[2] The first (and only) product line of Continental, the Mark II was developed as the worldwide flagship vehicle of Ford Motor Company.

As the most expensive American-produced automobile of the time, the Mark II was marketed against the Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud and the Bentley Continental.

[2][3] Produced solely as a two-door hardtop coupe, the Mark II was largely hand-assembled, sourcing its V8 powertrain from the standard Lincoln line.

The Mark II also debuted the rectangular four-point star emblem, which remains in use on Lincoln-brand vehicles (in modified form) today.

[6][7] Initially meeting with rejection from upper Ford management, in 1953, design work was approved to bring a successor to the Continental to production.

[7] A full-size clay model was approved in June 1953, “subject to minor revisions.” [8] The same year, the two-door luxury segment saw several American-produced vehicles enter production, with the launch of the limited-production Cadillac Eldorado, Buick Skylark, and Oldsmobile 98 Fiesta convertibles by General Motors (coinciding with the launch of the Chevrolet Corvette, as a sports car roadster), the Chrysler C-300 and the Packard Caribbean convertible.

The new car was to include technological advancements and special features which would enhance its value to the customer in terms of comfort, durability, safety, performance, and prestige.

There was to be maximum interchangeability of chassis parts with Lincoln, including engine, transmission, rear axle, and suspension.”[11] While the original Continental coupe sold relatively poorly in contrast to its convertible counterpart, the Special Products Division had set out to introduce a full range of body styles in contrast to the Cadillac Eldorado and Packard Caribbean.

Intended as a successor to the Lincoln Continental, effectively making its predecessor a Mark I, the Continental Mark II made its world debut at the Paris Motor Show in October 1955, a year and eight months after the introduction of the smaller two-passenger Ford Thunderbird personal luxury car (roadster).

[2] The Mark II debuted in the United States at Ford Motor Company headquarters in Dearborn, Michigan.

[10] With a $9,966 base price ($113,352 in 2023 dollars [12]), the Mark II was the most expensive domestic-produced automobile sold in the United States at the time.

To lower its body and to optimize the use of dual exhausts, the Mark II uses a Y-shaped frame designed for the model line.

While the suspension layout itself was largely adapted from the Lincoln model line, to improve the handling and ride of the 5,000 pound vehicle, the Mark II introduced speed-sensitive shock absorbers for the front wheels.

[13] 3-speed automatic While Continental was planned as a three-model range, the Mark II two-door hardtop coupe was the sole model to reach production.

In an extensive contrast to other American luxury cars, the body of the Mark II was conservatively styled, with chrome limited to the bumpers, grille, rocker panels, and window trim.

In a notable departure from both American and European styling precedents, neither tailfins nor pontoon fenders were seen; a swing-away left taillamp hid the fuel cap from view.

[15] In a break from other luxury products offered by competitors, two-tone paint combinations were not available, while privately the customer could be accommodated if the appearance was desired.

In one instance, a transporter truck of Mark IIs was returned to the factory as a gate security guard noticed a paint defect on one vehicle.

For the 1969 model year, Ford Motor Company introduced the Continental Mark III flagship personal luxury car.

In response to the Continental Mark II, General Motors released the Cadillac Eldorado Brougham four-door hardtop.

The first four-door Eldorado, the Brougham was fitted with rear-hinged coach doors, a stainless-steel roof, additional lower chrome body trim, and four front headlights.

More conservatively styled than its predecessor, the second-generation Eldorado Brougham previewed many design features introduced on early 1960s Cadillacs (including smaller tailfins).

In contrast to its predecessor, the new generation shared greater commonality with the standard Eldorado, though air conditioning, automatic high beams, and cruise control remained.

[23] The Continental Mark II was featured in the 1956 film High Society, starring Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, Grace Kelly, and Louis Armstrong.

After its sale to George Barris, the 1955 Lincoln Futura concept car (which used a Mark II chassis and powertrain) was converted to become the Batmobile for the namesake 1960s TV series.