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This 1956 Chris-Craft is a 20′ Continental model that is constructed of mahogany and was first sold by the Tahoe Boat Company. Named Lago Del Cielo, the vessel was reportedly acquired by its previous owner in 1959 and has been restored more than once. Power is from a Chris-Craft MCL straight-six, and the cockpit features tan upholstery, a white vinyl floor, and a starboard-side helm. The boat has been shown at the Lake Tahoe Concours d’Elegance and was donated in 2003 to the seller, the Tahoe Maritime Museum. This Chris-Craft is now being sold at no reserve in Carson City, Nevada, with a clean California title in the museum’s name.

No Reserve: 1956 Chris-Craft 20' Continental

Measuring 20′ long and 89″ wide, the boat features a varnished exterior with metal rub rails, trim, and emblems. The hull and deck are constructed of mahogany, and Lago del Cielo is painted on the transom along with the port of call, Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco. Close-up photos of the wooden planks and fasteners are included in the gallery.

No Reserve: 1956 Chris-Craft 20' Continental

A raked split windscreen is mounted at the front of the cockpit, which is equipped with tan upholstery on its two bench seats and engine cover. The interior of the cockpit is lined in wood planking, and the previous owner added a door in the forward bulkhead for access to the interior of the bow. Two life jackets and a life ring come with the boat.

No Reserve: 1956 Chris-Craft 20' Continental

The black, automotive-style steering wheel is equipped with a chrome horn ring. A forward/reverse shifter comes up through the floor. Black upholstery surrounds the instrumentation, which includes a reverse-sweep 4k-rpm tachometer along with a temperature gauge, ammeter, oil pressure gauge, and fuel level indicator. A parabolic mirror is affixed to the top of the dashboard, and a Kidde Kompact VI fire extinguisher is mounted beneath.

No Reserve: 1956 Chris-Craft 20' Continental

The Chris-Craft MCL straight-six produced 175 horsepower when new and was reportedly rebuilt by Jack Phelan during previous ownership. The flathead engine has approximately 2,500 hours of runtime and turns a single propellor. A video of the engine starting after fuel was poured directly into the carburetor can be viewed here.

No Reserve: 1956 Chris-Craft 20' Continental

The red finish on the underside is peeling, and the prop and single rudder can be seen in the photo above. The boat has not been in the water since it was donated to the museum in 2003. Additional photos of the bottom are attached in the gallery below.

Auction Result

Winning Bid USD $13,000 by OReillysGarage
Auction Ended August 18, 2020 at 2:14PM PT
Bids 31
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BaT Essentials

Seller: Tahoe_Boats
Listing Details
  • Chris-Craft Hull #: CL-20-163
  • 20' Continental Model
  • 20' Long and 89" Wide
  • Mahogany Construction
  • Older Restoration
  • Varnished Exterior
  • Tan Upholstery
  • Chris-Craft MCL Straight-Six
  • Shown in the Lake Tahoe Concours d’Elegance
Private Party or Dealer: Private Party
Lot #35294