All-Black 1965 Lincoln Continental with Hard Metal Interior
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Classics
American
How often do you find cars advertised with a “custom metal interior?” But that’s the selling point for a radical custom 1965 Lincoln Continental four-door convertible for sale now on eBay.
The owner says, “Pictures don’t do it justice.” That’s probably true. The car is 100-percent blacked out, including the bumpers, making it hard to see details in photos.
The leather front seats look reasonably padded, but the two in the back are hard metal thrones. The metallic center console running the cabin’s lengths has a brutal appearance with sharp edges. The long doors lack exterior handles or windows.
The overall effect is dramatic and sinister. We don't see signs of safety belts in the back row.
The owner says the car has been thoroughly gone over, with new power steering, u-joints, brakes, tires, battery, and a Dana rear - opens in new window or tab.. It “runs and drives excellent,” the owner says.
The 1965 model is the fourth generation of the Lincoln Continental - opens in new window or tab.. It was built between 1961 and 1969. The 1965 Lincoln Continental was sold mostly as a sedan. The four-door convertible is more unusual.
The rear doors were rear-hinged as suicide doors - opens in new window or tab.. That created ample open space for entry and exit. The chassis had to be considerably enhanced on the convertibles to accept this unsupported configuration.
Bigger Engine for the 1965 Lincoln Continental
This 1965 Lincoln Continental’s correct engine is a 430-cubic-inch V-8 as seen on the previous Mark V. The motor was a mighty 462 cubic inches beginning with the 1966 model year. That was the biggest displacement engine ever put into a Ford.
But this car has, if the valve cover is correct, a 351 Cleveland - opens in new window or tab.. A three-speed automatic was standard, and that may still be in place.
The Lincoln steering wheel - opens in new window or tab. might be original, but that’s about it. The revised dashboard now sports six round aftermarket instruments.
The original car stored an elegant folding fabric top under a rear-hinged deck lid. It’s unclear if this car retains that feature or even has a top. The windshield header no longer has the latching hardware so it's not likely. As throughout the vehicle, less is more.
If the new owner wants to return this customized 1965 Lincoln Continental to stock, eBay has all the necessary vintage Continental parts - opens in new window or tab.. And if you prefer a more stock vehicle, eBay has multiple examples available - opens in new window or tab..
This car would be perfect for cruising on a balmy summer night. On the weekends, it’s off to the classic car show. “This car is beyond cool,” the owner says.
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This article is meant to provide general guidance only. Automotive maintenance, repair, upgrade, and installation may depend on vehicle-specifics such as make and model. Always consult your owner's manual, repair guide for specific information for your particular vehicle and consider a licensed auto-care professional's help as well, particularly for advance repairs.