Vehicle Description
1971 Mercury Cyclone GT
Four generations of the Cyclone were produced, with production
ending after the 1971 model year. For the 1972 model year, the
Cyclone returned as an option package for the Montego; only 30
examples were produced. Within the Mercury line, the Cyclone was
not directly replaced. The Cougar XR7 was repackaged as a personal
luxury version of the Montego for 1974.
For consignment, the last year of production of the Cyclone before
it became an option on the Montego. This one has undergone a full
rotisserie restoration and has been upgraded to a 429ci V8 engine
and C6 transmission that the consignor states puts out 375hp
although no documentation exists to back this claim up.
Exterior
Grabber Orange paint bathes the steel panels that make up this
large muscle car. It sports a black vinyl top, and has black flame
decals on the front of the car. A large pronounced square beak
leads the way on the grille and it has a central GT badge. These
radiate rearward to the horizontal grille that is flanked on either
side by dual headlights. A shiny shape matching bumper hangs below
and a black chin spoiler is just below. Along with the flames
licking rearward, the open scooped hood masked its way back to the
windscreen. Flames lick the font quarters and end in the doors,
which have well minded gaps. Some shiny trimming surrounds the
wheel wells, as well as all the glass. On the back after the
sloping gently rear glass, is the trunk deck in solid orange with a
spoiler on top. On the back 2 sets of 3 square taillights are
within a black panel and these have large overhanging bezels.
Another shiny bumper fits snugly into the rear roll panel. 15 inch
black 5 spoke Torque Thrust wheels are on and these have polished
lips at the edge. All 4 corners have BFG raised who its letter
Radial T/A's. Of note, our consignor has had the entire car ceramic
coated prior to the vinyl flame installation so removal of the
decals should not mar the paint underneath.
Interior
A swing of the doors and we have pure 70's design with a central
black and white tweed broadcloth panel where the mirror joystick is
housed. The remainder of the door is smooth molded vinyl in black
looking sleek. Slipping inside sleek simple high back buckets are
in front. These have the square houndstooth in black and white, and
smooth black vinyl bolsters. The rear bench uses the same materials
and design, which is totally gnarly! Between these buckets is a
center console which has the shape of a skateboard park half pipe.
It swoops from under the dash and leads to the glovebox. Some
aluminum accenting mixes with the molded vinyl and a T shifter is
housed here. The dash has molded instruments under a driver's side
eyebrow padded black cowl, and as we move our eye across the dash
top some inset gauges line up as we are on our way to the
passenger's side. These include a tachometer, and various other
monitoring gauges. Mahogany rims the 3 spoked chromed rally
steering wheel fronting the dash, black carpeting with orange
Cyclone stitching is on the mats in front, and a nice tight
headliner, in black is above.
Drivetrain
Under the hood in a restored engine bay and shining brightly is a
beautiful 429ci V8. It has a 4 barrel carburetor on top, and a 3
speed C6 automatic on back. Power throws rearward to a Ford 9 inch
3.55 rear axle and magically the wheels spin! A litany of wires and
hoses are all over this mill but are all very clean and neatly
organized.
Undercarriage
Underneath is either nice pristine black paint on steel panels or
shiny gas tank and Flowmaster dual exhaust. No rust within miles of
this car. Independent coil springs are upfront, and leaf springs
are on back. Power disc braking is on front, and power drums for
the back. Nicely done on this full restoration.
Drive-Ability
This car fired right up and on the test track had smooth
acceleration, and good braking. I did see the tachometer flutter
every now and again, the factory temperature and oil pressure
gauges are not working, also the transmission drops out of gear
randomly, and it's slow to engage into reverse.
The last year of the Cyclone which is a big muscle car with plenty
of Detroit iron to manage. The car has lots of power, and good
handling and is a neat early 70's design example. Flame on, or off
its decals!
1H16H541036
1-1971
H-Lorain, OH Assy Plant
16-Cyclone GT
H-351ci V8 2bbl
541036-Sequential Unit Number
DOOR STICKER
BODY 65H-Cyclone GT
COLOR 8-Light Gold
TRIM 8F-Medium Ginger
AXLE 6-Ford 9" 3.00 Conventional
TRANS W-C4 Automatic
DSO 52-Los Angeles
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.
