A Look Inside The Continental Mark II, One Of History's Most Legendary Automobiles

Luxury On Wheels

There are cars and then, there are ultra-legendary automobiles. The very definition of elegance. You will get to know about one such timeless luxury in this article. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about The Continental Mark II.

Jayne Mansfield

Ford's Ultra-Luxury Flagship

The Continental Division of Ford sold the Continental Mark II for the 1956 and 1957 model years. This first (and only) Continental product line was created as Ford Motor Company's global flagship car. Many prominent personalities, like the 34th US President, Dwight D. Eisenhower, have owned it.

Continental_Mark_II

Rex Gray, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Reviving The Lincoln Continental Legacy

The Mark II was developed as a successor to the 1939–1948 Lincoln Continental. As the priciest American-produced automobile of its era, it was positioned to compete with the Bentley Continental and the Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud. This two-door hardtop coupe was made largely by hand. 

Lincoln Continental 1939

Lincoln Continental 1939 by King Rose Archives

How It Came Into Existence

Ford built the Mark II at Allen Park Body and Assembly in Allen Park, Michigan. After the Mark II was discontinued, the facility was turned into the headquarters of the doomed Edsel brand. It is still used today as the Ford Pilot Plant.

Continental_Mark_II

Greg Gjerdingen, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

The Debut

The Continental Mark debuted at the Paris Motor Show in October 1955, one year and 8 months after the Ford Thunderbird personal luxury car (roadster), a two-passenger vehicle. The debut took place at the Ford Motor Company headquarters in Dearborn, Michigan, United States. 

Continental_Mark_II

Morven, CC BY 3.0, Wikimedia Commons