If asked what has always been the top of the line flagship automotive division of Ford Motor Company, most folks would instantly say "Lincoln." However, for a brief period of time, that role was usurped by the establishment of the Continental Division of Ford, which was intended to create automobiles far more luxurious and sophisticated than the cheaper relics to be offered by Lincoln. The Continental Division produced the highly distinguished Continental Mark II in 1956 and briefly in 1957.
The Continental Mark II was a hand built masterpiece and cost over $10,000--the price of two Cadillacs of that era. It was a two-door hardtop with tasteful European styling coupled with an eggshell grill similar to that of the 1955 Thunderbird. The two and a half ton body was painted with multiple coats of hand-sanded lacquer and then polished to an extraordinary shine. Each engine and transmission was blueprinted with individually inspected and fitted components, and each vehicle was extensively test-driven before being approved for sale. Despite the high price of the automobile, Ford still lost $1,000 on every sale, but it did so gladly for the favorable publicity that the product engendered.
Only 3,000 were manufactured, and most of these ended up in the possession of movie stars or high-level corporate executives. Some of the proud owners included Elvis Presley, Elizabeth Taylor, Frank Sinatra, and the Shah of Iran. About 1,500 Continental Mark IIs still exist in the hands of extremely lucky collectors.
Finally, it is understandable why many folks mistakenly believe that the Mark II was a Lincoln product. For one thing, it was distributed through Lincoln dealers. In addition, in 1948, Lincoln had its own model called a "Lincoln Continental Mark I," and in later years, Lincoln again adopted the Continental name and gunsight hood ornament for other Lincoln products.
To see a Mark II in action, click on the following video by Rides with Chuck.
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