1962 mercury comet driver#
1962 mercury comet manual#

1962 mercury comet manual#

And in similar fashion to Ford’s new pony car, the Comet Caliente could be had with a Toploader four-speed manual gearbox. For the 1964 model year, that would initially equate to the 260ci Ford V8 as the most potent offering, though it would be supplanted mid-year by the new 289ci V8.īy the time the 1965 model year Comet rolled out with even more aggressive sheet metal, this new power plant could be had in three different configurations – a two-barrel carburetor version with 200 hp, a 225 horsepower version with a four barrel carb, or the high output four barrel motor which, like it did in the then-new Ford Mustang, dished out a healthy 271 horsepower. Images: Barrett-JacksonĪlthough the Caliente package was primarily aimed at buyers who wanted plush embellishments like deluxe carpeting, extra chrome trim, and other luxury accoutrements, like the Cyclone it could also be equipped with small block V8 power. Along with the performance-focused Comet Cyclone, the Comet Caliente and Cyclone comprised the pair of top-spec trim levels that could optioned for go-fast thrills in Mercury’s understated compact.Īlthough the Cyclone was marketed as the high performance version of the Comet, the Caliente could be equipped with virtually identical mechanical bits, and offered additional creature comforts as well as the option to equip the car with a power operated convertible top. Although the second generation Comet would only be in production for two years – and the Comet Caliente as a moniker and tied-in performance package along with it – the model made an indelible mark on the performance scene both on the street and at the race track.Īlthough it was underpinned by the same unibody structure as the previous model, the 1964 Mercury Comet was significantly revised from an aesthetic standpoint, adopting a squared-off look that lent itself well to a high performance treatment. Image: Serious Wheels, Wiki Commonsįor the Mercury compact, this would result in its first earnest foray into the realm of muscle cars with the Comet Caliente in 1964. 1965 (right) would take this evolution a step further, stacking the dual headlights and revising the tailight configuration as well. Initially envisioned as a fuel-sipping runabout and available in sedan and five-door station wagon configurations along with the Comet coupe, as the muscle car era began to take shape in the early-to-mid 1960s, the Comet’s performance offerings expanded in turn.įor the 1964 model year (left), Mercury gave the Comet a more square-off, purposeful look that jived well with the inevitable modifications that hot rodders would apply once they got their hands on Mercury's compact coupe. Originally developed to be added to the Edsel lineup, the Comet would find a new home when Ford’s ill-fated marque would cease operations that same year. A pair of seats, roll cage, and ratchet shifter prove that this vintage machine means business on the track.Introduced in 1960 alongside the Ford Falcon and sharing its unibody platform, the Mercury Comet would undergo a number of transformations over the following decade and a half. While working on a barn, the car owner opted to keep the old tin-style roof to build a rear wing from the patina on this material makes it a great visual fit for the Mercury. Thanks to the 429-inch big-block Ford, the Mercury ran a best of 6.11 at 115 MPH on a foot break at 2,000 RPM in Tennessee.ĭespite the well-worn look outside, the inside is pure drag car. One of the more unique features of the car aside from the hand-drawn emblems and decals, is the rear wing that was created with repurposed materials from a job.

1962 mercury comet driver#

During the interview, driver states that owner is a friend of his father, and that he has owned the car for approximately 12 years.Īccording to information available, the car is original for the most part, with the exception of some performance and safety upgrades. At Lights Out 8 in Georgia, the guys over at 1320 Video caught up with the driver of a 1962 Mercury Comet that features elements of rat-rod styling.īased on the interior and exterior of the car, the owner placed emphasis on performance and functionality over beauty, although, there is beauty in the ingenuity and power that is found in this maniacal Mercury. Just when you think you have seen it all, then YouTube will delight you with some of the most unique cars in the country.