Elizabeth Taylor’s Custom 1956 Lincoln Continental Mark II
Fit for Hollywood Royalty
This one-of-a-kind 1956 Continental Mark II was commissioned as a gift to the star by Warner Brothers Studio. Its striking exterior color was mixed by hand to reflect and complement Taylor’s famously blue eyes. Inside, the car was custom upholstered in matching blue and white hand-stitched leather.
While it’s uncertain just how much Taylor actually drove the car after receiving it, she was definitely not the only star of the era with a thing for Continentals. Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, Dwight Eisenhower and Nelson Rockefeller all famously owned and drove the cars.
When new, the 1956 Continental cost about $10,000. This made it the most expensive American car money could buy. Even so, Ford reportedly lost about $1,000 on each example of the mostly hand-built vehicle they sold.
A Gallery of American Classics
The big blue 1956 Continental Mark II wasn’t the only rare classic on display at Lincoln’s corner of the auto show floor. The company showed off a truly impressive selection of vehicles spanning several decades. These included a 1929 Lincoln L Dietrich Convertible Coupe, a 1932 Lincoln KB LeBaron Convertible Roadster, a 1937 Lincoln Derham Sport Sedan, a 1937 Lincoln-Zephyr Coupe-Sedan, a 1940 Lincoln Continental Cabriolet, and a 1961 Lincoln Continental Sedan.
Is Lincoln’s Future Uncertain?
Tellingly, Lincoln showed only classic cars at the Los Angeles Auto Show this year. No concept vehicles or upcoming models were on display. While classics like the 1956 Continental evoke the Ford Motor Company’s past glory days with aplomb, they also serve as a reminder of how far the manufacturer’s position has fallen. Though Ford has said they have no plans to shutter Lincoln, the division clearly isn’t in great shape.
Lincolns of today are forgettable “also-rans” in the luxury market segment. They lack direction and character. European and Japanese automakers have long since captured the hearts of most upscale buyers. Perhaps the collection of classic cars recently on display in Los Angeles will help to inspire the creation of a new generation of exciting and memorable Lincolns.
Source:
http://www.wrenches.com/1956-continental-mark-ii-once-owned-by-elizabeth-taylor/