1956 Lincoln Continental Mark II: The Luxury Car's Cuban Legacy

In Havana, it's common to see vintage cars in disrepair, posing a threat to road safety. Yet, among these relics, there are gems from the automotive world that once symbolized luxury and exclusivity. Their current owners maintain them in pristine condition. One such vehicle is the 1956 Lincoln Continental Mark II. Of this model, only three remain in Cuba, with one in immaculate condition. According to its current owner, it's the best-preserved example on the island.

This car arrived in Cuba during its golden era. Back then, it was priced at $10,800—a significant amount, affordable only to millionaires or influential figures. "I knew about it since 1993 but couldn't purchase it due to the lack of gasoline during the Special Period," recalls the current owner in a video posted on Instagram by Cuba Old Cars (@cubaoldcars). Despite the ongoing fuel shortages in 2025, this car continues to run and make history.

A Glimpse into the Past: Who Owned This Lincoln Continental Mark II?

This particular Lincoln Continental Mark II was owned by Marta Fernández Miranda de Batista (1917-2006), Cuba's First Lady from 1952 to 1959 and the second wife of dictator Fulgencio Batista. At the time, there were only eight of these cars in the country. After the Revolution, the car remained in Cuba, with four others exported and one destroyed by gunfire.

The current owner traced the history of every Lincoln in Cuba. One such car, belonging to Batista, was abandoned at the Presidential Palace and later confiscated under Fidel Castro's orders. It ended up wrecked at a military unit, though parts of it, like the rear windshield, have been preserved. "These cars were incredibly exclusive when they entered Cuba due to their exorbitant cost," notes the owner, who purchased the vehicle in 2003. Initially black, the car was later painted red and then ivory white.

An Icon of Classic Automotive Elegance

The Lincoln Continental Mark II is a masterpiece on wheels. Its two-door coupe with a hardtop exudes a perfect blend of elegance, power, and exclusivity. There is debate among experts about its designer, with some attributing it to Raymond Loewy. However, others contend that the Mark II wasn't produced by Ford's Lincoln division but rather by a separate division solely for Continental. This division was led by William Clay Ford, son of Edsel Ford and grandson of Henry Ford. William began his career at the company after graduating from Yale University in 1949 and spent 57 years at the helm of the firm his grandfather founded.

The Lincoln Continental Mark II was never meant for mass production. Only 3,005 units were made, all meticulously assembled by hand. It boasted a 368-cubic-inch V8 engine, delivering 285 horsepower with a three-speed automatic transmission, capable of reaching speeds of 185 km/h. It was the most expensive car manufactured in the United States at the time, rivaling Rolls-Royce models. In Cuba, this model is a true rarity. Of the few that arrived, only three survive, with two in poor condition.

The Lincoln Continental Mark II that once belonged to Batista's wife is now owned by someone passionate about Cuban history and automobiles. This passion saved it from neglect, making it one of the most cherished classic cars on the island today.