1956 Continental Mark II

"The Continental Mark II is the work of master craftsmen. In every detail, it represents the determination of the Ford Motor Company to create a motor car finer than any that America has ever known."

We don't know if the chofer of this Continental Mark II is aware of the jewel that he owns. 50 years did a lot to change the appearance of the "American Rolls Royce": the hood and the front grille have been replaced with modified parts of a russian Wolga, and there is not much left of the sheer elegance that once surrounded the most expensive car of the U.S.

With the Continental Mark II, Ford presented the ultimate luxury car: simple and graceful lines outside, finest materials inside and a price of 10.000$ kept a clear distance even to the most expensive Cadillacs. Unlike its predecessor, Ford didn't even sell it as a Lincoln Continental, but created the exclusive "Continental Division" until 1960, when the Continental became a Lincoln again. Despite the public attraction that accompanied the presentation, the market for a 10.000$-car was too small, even in the U.S., and already after two years the Continental Mark II was replaced by the (4000$ cheaper) Continental Mark III.

But certainly nobody cares for all this here in the cuban countryside, as long as the car is running good and doesn't create too many problems...