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The Mercury Comet was a true muscle car in the late 1960’s, although it did not sell as many models as other successful muscle cars of that generation. The Comet was introduced in 1960 without a manufacturer, as the model was going to be released as an Edsel, but right before launch Ford decided to eliminate the Edsel brand and the Comet went solo. The model was sold by Mercury dealers, but would not be branded as a Mercury until 1963, which seemed to confuse some buyers. The Comet was really a fancy Ford Falcon with upgraded parts and carpeting.
had red trim with a special decal.
The true performance and muscle cars of the Comet line were named the Cyclone and Spoiler. The S-22 was released in late 1961 and included upgraded interiors and the 170 cid inline six. This would be the precursor to the Mercury Cyclone released in 1963, which had the chassis and suspension upgraded to allow larger V8 engines, with the 260 cid V8 as standard on the Cyclone. The Mercury Cyclone GT was released in 1966, which included the 335 horsepower 390 cid V8 as standard. The GT package included a four-barrel carburetor, dual exhausts, a fiber glass hood with non working hood scoops, front disc brakes, and a 3 speed manual transmission with a 4 speed manual or automatic transmission as an extra option. For 1967, the Comet title was used on only the base model, and the top models using the terms Cyclone and Cyclone GT. Sales would decline this year due to the successful release of the Mercury Cougar.
had red trim with a special decal.
The convertible option was dropped for 1968, which had been available on the Comet line since 1963. A fastback style was offered in 1968 and was so successful that it was the only body style built in 1969, the last year for the base Comet. The GT package was now a trim package rather than a performance package, as the Cyclone and Spoiler lines were already fitted with some of the most potent engines and performance options available by Mercury. The 1968 Cyclone CJ included a 428 cid V8 Cobra Jet engine, and the Cyclone Spoilers were built in two trims commemorating NASCAR drivers Dan Gurney and Cale Yarborough. The Dan Gurney Cyclone Spoiler had a dark blue roof, striping, and special decals on the lower half of the car which was white. The Cale Yarborough Cyclone Spoiler had red trim with a special decal.
The Cyclone base grew an inch to 117 inches in 1970, but the overall length grew over six inches adding extra weight to the car. There were quite a few engine choices for 1970, including high performance Cobra Jet’s (named “Super Cobra Jet” adding an extra 5 horsepower) and the Boss 429. The Boss 429 was very rare, and was not a true option but some cars did leave the factory with them. Other engine choices were the 429 V8, the 351 Windsor and 351 Cleveland.
had red trim with a special decal.
The Mercury Cyclone and Cyclone Spoiler models were usually overlooked over the Ford Mustang and other pony cars and muscle cars, but they did offer true performance and higher end value compared to other brands. The Cyclone line would end in 1972 as an option package, as the muscle car era was coming to an end due to the oil embargoes, new government emission regulations lowering compression ratios and performance, and extreme raises in insurance premiums for these high performance cars.
