'56 Continental, Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, or Thunderbird?
Be sure to make your selection.
Of course, please “Reply” to share your comments.
If selection is greater than 2 rank them.
Click on the picture to enlarge the image.
John Bono
North Jersey
I guess, for me, "Which Car?" means which one would I like to own. In this case, the Continental Mk II. Then next would be the Lincoln Premiere, followed by Ford Crown Vic, Merc and then T-Bird. If the T-Bird were a '55 or '57, it would be 3rd., but the Conny Kit is like a hairy mole on a super model's chin.
The Continental is sublime, just gorgeous. Next up Lincoln, then Thunderbird (sans conti kit), Ford and Mercury.
Retired in Dunedin, Florida.
Based on these images, style-wise it's the Lincoln Premiere and Mercury that I find most attractive. I prefer the basic Fairlane to the Crown Vic with its "interesting" but slightly tacky roof treatment. The T-Bird is a classic, of course, and would be fine without those wires and continental kit.
And, I do apologise but I remain defiant in finding the Continental MK II a completely unappealing design, neither thoroughly modern nor distinctively classical, as if a rather elderly 1940s stylist was trying to imagine what 1950's styling details and proportions would be like, and not quite judging it right. I just don't get it. Never will. Sorry.
Graeme.M. Ogg
London U.K.
Everyone's approach to their decision on this comparison would vary of course. I went with ignoring the value/rarity and simply gave priority to which car would give me the most joy to own, based on appearance and use as a daily driver.
In order: Ford; Mercury; Lincoln Premiere, Continental, T-Bird.
The T-Bird would have made out better as generally I love the look, but for me the continental kit ruins it completely.
Thunderbird, Continental, Lincoln, Mercury, then Ford, but there isn’t a poor design in the whole line-up.
Tbird for me. Continental second (although I do understand Graeme’s note). Ford, Mercury and Lincoln but as David said “…there isn’t a poor design in the whole lineup.”
Frank Reed
Chesapeake, VA
@perrone1 Tony, you took the words right off my fingers typing. I agree with your lineup 100%.
Lincoln, Ford, Mercury, Mark II and T-Bird. The Premiere is one of my all time favorite cars followed closely by the Crown Victoria and Mercury Montclair. I know the Mark II is special but it just never turned me on....the T-Bird for 56 is my least favorite of the baby birds.
Premiere, Montclare, Crown Victoria, Thunderbird, Mark II
Ford certainly hit home runs with each of these beauties and I have replicas of each of them. I have some in multiple scales and they are certainly favorites. I don't really mind the external spare on any of these automobiles, so some may have it and some don't.
I voted for the uniquely styled Continental.
The "Continental kit" was standard on all '56 T-Birds, I believe, not a factory option or aftermarket add-on.
Barry Levittan
Long Island, NY
@moe-parr Barry, you're correct re the connie kit on the T-bird.
John Bono
North Jersey
If I could be handed the keys to just one, it's the FORD CROWN VICTORIA. If it wasn't available for my taking, then I'd choose in this order for the rest of them. Lincoln, Mercury, and the other two, I'd pass on them.
George Schire
Oakdale, Minnesota




