What type of car is Mark II?
The name Mark II does not refer to a single vehicle; it’s a designation used by multiple manufacturers. The two most well-known examples are the Jaguar Mark II, a classic mid-size luxury saloon from the 1950s–60s, and the Toyota Mark II, a Japanese mid-size sedan lineage that began in 1968 and persisted through numerous generations.
Overview of the most notable Mark II models
Below is a concise look at the two primary Mark II interpretations that have historical and cultural significance in the automotive world.
- Jaguar Mark II (1959–1967): A rear‑wheel‑drive, mid‑size luxury saloon from Jaguar Cars, celebrated for its refined ride, respectable performance, and appeal to both buyers and enthusiasts in the classic British car scene.
- Toyota Mark II (introduced in 1968; lineage continued in Japan through multiple generations): A Japanese mid‑size sedan that evolved alongside the Crown family, often sold with siblings like the Chaser and Cresta, and known for reliability and versatility in its various generations.
These two examples illustrate how the Mark II badge has been applied to different vehicle concepts: a stylish, driver‑focused British sedan on one hand, and a practical, long‑running Japanese family car on the other.
In-depth look at each Mark II
Jaguar Mark II (1959–1967)
The Jaguar Mark II was introduced as a successor to Jaguar’s earlier sedans and became one of the brand’s most enduring classic models. Built on a sturdy chassis with independent rear suspension, it offered multiple engine options, including 2.4-liter, 3.4-liter, and 3.8-liter inline-six choices. The car was lauded for its refined ride, elegant styling, and balance between comfort and performance. Over time, it became popular with private buyers, collectors, and even law enforcement agencies, cementing its status in British automotive history.
Toyota Mark II (1968–present lineage in Japan)
The Toyota Mark II began in 1968 as a more upscale variant within Toyota’s Corona family, evolving through many generations. In Japan, it developed a distinctive ecosystem alongside the Cresta and Chaser, sharing platforms and mechanics while offering its own sedan-focused packaging. The Mark II became a staple of Japanese mid-size motoring, known for reliability, practical design, and, in sportier or performance‑oriented trims in later years, a degree of enthusiast appeal. The name gradually phased into newer branding in the 2000s, with later models effectively bridging to newer Toyota lines in the Japanese market.
Bottom line
Mark II is a multifaceted badge rather than a single car. Its most enduring stories belong to Jaguar’s 1959–1967 luxury saloon and to Toyota’s long-running Japanese mid‑size sedan lineage starting in 1968. Each reflects a different approach to the “Mark II” concept—one rooted in classic British luxury, the other in practical reliability and regional branding within Japan.
Summary
To answer succinctly: Mark II denotes more than one car nameplate. The two most prominent examples are the Jaguar Mark II, a classic mid-size luxury saloon from the late 1950s to the mid-1960s, and the Toyota Mark II, a Japanese mid-size sedan lineage that began in 1968 and continued through many generations, often alongside siblings like the Chaser and Cresta. The label highlights how carmakers reuse model designations to signal different market positions across eras.
What is a Mark II car?
The Toyota Mark II (Japanese: トヨタ・マークII, Hepburn: Toyota Māku Tsū) is a compact, later mid-size sedan manufactured and marketed in Japan by Toyota between 1968 and 2004.
How much is a Toyota Mark 2 worth?
Q: What is the lowest sale price of a Toyota Mark II? A: The lowest recorded sale price was $5,555 for a 1997 Toyota Mark II Grande on Aug 15 2023. Q: What is the average sale price of a Toyota Mark II? A: The average price of a Toyota Mark II is $12,313.
Was the Toyota Mark 2 sold in the US?
The Toyota Mark II is a mid-size sedan that was first introduced in 1968. It was designed to be a more luxurious and upscale version of the Toyota Corona, with a larger body and more advanced features. The Mark II quickly became popular in Japan and was also exported to other countries, including the United States.
Is the Mark II a luxury car?
The Continental Mark II is an ultra-luxury coupé that was sold by the Continental Division of Ford for the 1956 and 1957 model years. The first (and only) product line of Continental, the Mark II was developed as the worldwide flagship vehicle of Ford Motor Company.
