USA vs UK — 1956 vs 1950
| Continental Mark II Mark II | Mk IX 3.8 Automatic | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 285 hp | 220 hp |
| Torque | 385 lb-ft | 240 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 6,031 cc | 3,781 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 11.5 sec | 11.3 sec |
| Top Speed | 115 mph | 115 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 18.0 sec | 17.8 sec |
| Weight | — | 3,920 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 3,048 mm | 3,048 mm |
| Length | 5,461 mm | 4,953 mm |
| Units Produced | 2,994 | 10,009 |
| Original MSRP | — | $5,100 |
| Value (Excellent) | $80,000 | $80,000 |
| Collectibility | 5/10 | 6/10 |
| Rarity | 7/10 | 5/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1956 Lincoln Continental Mark II Mark II brings more power, greater rarity to the table, and the 1950 Jaguar Mk IX 3.8 Automatic answers with quicker acceleration, stronger collectibility. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.
The rivalry between USA and UK automotive industries has produced legendary matchups, and the 1956 Lincoln Continental Mark II Mark II versus 1950 Jaguar Mk IX 3.8 Automatic is among the most fascinating. These two cars represent the best of their national engineering schools. The 1956 Lincoln Continental Mark II Mark II holds a clear advantage in raw power with 285 hp compared to 220 hp, a 65-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Lincoln Continental Mark II uses a V8 OHV displacing 6,031 cc, while the Jaguar Mk IX relies on a Inline-6 DOHC with 3,781 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1950 Jaguar Mk IX 3.8 Automatic edges ahead at 11.3 seconds versus 11.5 seconds. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 2,994 units built, the 1956 Lincoln Continental Mark II Mark II is considerably scarcer than the Jaguar Mk IX's 10,009 examples. Both trade at comparable values on the collector market, making the choice between them largely one of personal preference.