Lincoln Continental II

The Continental II was Lincolns attempt to move even further up market by developing a kind if ultimate luxury car. Steeping aside from the vulgarity of most of Detroit’s mid fifties production the Continental II had almost European styling and elegant, simple detailing, of its contemporaries, its measurements coming in at 218 inches in length.

Excellence was another subject of the Continental II. Every car was practically hand built with endless layers of coat. Engines were specifically dynometer tested and the whole thing was torqued down to aircraft standards. Each Continental, built at a rate of just 13 per day, was shipped in a special fleece lined canvas to ensure that the car arrived in pristine condition.

To protect the car’s image specially selected dealers were expected to sell the Continental to the right kind of customer. There were under very strict instructions not to sell any to gangsters or other undesirables. Even at $10,000, buyers jostled for position in the waiting list and some cars were sold for as much as $1000 over list price. It was a position that didn’t last too long though.

The Mark II was a money loser for Ford (who owned Lincoln) and there simply were not enough buyers with requisite cash. Rolls Royces came cheaper and had a better pedigree. Thus the elegant Continental II lasted just a couple of period and was plummeted to make way for a good deal additional classy breakdown the Edsel.