The British Rail Mark 1 coaches were not suitable for higher speed rail services, with the Mark 1 coaches being a perfect compliment for steam locomotives which saw themselves being replaced by diesel and electric locomotives as the 1960s progressed. The Mark 2 coach was introduced in 1964 and was all steel. While the Mark 2 was a progression of the Mark 1, the two shared almost no common parts, and only a passing resemblance.

In service, the Mark 2 coaches were commonly seen in the BR Blue and Grey livery and Network South East colours. The coaches were mainly hauled by larger express diesel and electric locomotives such as the Class 40, 47 and 86. As of 2022, the only Mark 2 coaches still in service are those that are part of the Network rail fleet.

The Mark 2 E coaches were fitted with luggage racks opposite the toilets at the end of each coach. The toilets themselves were reduced in size from the preceding variants. The gangway doors on Mark 2 E coaches were cream folding doors of a plastic construction.