Continental Mark II

With the intent of creating a luxurious automobile for the post-war public, Ford Motor Company unveiled its Continental Mark II in 1955 at the Paris Auto Show. Without the era's typical flamboyant use of chrome and bright colors, the Continental Mark II stood out amongst the crowd. Along with its elegantly understated body style, this car featured Scottish leather upholstery, power steering, power brakes, power seats, power vent windows, and the option for factory air. Virtually hand-built, the Mark II sold for $10,000 - just about what one would have spent for a new Rolls Royce! At that price tag, Ford sold little more than 3,000 over a two-year period and actually lost money because of the high production costs. Despite its quick demise, the Continental Mark II succeeded in putting Ford and Lincoln back into the market of high-end, luxury automobiles. Now sought by collectors, it is estimated that about half of all that were made are still around.