Vehicle Description
To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION at RM Sothebys' Auburn Spring event, 11 -
12 May 2018.
Estimates:
$35,000 - $45,000
320-hp, 390-cu. in. V-8 engineSelectShift three-speed automatic
transmissionRare NASCAR homologation exampleFactory air
conditioningAccompanied by Marti Report
In the late 1960s, NASCAR was a motorsports powerhouse. The old
adage "win on Sunday, sell on Monday" was coined during this time
and just about any manufacturer with an eligible full-size car and
V-8 engine wanted in on the action. Though often seen as the more
luxurious companion to Ford, Mercury saw strong sales potential in
dominating the high banks of tracks like Talladega, Daytona, and
Atlanta.
Mercury worked with two legendary racers, Cale Yarborough and Dan
Gurney, to develop the Mercury Cyclone for competition. NASCAR's
homologation rules required 1,000 examples to be built and offered
for sale to the public. To celebrate their two most important race
teams, Mercury created two distinct liveries for the Cyclone road
cars, a white and red theme to celebrate Yarborough and the Wood
Brothers and, like the example offered here, a white and blue
combination to celebrate Dan Gurney and his All American
Racers.
Just 54 examples of the Dan Gurney special are known to still
exist. This example has been restored to exceptional condition.
Powered by a 390-cu. in. V-8 with 320 hp fed to the ground through
a SelectShift three-speed automatic transmission, this car is a
superb performer and it seems likely that the 120-mph speedometer
might not be sufficient. The black vinyl interior and classic blue
and white livery have been executed to perfection, and iconic
American Racing Torq Thrust wheels with raised white letter tires
complete the classic look.
Considering that few have survived, even fewer with factory air
conditioning, this could very well be the finest extant example of
this rare homologation model. Included with the sale is a copy of
the Marti report. It will make an ideal addition to any performance
car collection.To view this car and others currently consigned to
this auction, please visit the RM website at
rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/AS18.
