Salvage to Salvage details its plans to turn a classic Lincoln Continental sedan from mild to wild with a comprehensive restomod transformation.
A rust-free, all-black, and slammed 1965 Lincoln Continental sedan is enough to turn the head of any car enthusiast. Still, the Salvage to Salvage YouTube channel reveals plans to turn this epic classic car into a restomod stunner.
A new video highlights the process and how a Ford Godzilla 7.3-liter V8 is the effort’s centerpiece.
Big Plans For A Big 65 Lincoln Continental
Presenters Mikey Rolls and Andrew Rivera walk viewers through what’s in store for this ’65 Lincoln Continental. Most significantly, the factory V8 gets swapped for a Godzilla 7.3-liter V8 pulled from a 2022 Ford van—a six-speed automatic transmission accompanies it. The engine pushes out 430 hp in stock form, but Rivera promises 600 hp once the upgrades are complete.
HOTCARS VIDEO OF THE DAY
Another part of the project includes a full transformation of the interior. We get to see a complete cabin tear-down, which leads to all-new seating and a custom dashboard. On the outside, the Lincoln will get a beefier suspension (to handle the extra power) and a unique grille with LED inserts. We look forward to future videos showcasing what this classic Lincoln can do with this beast of a powerplant.
How Much Did A 1965 Lincoln Continental Cost?Via YouTube/Salvage to Salvage
The base price for a 1965 Lincoln Continental sedan was $6,166, or about $59,000 today. The ragtop version went for $6,798. At the same time, Ford’s premier division promoted its limousine business (handled through Lehmann-Peterson coach builders), despite the tragedy (the JFK assassination) that occurred a few years early in one.
A Continental sedan converted into a ride for the upper crust cost $15,153, which is roughly $145,000 after considering inflation. Options like a chauffeur compartment divider window and a beverage compartment added to the total. Today, according to Hagerty, a fair-condition 1965 Lincoln Continental sedan is worth $13,900, but one of concourse quality gets valued at $51,400.
What Engine Came In A 1965 Lincoln Continental?Via YouTube/Salvage to Salvage
Factory power for the 1965 Continental came in the form of a 430 cubic-inch V8 pushing out 320 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque. Unsurprisingly, the powerplant got connected to a three-speed automatic transmission.
Befitting a vehicle of this status, the 1965 Lincoln Continental left the assembly line with many other goodies. Standard equipment included power steering, power brakes with discs up front, power windows and locks, and a power driver’s seat. Interestingly, the air conditioning was extra.
Sources: YouTube/Salvage to Salvage, hagerty.com, jdpower.com, xr793.com, bls.gov