Vehicle Description
1965 Mercury Comet Caliente
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. Originally
developed to be added to the Edsel lineup, the Comet would find a
new home when Ford's ill-fated marque ceased operations that same
year. 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.
For consignment, a mild-mannered version of the Comet Caliente. The
previous long-term owner who worked for a Mercury dealer, had it
for 50 years at the end of which time he completely went over the
car and brought everything up to snuff. The car has a mere 10,702
original miles (documented) and is in excellent condition. All
bathed in Carnival Red paint, chrome and interior amazingly
preserved and mechanically sound.
Exterior
Stacked dual headlights is the first thing you notice on this Merc,
and the electric shaver styled grille in between. The car has an
air of distinction with its somewhat boxy lines and factory body
side crease, which is like an in body trim spear, all bathed in
Carnival Red. Nice stainless trimmings for the wheel wells and a
wider rocker trim floats just above the edge and runs the length of
the car. Shiny window surrounds, clear clean glass and a thin B
pillar which angles towards the back of the car. Here we note a
straight long trunk lid that dives downward and runs into a band of
horizontal chrome in which the taillights are mounted on either
side. More nice chrome for the bumpers and the C O M E T badge
across the top of the trunk. Polished steel wheel covers are on,
and these are wrapped with thin white bias ply tires. Script
badging and some banners are also attached through the exterior,
and all are in good condition.
Interior
Bathed in utility with mild luxury, the black vinyl and wood
applique highlighted interior starts with the showroom condition
doors. Black vinyl panels house shiny actuators and cranks as well
as a tasteful upper sill Caliente badge. In a vertical wood panel
is another C badge, and a courtesy light rests just below the door
pull also in black vinyl. Inside an all-original dash stretches
across the front. This has a black padded dash top and the dash
front is a long pointed edge oval with an upper band of wood
applique and lower satin aluminum. In the middle in front of the
driver is a lineup of black faced gauges sporting silver bezels.
Below this satin aluminum bank is more black painted metal which
has shiny pulls and knobs along with the ignition and climate
control sliders. In the center is the factory radio and in front of
the passenger is the glove box which is slightly misaligned with
the other part of the dash. Low back buckets with padded satin
black inserts and smooth bolsters are in front and in back a full
bench using the same black satin and shiny vinyl. Racing through
the buckets is a console with a large glovebox and serves as an
armrest when closed. A very nice wood steering wheel is in front of
the driver, and black carpeting is below all looking sweet!
Drivetrain
Under the hood looking like a cub scout with its blue block and
yellow valve covers and air cleaner, it's all original. It's all
stacked up to a 289ci V8 and it has a factory 2-barrel carburetor
topping it. On back power goes rearward through a C4 3-speed
automatic transmission, and a Ford 8-inch 3.00 conventional rear
axle. All looking original and slight, slight patina for some
authenticity.
Undercarriage
No big rust, just a respray of black on parts of the floorpans,
frame and suspension, but the rockers have been left original.
These have slight surface rust, as I believe the black sprayed
parts have it underneath as well. Still all remains structurally
sound. Independent coil spring front suspension with drum brakes
for the front, and leaf springs with drum brakes for the rear. A
like new gas tank is on as is a shiny muffler.
Drive-Ability
All is looking good so let's go for a drive! She fired right up and
on the test track I experienced good handling, smooth shifting and
acceleration, and solid bias free braking. Functions were
operational save for the radio and the wipers had a tendency to
stay on.
A Mercury Comet Caliente that has ultra-low miles, nice paint, and
an all-original interior. A tasteful example of mid 60's motoring,
ready to cruise or show.
VIN DECODE
5H23C562360
5-1965
H-Lorain, OH Assy Plant
23-2 Door Hardtop Caliente
C-289ci V8 2bbl 200hp
562360-Sequential Unit Number
WARRANTY TAG
BODY 63C-Comet Caliente 2 Door Hardtop Bucket Seats
PAINT J-Carnival Red
TRIM 76-Black Vinyl Buckets
DATE 15C-March 15th Build
DSO 33-Cleveland, OH
AXLE 1-Ford 8" 3.00 Conventional
TRANS 6-Merc-O-Matic 3 Speed Automatic
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 650 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia
on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is
www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914.
Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the
vehicle in person.
