The Mercury Cyclone is a classic muscle car that often gets overshadowed by its more popular counterparts, like the Ford Mustang or Dodge Charger. However, the Cyclone is a powerful and capable vehicle that deserves recognition for its performance and unique features.
First introduced as a performance variant of the Comet in 1964, the Cyclone evolved into a muscle car that could hold its own against the heavy hitters of its time. Despite lackluster sales, Mercury continued to refine and improve the Cyclone, resulting in some truly impressive versions that are highly sought after by collectors today.
In this classic spotlight, we’ll take you through the history of this remarkable car and showcase some of its most stunning iterations.
History of the Mercury Cyclone
The rich history of the Cyclone started with the Mercury Comet, a compact automobile that derived its name from the 1960s Space Race. The Ford subsidiary Mercury produced the Comet from 1960 to 1977, and in 1964, the manufacturer offered a performance-centric version of the Comet with the Mercury Comet Cyclone.
The Comet Cyclone wasn’t the only Comet variant that model year, but it certainly left the most notable impact with its sporty two-door hardtop style and powerful engine. The first iteration of the Mercury and Ford Cyclone boasted an enlarged 289 cu in V8, far outpacing its Comet contemporaries, which sported variations of the Thriftpower Six. This monster produced 210 horsepower and 300 foot-pounds of torque.
Soon, other Comet versions underwent performance upgrades. The vehicle’s second generation included engine options such as the 260 cu in Challenger V8, the Cyclone’s 289 cu in, and a 427 cu in Ford FE V8.
Although the 1964 Mercury Cyclone left an important mark for Mercury, the hype over the car quickly faded in favor of a new Ford creation: the Mustang. The Mustang snatched the attention of the automotive world, and Ford famously debuted the Mustang in the middle of the 1964 model year, hurting the Cyclone’s sales in the process.
The following year, Mercury provided the first-generation Cyclone with some noteworthy mechanical upgrades, including an updated 289 V8 with a four-barrel carburetor. Additionally, the 1965 Mercury Cyclone featured a new handling package, a power transfer rear axle, chrome-plated wheel covers, a stand-up grille, and other desirable updates.
The 1966 Mercury Cyclone GT
The second generation Mercury Cyclone was a notable departure from the 1965, and it marked the beginning of Mercury’s GT option, shifting away from the Cyclone’s pony roots in favor of muscle and performance.
The 1966 Mercury Comet Cyclone GT came as either a hardtop coupe or a convertible and featured a 390 cu in S-code V8 that was also used in the Ford Fairlane GT. The engine had a four-barrel carburetor as well as dual exhausts, producing 335 hp. Although the GT had only one engine option, buyers could mate the engine to a standard three-speed manual, four-speed manual, or Sport Shift Merc-O-Matic transmission. Plus, the car came with an engine dress-up kit.
In addition to its even more impressive powertrain, this classic featured a style distinct from its predecessors, including two car stripes along its fender, a new grille with distinct horizontal bars, an insignia, and lower-body racing stripes.
Other notable improvements included its heavy-duty suspension, 3.25:1 axle ratio, and 5.5-inch wheels with 7.75 x 14 whitewall tires. The car even featured a new and improved interior with a sporty two-spoke steering wheel, black matte dashboard, and pleated-vinyl bucket seats.
Unlike the 1966, the 1967 didn’t feature dramatic changes from its predecessor, but it did feature new taillights and engine modifications that decreased its horsepower to 320.
Subsequent Versions of the Mercury Cyclone GT
1968 was the first model year in which Mercury removed “Comet” from the Cyclone name, and the third generation also saw some noteworthy cosmetic changes, such as new special wheel covers and an upper-level body stripe.
The most important improvement was the engine, which went on to break the world speed record at Daytona with a speed of 189.22 mph. The engine that accomplished this incredible feat was a 390 cu in. The 1968 Mercury Cyclone GT came with either a two-barrel carburetor or a four-barrel. The two-barrelled version of the car generated 265 hp while the four-barrel produced 325 horses.
Mercury continued releasing impressive iterations of the Cyclone after the third generation and even produced a 429 cu in engine that Ford also utilized in some of their larger models.
Unfortunately, Ford began selling the competing Pantera through their Lincoln-Mercury dealerships, leading the brass to scrap the Cyclone GT entirely, as the vehicle was never a hot seller. Despite their incredible specifications, the Cyclones were discontinued in 1972, concluding with the fifth generation.
Get the Best Insurance for Your Mercury Cyclone GT
Even though the Mercury Cyclone GT never really got the praise it deserved during its production, these powerhouse muscle cars have found their place in classic car markets.
If you’re fortunate enough to own one of these beauties, you need premium classic muscle car insurance to protect your slice of automotive history. Fortunately, you’re in the right place. Classic Auto Insurance offers flexible and affordable policies that are perfect for your beloved muscle car. Don’t wait — call us today at 888-901-1338 for top-of-line classic insurance.
