The 1956 Continental Mark II Custom by Moore Brothers Classics combines timeless American luxury with 650-horsepower performance. Beneath its elegant exterior lies a modern powerhouse that transforms this mid-century icon into a refined yet ferocious grand tourer.
From Luxury Icon to Modern Resto-Mod
When Ford launched the Continental Mark II in 1956, it set a new benchmark for American luxury. Built under the short-lived Continental division, it was priced at nearly $10,000, making it the most expensive car in the country. Just 2,550 were produced that year, each hand-assembled with exceptional craftsmanship and understated design.
Despite its prestige, the Mark II remained a rare collector’s choice due to its exclusivity and production cost. Decades later, its design language continues to resonate with enthusiasts who appreciate mid-century elegance and understated opulence.
The Moore Brothers’ Vision
Calvin and Leon Moore of Nashville, Tennessee, saw the potential to reimagine this luxury coupe without losing its original soul. Their goal was to retain the Continental’s dignified appearance while infusing it with contemporary performance and drivability. The result is a stealthy resto-mod that looks nearly stock yet hides serious mechanical upgrades beneath the surface.
Heart of the Build: 650 Horsepower and Modern Engineering
Under the hood sits a Robert Pond Motorsports–built 482-cubic-inch Ford V-8, based on a bespoke aluminum block and paired with a Dynatek Classic Fuel Injection system. The setup produces a claimed 650 horsepower, more than six times the output of the original Mark II. Its eight polished velocity stacks evoke a period-correct look while delivering precise modern performance.
Power is transmitted through a GM 4L80E heavy-duty four-speed automatic transmission, ensuring reliability and smooth delivery. The car’s chassis has been completely reengineered, featuring independent coilover suspension, a Kugel Komponents rear setup, rack-and-pinion steering, and Wilwood four-wheel disc brakes for precise control.
Luxury Cabin, Modern Comforts
Inside, the cabin is swathed in red leather from top to bottom, from the seats to the custom dashboard. Four individual bucket seats, power windows and locks, and polished retro-style gauges add comfort and flair. A Kenwood head unit with CD player completes the blend of classic and modern touches. Everything feels bespoke yet cohesive with the car’s heritage.
Attention to Detail Throughout
The undercarriage is a showpiece on its own, with chromed and polished components set against a powder-coated frame. Service records from 2015 and 2022 note continued upkeep on the transmission and ancillary systems, ensuring both performance and reliability.
Elegance in Motion
The car rides on 17-inch wire wheels wrapped in wide whitewall tires, an homage to the original design but with modern grip and stability. Its subtly lowered stance gives it presence without aggression, while a touch of throttle unleashes the unmistakable sound of big-block thunder.
Summary
This 1956 Continental Mark II Custom by Moore Brothers Classics stands as a masterclass in restrained performance. It honors the original’s elegance while introducing 21st-century power and precision. Offered without reserve at Arizona 2026, it’s a true gentleman’s hot rod, quietly confident, endlessly capable, and beautifully crafted.
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Source: rmsothebys.com
