The name 'Continental' was inspired by the 1940's Lincoln Continental powered by a large 12-cylinder engine. Bentley had used the name Continental on their model line, adding to the ambiance and prestige. In 1956 the Ford Motor Company formed the Continental Division for the production of the Mark II. Its general manager was William Clay 'Bill' Ford, son of Edsel Ford and grandson of Henry Ford. Many people associated the Continental as a Lincoln because it featured the trademark Lincoln spare-tire hump in the trunk lid and it was sold and serviced at Lincoln dealerships. Many of the mechanical components were courtesy of Lincoln such as the drive train. The Continental Division lasted until 1957 when it was merged with Lincoln and the Continental Mark II was added as Lincoln's flagship model. The name 'Continental' would stay with the Mark line until the introduction of the Mark VII in 1984.The Continental Mark II had an understated beauty; it was elegant without the need to be flamboyant. Unlike the flashy American style of the time, it was very tasteful in its design. It did not use chrome, two-tone paint, or sharp styling cues to accentuate its beauty. At the front was an egg-crate style grille and straight fenders. The hood was long and curvy, perfect for concealing the 6-liter engine. Mounted on the hood and in the back was the four-pointed star that later became Lincoln's emblem. The Lincoln 368 cubic-inch V8 was matted to a Lincoln three-speed automatic transmission. The back had the signature Lincoln spare-tire hidden in the trunk lid. Though sharing many similarities with the Thunderbird, these were completely different machines. The Continentals were mostly hand made; the paint was applied multiple times and then sanded, double-lacquered, and polished.This particular 1957 Continental Mark II was purchased out of a prominent collection in Illinois where it has been since 1983! The paint is all original lacquer with checking through out the vehicle. This is typical of a vehicle of this age. All the bumpers and chrome are original to but are in great shape. This vehicle was said to be used as a comparison to judge other restorations for accuracy. This is an incredibly original car that is still finished in its original color of Naiad Green and is an original A/C car which still works!The interior is also all original and finished in its original colors of two tone green and look nearly perfect. There are no rips or tears and the same goes for the door panels, dash, headliner and carpets. All windows work as well as the power seat, lights, blinkers and horn. The A/C does still blow cool. This vehicle is a true time capsule. A perfect investment for the purist or the alert.Under the hood the vehicle retains the correct 368 CI V8 which is attached to a 3 speed automatic transmission. This vehicle has traveled only 36,699 pampered miles, which is believed to be original for the vehicle. The vehicle runs and drives beautifully.In the trunk the vehicle still retains the original spare, jack and tools with original matting. Seldom does a 1957 Continental come available to the public in this original condition. VIN number is C5601584 and is being sold on a clean Illinois title showing that the previous owner has had the car since 1983. Please call with any questions.