Spectacular 1964 Comet Cyclone “could have been” convertible. Rotisserie restoration, 260 cubic inch V8, 4-speed, front disc brakes, power steering, and more. Very accurate with many impossible-to-find parts. Fast, fun convertible in incredible condition.

Mercury didn’t build any Cyclone convertibles in 1964 but that didn’t stop the guy who built this one from creating a car that could have been built by the factory. Using all the right parts, including the snorkel hood and correct stainless moldings and emblems, it’s a very accurate representation of what you could have bought in the Mercury showroom had they decided to build such an animal. And the result is simply beautiful. The bodywork is laser straight, the gaps are excellent throughout, and all the stainless trim was professionally straightened and polished. For an inexpensive car when it was new, someone lavished a ton of time and money on it today. The Comet has a unique look, distinct from both its Falcon cousin and the Mustang with which it shares a platform, and somehow it looks bigger and more substantial than either of them. Perhaps it’s the ornate grille that mirrors the bigger Mercurys or perhaps it’s the vestigial tail fins out back. Either way, this is a great-looking car from any angle. All the brightwork was fully restored, including the tail panel that’s one of the more challenging pieces to refinish, and all the emblems and trim are NOS because there are no repro parts for these cars. Not only was the restorer a craftsman, he did his homework when putting it together.

The white interior is a great contrast to the black bodywork and it’s a smart choice in a convertible that’s going to be out in the sun. A bit more upscale than the Falcon, this Comet has the Cyclone’s bucket seats and center console, and it’s always a nice surprise to see a Hurst shifter with a cue ball knob in a vintage muscle car. Factory gauges were rebuilt and feature bright markings and fresh chrome. Secondary controls feature crisp action and the AM radio has a built-in FM converter so it looks stock but you’re not stuck with whatever awfulness they’re broadcasting on AM these days. The steering wheel was re-cast and wears an NOS horn button that shows a bit of age but could not be replicated. Seat belts were added for safety, as well as a set of embroidered floor mats to keep things tidy. The white power convertible top stows itself easily and has a matching white boot for a clean look. There’s also a good-sized trunk that has been properly finished with a reproduction mat and full-sized spare tire.

This car was originally equipped with an F-code 260 cubic inch V8 and that’s what’s under the hood today. Fully rebuilt and balanced with .040” oversize pistons, it’s a fantastic runner. There’s a Holley 4-barrel carburetor on top of an Edelbrock aluminum intake, but those are really the only real deviations from stock specifications. Correct Ford script hoses were used for just the right bit of authenticity, and the finned valve covers and air cleaner add a racy look. There’s a big radiator up front with a correct fan shroud so it stays nice and cool, and power steering means it is easy to handle around town. Factory cast iron manifolds feed a stainless dual exhaust system that has an appropriate bark and front disc brakes were fitted for safety. The 4-speed manual transmission was rebuilt by the experts at Engler Transmission and it feeds a set of 3.25 gears so it’s a reasonable highway cruiser and snappy around town. All the brake and fuel lines are stainless and virtually everything underneath the car is new: fasteners, hoses, hangers, clips, everything. The floors are original and solid, the torque boxes haven’t been damaged, there are air shocks out back for load leveling, and there’s a fresh gas tank hanging out back. The finishing touch are those period-perfect Torque Thrust wheels carrying fat 225/70/14 BFGoodrich T/A radials all around.

Documentation includes restoration receipts and photos.

This is one of those cars where it was someone’s labor of love and as a result it’s far nicer than it should be. An exceptional restoration, nicely documented, and ready to enjoy, all for a fraction of the cost of the work involved. If you like Ford performance, this car should appeal to you and even if you just want a nice old convertible to drive, this one is superior in every way. A great car that’s turn-key and ready to enjoy. Call today!

Harwood Motors always recommends and welcomes personal or professional inspections of any vehicle in our inventory prior to purchase.