USA vs USA — 1956 vs 1969
| Continental Mark II Mark II | Continental Mark III 460 V8 | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 285 hp | 365 hp |
| Torque | 385 lb-ft | 490 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 6,031 cc | 7,538 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 11.5 sec | 8.5 sec |
| Top Speed | 115 mph | 122 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 18.0 sec | 16.0 sec |
| Weight | — | 4,760 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 3,048 mm | 2,972 mm |
| Length | 5,461 mm | 5,518 mm |
| Units Produced | 2,994 | 79,131 |
| Original MSRP | — | $7,091 |
| Value (Excellent) | $80,000 | $45,000 |
| Collectibility | 5/10 | 7/10 |
| Rarity | 7/10 | 4/10 |
The 1969 Lincoln Continental Mark III 460 V8 emerges ahead in most objective measures, offering more power, quicker acceleration, higher top speed. The 1956 Lincoln Continental Mark II Mark II counters with greater rarity, but the numbers favor its rival. Still, both are remarkable machines, and the final choice often comes down to which driving experience speaks to you.
The Lincoln Continental Mark II lineage tells a fascinating story of automotive evolution. Comparing the 1956 Lincoln Continental Mark II Mark II with the 1969 Lincoln Continental Mark III 460 V8 reveals how Lincoln refined and reimagined one of its most important nameplates over the years. The 1969 Lincoln Continental Mark III 460 V8 holds a clear advantage in raw power with 365 hp compared to 285 hp, a 80-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1969 Lincoln Continental Mark III 460 V8 edges ahead at 8.5 seconds versus 11.5 seconds. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 2,994 units built, the 1956 Lincoln Continental Mark II Mark II is considerably scarcer than the Lincoln Continental Mark III's 79,131 examples. On the collector market, the 1956 Lincoln Continental Mark II Mark II commands a significant premium over the 1969 Lincoln Continental Mark III 460 V8, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity. From a collectibility standpoint, the 1969 Lincoln Continental Mark III 460 V8 rates higher among enthusiasts and auction houses.