QuestionWhat do you think of the 1965 Lincoln Continental?
AnswerMechanically, they are very good cars. Some of the design ideas are a little weird, like the power steering pump operating the windshield wipers, and the vacuum operated AC control system and door locks, but if everything is working OK, they are very nice cars to drive. The only mechanical problem that is common on them is the fuel pump lacking enough stroke to keep the fuel pressure up - many of these cars suffer from vapor lock in hot weather, but this can be solved by adding an electric fuel pump back near the fuel tank if it occurs.
Styling wise, I much prefer the '61 and '62s, which have the curved side windows and a nicer looking trim design, but that is a matter of personal taste. The 65s are the best looking of the later design, I think, but not as pretty as the originals of that style.
The convertibles are a nightmare, if there is anything wrong with the top operation be ready for a big bill if anything isn't right with that.
Some of those cars have 14" wheels, if the one you are looking at has them, I would plan on replacing the wheels with 15" wheels, because there are no good tires available that can carry the weight of the car safely in the 14" rim size. The old 950X14 size has gone out of production, except in the el-cheapo reproduction type old car tires - which are really not up to modern standards of safety, handling or traction.
As with any unit body/frame car, be very cautious about rust - on these cars, it isn't just cosmetic, it can be very dangerous if the underbody has suffered rust damage. I would not buy one of these cars unless it is proven to have spent its whole life out here in the southwestern states, preferably southern California or Arizona.
Dick
