65 Lincoln Continental Convertible

1965 Lincoln Continental Convertible Serial #5Y86N429518
HISTORY:

In 1961 Lincoln introduced the fourth generation of the Continental to rave reviews. It was a dramatic departure from all previous Lincolns and formed the foundation for that marques unprecedented success for the next decade. For the first time their styling was

truly influential and trend setting. The Lincoln and Continental names were now combined representing a merger in the once separate lines. In fact, they would only produce two models that year; a sedan and a convertible (actually a convertible sedan, the first American 4-door drop-top since 1951).

This strikingly beautiful new Lincoln, characterized by its slab-sided and unadorned appearance, actually had its roots in a Thunderbird proposal designed by a Ford Special Products team led by Elwood Engle. The 1961 models were substantially more compact than previous Lincolns but had an understated sophistication. Almost form the beginning, this generation of Continentals was acknowledged as a “modern classic” and represented the beginning of a trend towards cleaner, more functional design in the entire American automobile industry. Lincoln wisely stuck with this same winning formula, with only minor styling changes each year, up until 1969. These annual updates served to keep each model year fresh without sacrificing the overall integrity of the design.

In an effort to create more interior space, the chassis of the Continental was extended by three inches in 1964 and the side glass was made flat. The 1965 model year marked the final iteration of the original slab-sided body. A new flatter, more vertical grille replaced the pointed, convex style used since 1961. Additionally, to match the taillights, the front parking lights and turn signals were incorporated into the front fender and given ribbed chrome bezels. Technical improvements included standard front disc brakes, front seat belts with retractors and the addition of an oil pressure gauge. With these changes, sales improved almost ten percent to 40,180.

The subject car (#...429518) is a 1965 Lincoln Continental convertible; one of 3,356 built that year. It is powered by the standard 430-cid MEL (Mercury, Edsel, Lincoln) V8, in use since 1958, rated at 320 horsepower. Continentals came standard with a twin-range Turbo-Drive automatic transmission, power steering and brakes, in 1965, as well as power locks and windows.

Options on this example include; air conditioning, an AM-FM push button radio, an automatic headlight dimmer and automatic speed control.

CONDITION:

Good older black re-paint with chips and surface scratches throughout. The bright work is in similar condition showing scratching, minor surface corrosion and plating loss, especially evident at the door handles. The windshield is chipped and has one major ding at the right-side A-pillar. Newer black convertible top. The black leather upholstery is very good to excellent with few signs of wear. The interior trim is good exhibiting surface corrosion and some discoloration from age. The carpets and pedals show wear from use. The engine bay is not detailed but appears complete and in good working order. Painted steel wheels with good full wheel covers fitted with newer P225/75 R15 Trendsetter radial tires.