1957 Continental Mk II. Gold with tan and cream. 56k miles, one of 444 built! 368 ci/300 HP V8 with Lincoln 3spd automatic. Full instrumentation featuring oil, fuel, temp. gauges and ammeter, with factory tachometer and clock. Power windows including vent windows - power seats, locks and working factory air conditioning! Originally sold in New Mexico, and having been a dry southwestern car most of its life, this rock-solid example has never had any rust or panel damage. This last-year Mk II Continental also benefits from substantial improvements over the 1956 models, including revised cylinder head porting, camshaft design and carburetion changes for more power, and improved steering box and suspension geometry for greatly improved ride and handling. Gorgeous metallic gold paint, combined with soft two-toned leather interior in outstanding condition and wonderful interior trim and exterior chrome, all recently detailed. The inspiration for the first truly new post war Continental was the original limited production V-12 Lincoln Continental of the 1940s, which had been one of the most notable cars of that decade. Just like the pre-war Continental, the post-war reincarnation was popular with the Hollywood and Old Money crowd. Ownership included the likes of Frank Sinatra, Dwight Eisenhower, Nelson Rockefeller and Louie Prima to name just a few. The re-born Continental was designed to recapture the spirit of the great classics of the prewar period - with prices to match. Listing at $10,000, it was as dear as a new Rolls-Royce in 1956 or roughly two fully-loaded, top-of-the-line Cadillacs. The Continental Mark II was almost European in its simplicity of line and understated grace, featuring tastefully restrained use of chrome for the era, and very expensive assembly techniques. Cars were hand-pained with multiple coats of lacquer being wet-sanded and hand rubbed to perfection. Engines were largely hand-built and effectively balanced and blue-printed at Lincoln, with rotating assemblies weighed and matched. Engines and transmissions were then tested and run-in extensively as a pair to provide the best possible performance and smoothness of operation. As a final touch, all Continental Mk IIs were shipped in enclosed transport and delivered in velvet-like car covers. Care and attention during initial assembly have paid off, with nearly half of all cars built accounted for today. Our car is in superb condition, having covered just 56,400 miles since new. Pump the gas and turn the dash-mounted ignition key to start and all 368 cubic inches of hand-built V8 come to life. There is a pleasant, subdued burble through the rear bumper exhausts. Move the gear selector with the slender chromed stalk and youre off. The power builds smoothly and the transmission shifts perfectly as you accelerate right along with modern traffic. Lower the windows with the small chromed buttons on your armrest, and nonchalantly rest your arm on the door top. With the right hat, you could easily be mistaken for Frank, Dwight, Nelson or Louie!