From the Driver’s Seat - Our team’s personal take on what makes this classic stand out
THE ESSENTIALS
This 1956 Continental Mark II is a beautiful example finished in white over a two-tone green interior and is in overall great condition! The 368ci V8 is paired with an automatic transmission, power steering, and power brakes, with factory air conditioning. Exterior, chrome, interior, and upholstery are all in great overall condition. This is an ideal car for preservation, touring, and regional shows.
The Continental Mark II was produced by Ford’s short-lived Continental Division for just two model years, 2,550 in 1956 and 444 in 1957. These were largely hand-assembled and sold at a deliberate loss as Ford’s worldwide flagship, placing it directly above Cadillac and Packard in intent and price. This example was purchased new by Mr. William “Bill” Haast who was the founder of the Miami Serpentarium, renowned herpetologist, and one of the more extraordinary figures of twentieth-century America. The Continental left the factory in Light Blue and was repainted white during Mr. Haast’s ownership, keeping with his well-documented personal trademark of dressing exclusively in white throughout his adult life. Mr. Haast enjoyed the Continental until his passing at age 100 in 2011. It was then acquired by the current family in 2020 and recommissioned after years in a climate-controlled garage.
The Mark II was repainted white in 2023 and presents in great overall condition with a clean and bright finish that carries the commanding presence you expect from this body style. Chrome and brightwork throughout are in great overall condition. The Mark II rides on Coker whitewalls on 15in steel wheels, which suit the white exterior beautifully. Headlights, turn signals, taillights, and windshield wipers are all in working order.
The interior is finished in a two-tone light and dark green leather and presents in great overall condition. Wear is present and consistent with a Mark II that was genuinely enjoyed during its active years, but there are no tears or cracks anywhere in the upholstery, which is impressive for a car of this age! Power windows are fitted and both driver and passenger sides operate correctly. The dashboard gauges including speedometer, tachometer, engine temperature, ammeter, and fuel gauge are all functioning. The Mark II has air conditioning, radio, and windshield wipers in working order.
The 368ci V8 is carbureted and paired with an automatic transmission, with power steering and power brakes. Between 2020 and 2021 the Mark II received a thorough recommissioning including a carburetor rebuild, engine master gasket set replacement, starter motor replacement, and new spark plug wires. The fuel tank was cleaned, the filler hose replaced, and the front wheel cylinders were serviced with a new hose kit installed. The vacuum heater valve was replaced, the left tail light assembly was replaced, and all fluids were changed throughout. Air conditioning, heater, defrost, fan, and vents are all functioning. A hose has been clamped off at the firewall to reduce heat intrusion into the cabin. Battery is 12V with alternator charging. Odometer reads 87,458 miles.
For more information and details, please call or text Kendi Brown at +1.623.404.9042 or email us at sales@classicpromenade.com. This 1956 Continental Mark II is available for inspection at our showroom in Phoenix. We are pleased to offer FaceTime or WhatsApp live video inspections, and we help coordinate shipping worldwide. We also have financing partners if you are interested in financing.




















































































































































































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