1964 Mercury Cyclone 427 / 425 HP Factory Lightweight

I've done a few varied years and models of Mercury Comets in the AJ Car of the Day, but...for those just checking it out for the first time...welcome, here's a quick history of them just to bring you up to speed: The Mercury Comet model was produced starting in 1960 to 1969, and again from 1971 to 1977, varying between a compact or intermediate sized car.They were based on Ford Motor Company's Falcon and later Maverick platforms, featuring better grade interior trim than their Ford counterparts , along with a slightly longer wheelbase.

By 1964, the Mercury Comet was redesigned with a much more square shape, though still built on the same unibody as the 1963 model. It's front grille used styling similar to that of the Lincoln Continental. Along with the redesign, the model designations were changed. The performance version was now known as the Cyclone , replacing the previous S-22.

That same year , about 50 ultra-high performance lightweight Comet Cyclones were produced , equipped with a racing dual carburetor 427 V8 engine, like their cousin, the now legendary Ford "Thunderbolt". To avoid competing with each other, the Ford Thunderbolts ran in Super Stock on 7-inch tires, but the Mercury Cyclones were modified to run in A/FX on 10-inch tires, where they were just as dominant as the Thunderbolts were in Super Stock. These Cyclones were driven by racing legends like Ronnie Sox, "Dyno" Don Nicholson and "Wild Bill" Shrewsberry.

The early 1964 Comets were factory built and sent out for modifications. Competition was fierce as the other manufactures were involved as well. Big engines and weight saving was key. Racers also discovered that moving the weight further back in the car had its advantages as well. It was these early cars that put Mercury on the map.

Dealerships around the country realized that by sponsoring Drag Racing, they got great visibility. Henderson Lincoln Mercury (Springfield, Pennsylvania) like a lot of other dealers, got the message loud and clear. These early Comets are some of the most significant cars in the early years of A/FX racing. Serious bad boys of the strip.

About 10 Original Factory Mercury Comets exist today . How'd you like to tear it up on the Drag Strip with THIS little number ? I know I sure would.