AJ’s “Badass Friday” Car of the Day: 1966 Mercury Comet Cyclone GT 390 Hardtop Coupe

AJ’s “Badass Friday” Car of the Day: 1966 Mercury Comet Cyclone GT 390 Hardtop Coupe

Car: Mercury Comet Cyclone GT 390 Hardtop Coupe

Year: 1966

What makes it special: Mercury’s Comet went from its previous compact status to intermediate beginning with the 1966 model year, and shared it’s shell with the new Ford Fairlane. For those who wanted muscle with a few more creature comforts, the Mercury Comet Cyclone GT was just what they needed.

What made it famous: The Cyclone GT was no poser. Under the hood was Ford’s 335hp, 390 cu in High Performance V8 with a 4-barrel Holley carburetor. It had a 10.5:1 compression ratio, a standard three-speed manual or optional 4-speed manual and even a C-6 Merc-O-Matic three-speed automatic transmission was available. A 3.25:1 ratio rear was standard, with 3.00:1, 3.50:1, 3.89:1 and 4:11.1 gear ratios as options. A heavy-duty suspension with stiffer spring and shock damping rates, larger sway bar kept the GT stable for hard cornering. Sport stripes, badging, an engine dress-up kit of a chrome air cleaner and valve covers, and optional wheels and wheel covers were also available for 1966.

Why I would want one: I have been a fan of the Mercury Comet and it’s performance built Cyclone GT for years. It’s on my “bucket list to own” in the Top 10.

Fun fact: The Mercury Comet Cyclone GT was about $100 more than the Ford Fairlane GT.
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