The 1956 Continental Mk II. The Ford Motor Company’s Continental Division produced this personal luxury car between 1956-1957 in an attempt to build a post WWII car to rival the greatest of the pre-War era, including anything produced in Europe. Its short life span makes it one of the rare and elegant classics of the time, marketed as the Continental and comprising the most luxurious and elegant American car available. Designed by Bill Schmidt and assembled in Michigan, the car only appeared as a 2-door hardtop.