In Havana, there are old vehicles in poor condition that pose a danger to road safety. However, there are also true gems of automotive history that once symbolized luxury and exclusivity. Their current owners keep them in magnificent technical condition.
This is the story of a unique car, a Lincoln Continental Mark II from 1956. There are only three of this model left in Cuba, and one is in pristine condition. According to its current owner, it is the best preserved on the island.
The car arrived in Cuba during its golden age. It cost $10,800, a significant amount of money at the time, so only millionaires or powerful figures could afford it.
“I had known it since 1993, but I couldn't buy it back then because during the Special Period there was no gasoline,” recalls the current owner in a video published on Instagram by Cuba Old Cars (@cubaoldcars). In 2025, there is still no fuel in the country, but this car continues to drive and make history.
Who was the owner of this Lincoln Continental Mark II?
The Lincoln Continental Mark II in this story belonged to Marta Fernández Miranda de Batista (1917-2006), the First Lady of Cuba from 1952 to 1959. She was the second wife of the dictator Fulgencio Batista.
There were only eight vehicles of its kind in the country. After the triumph of the Revolution, the car remained in Cuba while four others were exported and one was destroyed by gunfire.
The current owner recounts that he followed the trail of every Lincoln that existed in Cuba. One of the cars belonged to Batista and was left abandoned in the Presidential Palace, where it was seized by order of Fidel Castro. It ended up smashed in a military unit, although pieces of that car are still preserved, such as the rear windshield.
"These cars entered Cuba as very exclusive because they were extremely expensive," recounts the owner, who acquired the car in 2003. At that time, it was black, and then he painted it red and later ivory white.
A gem of classic automotive engineering
The Lincoln Continental Mark II is a work of art on wheels. It stands out with its two-door coupe body and rigid roof. It still conveys that harmonious blend of elegance, power, and exclusivity.
There is debate among experts about who its designer was; several sources agree that it is the work of Raymond Loewy. However, some claim that the Mark II was not manufactured by Ford's Lincoln division, but by a separate division specifically for Continental.
That area was led by William Clay Ford, son of Edsel Ford and grandson of Henry Ford. William began working at the company after graduating from Yale University in 1949 and spent 57 years leading the firm founded by his grandfather.
The Lincoln Continental Mark II was not a model for mass production. Only 3,005 units were made, assembled almost by hand. They featured a V8 engine of 368 cubic inches, a power output of 285 horsepower, and a three-speed automatic transmission. This car could reach speeds of 185 km/h.
It was the most expensive car manufactured in the United States at the time and competed with models from Rolls-Royce. In Cuba, this model is a true rarity. Of the specimens that arrived, only three survive, and two of them are in poor condition.
The Lincoln Continental Mark II that once belonged to Batista's wife now has an owner passionate about history and automotive culture in Cuba. This circumstance saved it from neglect, and it is now considered one of the most prized gems of classic automotive history on the island.
Frequently asked questions about the Lincoln Continental Mark II and classic cars in Cuba
Who owned the 1956 Lincoln Continental Mark II in Cuba?
The 1956 Lincoln Continental Mark II belonged to Marta Fernández Miranda de Batista, the first lady of Cuba from 1952 to 1959, and wife of the dictator Fulgencio Batista. This car is one of the few remaining on the island and is regarded as a gem of classic automotive design.
How many Lincoln Continental Mark IIs are there in Cuba currently?
Currently, only three Lincoln Continental Mark IIs remain in Cuba. Of these, one is in perfect condition thanks to the effort of its current owner, who has dedicated years to its restoration and maintenance.
What are the features of the 1956 Lincoln Continental Mark II?
The 1956 Lincoln Continental Mark II is a luxury car that features a two-door hardtop coupe body. It was designed by Raymond Loewy and is noted for its elegance and exclusivity. Equipped with a V8 engine of 368 cubic inches and 285 horsepower, this car could reach speeds of 115 mph, competing at its time with models from Rolls-Royce.
Why is the Lincoln Continental Mark II considered an automotive jewel in Cuba?
The Lincoln Continental Mark II is considered an automotive gem in Cuba due to its exclusivity and state of preservation. Of the 3,005 units produced, only a few made it to the island, and today, its rarity and the care it has received make it a cherished treasure of classic automotive history in the country.
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