LS3-Powered 1965 Lincoln Continental Convertible

Description

When Ford Motor Company President Edsel Ford asked company chief stylist Eugene T. “Bob” Gregorie to design a special one-off luxury vehicle for his March 1939 vacation, Gregorie sketched a convertible using a Lincoln-Zephyr as a base. The prototype was produced on time and delivered to Edsel Ford in Florida. Interest from Edsel's well-off friends was high, and he sent a telegram back to Michigan saying that he could sell a thousand of them — and the Continental was born. 

Introduced as part of the fourth generation of Lincoln Continentals, the 1965 model continued the tradition of sophisticated design and advanced engineering. The ’65 Continental featured a distinctive slab-sided body design and was available as a four-door sedan and a four-door convertible, both of which featured rear-hinged “suicide doors” that added to its unique charm and ease of access. 

Under the hood, the Continental was powered by a robust 430 cubic-inch V8 engine producing 320 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque, paired with a three-speed Turbo-Drive automatic transmission. The interior featured plush seating and advanced amenities for the time, including power windows, power seats, and air conditioning, along with seat belts and a padded dashboard. 

Turning it up several notches, this 1965 Lincoln Continental Convertible has received numerous performance and aesthetic upgrades. 

Highlights

• Upgrades since 2021 include: 

  • Bright Blue Metallic paint over gray/blue vinyl interior  

  • LS3 small-block V8 engine producing 495 hp (replaced original 430 cu-in V8)  

  • General Motors 6GL90E six-speed overdrive automatic transmission (replaced original three-speed Turbo-Drive automatic) 

  • Serpentine accessories kit 

  • New fuel injection kit 

  • New radiator and radiator kit 

  • New driveshaft and U joints 

  • New dual channel disc brake conversion 

  • New fuel tank 

  • New exhaust system 

  • New trim kit 

  • New digital odometer 

  • New Vintage Air A/C 

  • New rearview camera 

  • New stereo system with Apple Car Play, Android Auto, Sirius XM capability, and JBL speakers behind rear seat 

  • New battery  

• The chassis number (5Y86N413534) decodes as: 

  • 5 – 1965 model year 

  • Y – Wixom, Michigan, assembly plant 

  • 86 – Four-door convertible 

  • N – 430 cu-in V8 4BBL (now LS3 small-sblock V8)

  • 413534 – Sequential production number 

• The data plate decodes as: 

  • Body: 74A – Four-door convertible 

  • Paint: X – Maroon Metallic (now Bright Blue)

  • Trim: 54 – Beige cloth (now gray/blue vinyl)

  • Build date: 10L – November 10 

  • DSO: 11 – Boston district office 

  • Axle: 4 – 2.89:1 rear axle ratio 

  • Trans: 4 – Dual-Range Turbo-Drive automatic (now 6GL90E six-speed overdrive auto)

Features 

• Power top, steering, brakes, windows, locks, and seat 

• Analog clock 

• 120 mph speedometer, 8000 rpm tachometer, and gauges for fuel level, oil pressure, battery voltage, and coolant temperature 

• Vanity mirror 

• Six-spoke chrome wheels 

• BFGoodrich G-Force Street 255/45ZR20 tires  

Known Imperfections 

• Paint chips up front with flaking near hood ornament 

• Small dent/chip on hood 

• Passenger rear fender and bumper are scraped/scratched 

• Rear power windows can be finicky 

• Sometimes have to jiggle the ignition wires to get the car started 

Included 

• Spare tire on original wheel (with original hubcap) 

• Jack 

• Cup holder 

Ownership History 

The consignor of this 1965 Lincoln Continental Convertible has owned it since November 2021, when the car was titled in Kentucky with 124,344 miles showing on the original odometer, which has since been replaced by a digital one.