1956 Continental Mark II Sedan
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The Mark II was elegantly understated. Its appeal depended not on chrome, but rather flawless quality control, extensive road testing, shocks that adjusted to speed, and power steering, brakes, windows, and seats. At $10,000 it was the most expensive American car you could buy. This particular Mark II was owned by the president of Firestone Tire and Rubber Company, Harvey S. Firestone, Jr.
The Mark II was elegantly understated. Its appeal depended not on chrome, but rather flawless quality control, extensive road testing, shocks that adjusted to speed, and power steering, brakes, windows, and seats. At $10,000 it was the most expensive American car you could buy. This particular Mark II was owned by the president of Firestone Tire and Rubber Company, Harvey S. Firestone, Jr.
Artifact
Automobile
Date Made
1956
Keywords
On Exhibit
at Henry Ford Museum in Driving America
Object ID
73.34.1
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford. Gift of Harvey S. Firestone, Jr.
Material
Metal
Steel (Alloy)
Glass (Material)
Rubber (Material)
Cloth
Leather
Chromium
Color
Black (Color)
Gray (Color)
Dimensions
Diameter: 4 in (Bore)
Length: 3.66 in (Stroke)
Height: 56 in
Width: 77.5 in
Wheelbase: 126 in
Length: 218.4 in
Weight: 4825 lbs
Inscriptions
Front and rear: CONTINENTAL
Specifications
Make & Model: 1956 Continental Mark II sedan
Maker: Ford Motor Company, Dearborn, Michigan
Engine: V-8, overhead valves, 368 cubic inches
Transmission: 3-speed automatic
Height: 56 inches
Wheelbase: 126 inches
Width: 77.5 inches
Overall length: 218.5 inches
Weight: 4825 pounds
Horsepower: 300 at 4800 revolutions per minute
Pounds per horsepower: 16.1
Price: $9,966
Average 1956 wage: $4,342 per year
Time you'd work to buy this car: about 2 years, 4 months
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