for sale 1967 Mercury Comet Cyclone GT Convertible

Matt Harwood · August 10, 2019

The name is a real mouthful, but this is one heck of a car to match. I don't know why Ford continued to call this a Comet, since it moved up a size to share the Fairlane platform, but whatever the name, this is a spectacular car. It's one of only 376 GT convertibles built in 1967, so it's a rather rare piece, and with just two owners and a lifetime in California, it's immaculately preserved. It has not been restored, but it's not quite a survivor, either. There is some paint touch-up; most notably it appears that the trunk lid has been repainted (just a shade darker than the bodywork) and there are some small brush touches just behind the right headlight cluster, but it sure doesn't look like it has ever been apart. Mileage is 65,278, which is an authentic reading with service receipts dating back to the early '70s to back it up. In fact, it is extensively documented with two Marti Reports, original build sheet, manuals, OwnerCard, and several decades' worth of registrations. Overall, the finish is excellent, and things like the pinstripes and GT stripes along the rocker are painted originals, not tape. Chrome is uniformly nice with only the most minor signs of age and the factory fiberglass hood is in fantastic shape with no cracks or warping. Even I get jaded looking at cars every day, but this one checks all the boxes. Cars this good don't come along very often.

The interior is 100% original, including the carpets, and it's just as remarkably well-preserved as the rest of the car. Buckets and a console enhance the sporty demeanor of the GT, although it's a little soft to be an all-out sports machine. I love the round instrument pods with big chrome trim rings, and all the gauges are fully operational including the factory tach. In fact, everything works, including the AM radio, and the white power top was recently replaced and serviced to it folds quickly and easily without any fussing. It also includes a new red vinyl boot, but since the snaps have not been installed and I don't have the tool for it, we didn't install it for photos; don't worry, it's included with the car. The trunk is detailed with a fresh mat set, a full jack assembly, and what might be the original spare tire.

The engine is an S-code 390 cubic inch V8, which was standard in the GT, and it was fully rebuilt and detailed last year. You'll note it still carries all its original California emissions equipment, including the AIR pump and EGR crossover, both of which are probably unobtainium. Detailing is exceptionally well done and with Ford blue and a few splashes of chrome, it's a very attractive engine bay. The big 390 starts right up, and while it's grumpy for the first minute or so, it smooths out after that and pulls like a freight train. There's torque all over the tach and you never have to rev it very hard, which is why I think the C6 3-speed automatic transmission is a better choice--this is still a bit of a luxury car in my opinion. This car also carries optional power steering and power front disc brakes so it's easy to handle, even for your wife (because all the guys who hem and haw about buying a car talk about needing something their wives can drive). Believe it or not, the undercarriage is original--it has been carefully cleaned and clear-coated for protection, but the finishes and condition are 100% original. It's great for benchmarking these cars, showing that all the red oxide primer isn't necessarily correct. The major systems have been serviced and/or rebuilt so it drives beautifully and there are 3.25 gears out back so it's a great cruiser. Styled steel wheels with correct F70-14 Firestone whitewalls complete the look.

After having had my butt in the driver's seat of more than 1000 old cars over the past five years, I can say unequivocally that I've only had three or four that were this good. It's not quite original enough to be called a survivor, but it's not restored, either, which is probably why it feels so right. It has been carefully maintained and restored as needed and obviously with cost being no object. It is exceptionally rare and while $59,900 may seem like a lot of money for a Mercury Comet, I would put it on par with an L34 396/350 Chevelle SS, which could easily pull a bigger number and is more common to boot. This is a remarkable car, but it'll take a remarkable guy to see the forest for the trees. If you're that guy, give me a call and let's get this amazing Merc into your garage. Thanks for looking!