popcultureaddict733]

Today's cars are more reliable. I will probably get 10 or more years out of my 2015 Toyota in daily use. I owned my previous one for 15 years and would still be driving it if somebody hadn't rear-ended me. Quality is much better than an equivalent car of the period. The problem with them is that they are transportation appliances. They don't have personality or verve. The Continental is total elegance and class. A "top of the line" Lexus may be far more advanced, but it's polarizing styling doesn't put it in the same league.

[@deaddoll1361]

It's those shitty passenger and pedestrian safety rules and, in spite of their introduction there are nearly 40,000 deaths a year. If they were still built like in the 50's, with drum brakes, no abs, crossply tyres, boat handling, no seatbelts, no collapsible steering columns etc it'd be over 400,000 now.

[@stevewright4576]

A magnificent car, the most beautiful actress in the world owned it, let's get some unshaven, uneducated dirtbag in a "deep V" tshirt to drive and review it lol.

[@jayxj7785]

A beautiful film for a beautiful car ❤️

[@jmj18462]

What a wonderful video! Your Dad would be very pleased and very proud of you! :)

[@chrislinn4486]

Beautiful car

[@thelifeofodd4908]

Incredible episode. Thank you so much.

[@ivonarutkowski4992]

Just beautiful. Great job Chris. I love it!

[@jakespeed63]

Stunning!!! Getting goosebumps thinking of beautiful Elizabeth behind the wheel

[@Staatus_Quo]

Great work, and a great story both about the car and the owner. But damn, you hit the feels at the end of that. Really made me think of every minute I have with with my kids.

[@dadsc10]

Thank you so much for this video, Beautiful automobile!!!!, im a Lincoln guy, :) I have a 1972 Continental that has been in our family and in storage for many years, all original, Triple black, 60,000 original miles and body paint top and interior is all original and in beautiful condition, But your Lincoln is Stunning :) Great tribute to Elizabeth Taylor and your Dad , Again Thank you :)

[@jrt9]

Very similar to the early tbird body style. They were made in the same facility.

[@Iconoclasher]

That was a nice video. Well made. No irritating Hammerhead music. Beautiful car! Ford really made good looking, timeless cars. In a hundred years that car will still be in style.

[@jadziadax5365]

This car is Simply STUNNING. Elizabeth Taylor's taste was quite Exquisite and Extremely Tasteful. To own and preserve this Car is a really big task to Preserve and Protect a Piece of TinselTown History. Unfortunately, these younger Generations are not familiar with Icons of the Past.....but do not despair, they are learning.

[@CoastalAutoReactionCAR]

Extremely well done thank you.

[@willyboy6126]

Like the lady herself *BEAUTIFUL!* ....and was *very* moved about Robert Ratinoff's tribute to his dear Dad

[@skiingcrocodile2153]

This. Is. freaking. Stunning. The car, the story, the cinematography, absolute eye candy. Well done, you've earned a subscriber in the best way possible

[@theaficionauto]

skiing crocodile thanks so much!!

[@Greatdome99]

The only option on the car was A/C (~$600 in 1956 dollars). Did anyone notice the two ceiling-mounted A/C vents above the driver? The A/C heat exchanger was mounted under the package tray in the trunk, as were all cars of that vintage. Also note the small, flush air inlet for the H/X adjacent to the C-pillar. Cool!

[@servicarrider]

By far, my favorite classic car.

[@moparedtn]

Another beautifully done episode, Chris. All the heartstrings are tugged on this one and I'm left feeling it could have (should have?) been twice as long quite easily. Wonderful car with a perfect steward with the best of motivations - presented with respect. Doesn't get any better than that. :-)

[@gregorytrane7828]

This was perhaps one of the best built cars Ford or any manufacturer ever produced. I remember it well in 1956 as a boy. It cost around $10000 new as I recollect and only the very wealthy could afford them. As a side note I believe Ford actually still lost some money on everyone built and I believe each engine was blue printed and machine balanced for quiet and smooth performance. I think that the fact the styling is timeless and still holds up today is a testimonial to one of America's true icons.

[@fordfairlane662dr]

Color coordinating car to match Liz Taylor. ..Priceless

[@Duececoupe]

....had to come back and watch the video again, top quality....absolutely top quality! 👍🏻👌🏻👏🏻😍

[@Duececoupe]

Maaaaan....I'm glad that I stumbled across your channel, pure class! 👍🏻👌🏻👏🏻😎

[@styldsteel1]

probably the best episode you've done. Thank you.

[@theaficionauto]

styldsteel1 oh wow. Thank you!!

[@santanaramos8181]

your videos are underrated ! AWESOME JOB !!!

[@FSEVENMAN]

Jesus Christ what a stunningly beautiful car had some real tricks up its sleeve too that was a beauty very nice thanks for posting

[@rickyt11]

So sad to hear of your Dad's passing. Thanks for sharing. Great video. 👍

[@tymac3306]

I understand how he feels about losing his Dad too soon and buying this car to feel closer to him. I understand 100%

[@MrEarnbud]

Beautiful color and craftsmanship. Another great video even though its not a "movie" car lol.