Vehicle Description
1 of 4 R-Code 427/425hp Side Oiler Caliente's
1 of 1 as Optioned
Matching Numbers
Original Interior
Believed to be 2,273 Miles
Build Sheet
Marti Report
Window Sticker
Original Owner's Manual
Original Title
427ci OHV High-Performance V8
Two Holley 4-barrel Carburetors
425bhp at 5,000rpm (est.)
4-Speed Borg-Warner T-10 Manual Transmission
Front Coil Spring and Rear Leaf Suspension
4-Wheel Hydraulic Drum Brakes
One of the first R-code Caliente's assembled in March 1967 at the
Lorain, Ohio assembly plant, it was shipped directly to Stillpass
Brothers Lincoln-Mercury in Cincinnati, Ohio where its eager first
owner took possession of the Comet with one purpose on his mind, to
go racing. This R-code Caliente was campaigned throughout the
mid-west region up through the 1970 season. During its active
career, the owner tried several new configurations to the
suspension, exhaust, transmission and other tweaks and twists to
shave off a few 1/100's of the ET's. During its racing days this
Comet averaged times in the 11.2 second range and speeds of 120 mph
in those quarter-mile contests. While the mechanics and suspension
components of this Comet were modified during is racing career, the
body and basic stock interior were left just as it left the
factory. Retired after the end of the 1970 run, this Comet Caliente
was carefully put away and properly stored for the next decade and
a half. Rediscovered in the mid-1980's this R-code Caliente was
awakened from its slumber, cleaned up and given very limited
exposure. In 1995, the Comet was treated to a full restoration
bringing it back to factory specifications and appearance by an
expert in Ford and Shelby performance vehicles.
Today, this R-code Caliente, one of four ever produced, is likely
the most attractive and authentic example in existence. Of the four
produced, 2 were white, one was red and one was blue. It is
believed that a white one and a red one are gone, leaving only two.
Finished in its original color of Caspian Blue, a deep, rich dark
metallic, the original interior is covered in two tone blue vinyl.
This car has also retained its original steering wheel including
the "flower-pot" horn-ring center. Under the hood, the side-oiler
427ci V8 block carries the proper "C7AE" and shows an assembly date
of 6J28, which translates to September 28, 1966. Further
establishing the pedigree of this highly desirable machine is the
car's original broadcast form, often referred to as a built sheet,
as well as the original window sticker, a copy of the title in the
original owners name, and what we find to be very important,
original timing slips from when it was being actively campaigned.
This is truly a factory built race car that would make an amazing
addition to any collection.
