2339 - 56 mark 2

[maxy]

I have recently bought a 56 mark 2 and I need to decode the plate. Serial number is c56c2339. The next number is 14-1g6k-110-15. Then 2 60-a. Can someone direct me to a site where I can decode it? Thank you

[Barry Wolk]

If you're looking for parts or service information you won’t find any parts listed anywhere for a Mark 2, nor a MKII. That silly nomenclature didn't start until much later.

Use the search tool using the last 4 digits of your serial number for the information Pat has accumulated for your car.

[maxy]

The car is yellow and was owned by a music legend and was just wondering what I stumbled upon.

[maxy]

Typed it in and nothing was found. I think this is the first time it's ever been sold.

[Barry Wolk]

https://www.markiiforum.com/showthread.php?2796-2945-Brigadier-General-Franklin-S-Henley-SC-Last-Known-Owner-1999-Florida&highlight=2339

[maxy]

Thank you for the info Mark, but when I go to the link it says I don't have access to that page.

[jdsnoddy]

Woohoo! Another one found! No forum history on 2339 since new. Welcome to the forum! Please post pics. We love love love pics. Pat Marshall can hook you up with a factory invoice and/or production order. Again, welcome.
No front bumper guards and no factory A/C.

Default 2339 - No History Found After Original 1956 California Dealer
VIN: C56C2339
SPEC: 14-1G6K
PROD ORDER NO: 1430
ENG#: ???? BODY TAG NO: ????
DSO NO: NONE
DSO DETAILS: NONE
NAMEPLATE: ????
*
OWNER INFORMATION:
Invoice Date: 1/11/56
Date Shipped: 1/12/56
Tupman Motors
3330 S. Figueroa Street
Los Angeles 7, California
Customer: No Name

1957-Present No History Found

OTHER INFORMATION
Original Invoice Specifications - 14 1G6K
Continental Color: White
Trim: Medium Gray Leather Seat Biscuits, White Leather Seat Bolsters w/Medium Gray Welts
Tinted Glass
Firestone Tire Size: 8:00x15 4 Ply
15 GAL GAS, 6 QTS OIL, 12.5 QTS. ANTI-FREEZE
Invoice Amount: N/A

[maxy]

So the exterior was white when new John?

[maxy]

I have put a refundable deposit down and with no A/C and if it was originally white, I might pass on it. His asking price of 27 grand would be too high.

[Barry Wolk]

Color changes are very common for Mark IIs. They were a rich person's car. As fashions and decorations changed, so did the colors of most Mark IIs. I don't see where a color change affects value. However, the color you choose certainly makes a difference. There are very few cars that are worth more because they left a famous person's DNA on the seat.

Buying a Mark II truly is the best value.

[maxy]

I agree about the person that owned it increasing the value. I put zero value being added in this case. It was Peggy Lee's car it's entire life. The elderly man that owns it now is really sick and needs the money. Still think 27 is too high. I recently saw one for sale that Roy Clark owned and it's still for sale. I think he is asking 96. I am a huge Roy Clark fan so that car would get a little boost from me. But, may not get a second look from a Metallica fan. Not a big fan of yellow on this 56. I would have left it white. I guess that's why they make chocolate and vanilla.

[jdsnoddy]

Affirmative. White was the original color; but if you have to ask this question, that means the trunk, engine bay and door jambs and tire rims were painted the new color.
I'm with Barry on this one, a well done color change doesn't necessarily reduce the value unless it was a DSO by very famous person (ie Elizabeth Taylor's DSO Blue to match her eyes.)
Hopefully no one would buy Elizabeth Taylor's car and change the color; as the color is an important part of the history of the car.

I vaguely remember seeing 2339 on CL; I wasn't particularly crazy about the yellow color.

As to the Roy Clark car, offer them $60,000 and see what they say. I feel as if they don't have the slightest idea the true market value of that car. I personally feel it is significantly less than $96,000. It's a car which was restored scores ago.

There's a very fine deep blue F/S at BJ Houston, 3256.
That's my favorite. No reserve.

And a fine black car with white interior at Mecum Chattanooga lot#18, 2265. No reserve. Sold sold sold $11,000.

As always, personally inspect any car before purchase.
Good luck.

[maxy]

I know you said it didn't have the factory air John, but he did say it had front and rear air. Possible that it was added later?

[jdsnoddy]

Affirmative aftermarket AC. Factory AC had the vents in the headliner. We know by the tire size 8.00 that 2339 wasn't a factory AC car.

[maxy]

So I found out the car needs the trans rebuilt and the paint job is 30 years old and not the original color. It does have aftermarket air. It's here locally but I can't get to 27 grand asking price. Anyone have a opinion on what it's worth?

[jdsnoddy]

So, if it runs, drives, brakes and steers, the frame is solid and minimal Bondo, low twenties. Anything more than surface rust, just walk away.

It was advertised on CL since June 2022.
I'd offer him 19 and wait for his response.

It seems to me that you're not that far apart.

[maxy]

The trans needs rebuilding and the A/C doesn't work. I'm not even comfortable at 19. I think I will just walk away and let someone else deal with the never ending problems on this car. I have his number if you know anyone wanting to make contact with him. Thanks for all the info John.

[jdsnoddy]

You're welcome. I understand your concern. You could always just offer wherever you feel most comfortable.

It also has wire wheels; the original wheel covers could cost $3000 or more.

I will say that it is common issue in a 65+ year old vehicle for the AC to be inoperable. AC is dependent on hoses and seals which age and fail over time. Any vehicle of this era, at any price point, may have a faulty AC. And at this particular price point, it is almost a certainty.

You will be money ahead by buying the very best car you can afford. Buy a complete, or nearly complete car, minimal surface rust and solid driver. Good luck.

Hit us back if you have any more questions.

[Shelly Harris]

I will throw in this...a car that runs , drives good, nice paint and body and has all body and engine parts (wheels hjub caps) and most functions operable (not the radio, antenna or A/C) is well worth a range of $35K to 45 K. depending on the variables. EVERYTHING working and VERY NICE is at least a $60 K car. Unless your taking advantage of a widow, forget hooking up with a nice running and looking complete car anywhere in the 20s or 30s. Less then $20k gets you a car needing work...lots of it.

[Barry Wolk]

I will throw in this...a car that runs , drives good, nice paint and body and has all body and engine parts (wheels hjub caps) and most functions operable (not the radio, antenna or A/C) is well worth a range of $35K to 45 K. depending on the variables. EVERYTHING working and VERY NICE is at least a $60 K car. Unless your taking advantage of a widow, forget hooking up with a nice running and looking complete car anywhere in the 20s or 30s. Less then $20k gets you a car needing work...lots of it.

Best advice of the day. There is no such thing as a cheap Mark II. The least expensive turn out the be the ones the previous owner put big money into.

[Pat Marshall]

What John, Shelly and Barry said...RIGHT ON!!!

[jdsnoddy]

Another option could be 3727. There is a car in Indiana asking $28,000 (no affiliation) and I don't have any info other than what I read in the ad..
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/580356336896423/
3727 is a factory AC car and does have all the wheel covers. Needs brakes.
Naturally, if this works for you, you can always make them an offer. Good luck. John

PS 3727 looks as if has some surface rust on the right rear quarter panel. Check the frame for rust.

[jdsnoddy]

So true, so true, so true.
So to make Shelly's point, please see the auction results of Mecum Chattanooga yesterday. 1010 sold for $2,200 that is a parts car; 2265 sold $11,000 which is considered a project; 2440 sold $27,500 which is considered a car.

Update 4/3/24 now asking $30,000 for 2339

[Bryan Moran]

Barry,

I find the knowledge of who the original owner was to be of high interest in the purchase of a Mark II. I once looked to purchase a Mark II project car out of Arizona and found the original owner to have the same last name as I do. If I remember correctly, he also died in a famous airplane crash in New York City Harbor, but that is going off memory.

He certainly was not Elizabeth Taylor famous, but the provenance has always interested me on the Mark II's.

[Knickoliss Iv]

I agree Byan. Original ownership of a Mark II is important to many, especially celebrity owned and it shows when the car is sold. I'm happy to be able to know who mine was even though it wasn't celebrity owned.