USA vs USA — 1981 vs 1956
| Town Car Cartier Edition | Continental Mark II | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 239 hp | — |
| Torque | 285 lb-ft | — |
| Engine Size | 4,601 cc | 6,030 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 8.3 sec | — |
| Top Speed | 115 mph | — |
| ¼ Mile | 16.5 sec | — |
| Weight | 4,168 lbs | — |
| Wheelbase | 2,990 mm | — |
| Length | 5,556 mm | — |
| Original MSRP | $47,915 | — |
| Value (Excellent) | $18,000 | — |
| Collectibility | 4/10 | 5/10 |
| Rarity | 2/10 | 5/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1981 Lincoln Town Car Cartier Edition brings its unique character to the table, and the 1956 Lincoln Continental Mark II answers with stronger collectibility. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.
Lincoln has long offered a diverse lineup, and comparing the 1981 Lincoln Town Car Cartier Edition with the 1956 Lincoln Continental Mark II highlights the breadth of the marque's engineering philosophy. Both cars represent compelling choices in their respective segments. Each of these machines offers a unique window into the era that produced it, making both worthy of consideration by collectors and drivers alike.