Vehicle Description
1965 Mercury Comet Caliente Sedan
When people hear the word Caliente they tend to apply the Spanish
meaning of the term to the automobile. Of course, Caliente
translated into English means hot or a description of
attractiveness. When I asked a Spanish speaking neighbor for the
precise meaning of the word he told me it represents someone who is
promiscuous. When you apply the term to a Mercury Comet it really
describes the top level of trim offered on the automobile. These
cars offered plush deluxe carpeting, chrome body side moldings and
Caliente badging.
For consignment, an in progress of restoration version of the 1965
Mercury Comet in Caliente Trim. The drivetrain has been completed
with a total rebuild, reinforced frame rails are on, along with a
Mustang II front end, Wilwood brakes, and new wiring and
electrics.
Exterior
Reminiscent of the Pontiac's of the day, this starts out with dual
stacked headlamps and a horizontal shaver grille. The bumper below
is showing some areas where water drips can be noted and is
somewhat dirty. A headlight is missing. All steel with several
dents and dings, and gaps which will need attention for perfection.
In the front quarter is a trio of faux vents in chrome trimming and
all trimmings surrounding passenger's glass is on this car. Badging
is correct, and in the back, the trunk deck wraps around the back
of the car ending in a horizontal stainless ribbed trimming and
tail lighting on either corner within the ribs. Another bumper with
some beginnings of rust is seen on the back. The car is painted in
the factory light beige metallic which is worn, has some rust areas
and chips with rust in the gaps.
Interior
Mercury meant upscale, and it's not a Ford for sure! The door
panels lead us off with upper gold/beige vinyl sills which have
several delineating thin chrome trims to separate the various
panels. A lighter beige in a faux leather coloring makes up the
rear of the panels, and badging interior lighting shiny cranks and
actuator and even a vertical framed in chrome panel of wood
applique is on the front of the door panel. This leads us to the
interior where we have a broadcloth insert full bench. The
broadcloth is similar to the doors with just a hint of pattern and
plenty of stitching on the panels and even some chromed badges in
the center. These seats, ( a rear bench too), show wear and some
tears. Beige vinyl piping and smooth darker beige bolster are on
and in good condition. The original dash is fronted by a RAS rally
steering wheel. The dash has a padded upper in darker beige, and
wood applique with some metal accenting to house the gauges, and
radio as it stretches across the front. Black carpeting is now in
the floors and is fairly clean. A light beige headliner is above
and shows some water staining, but remains tight.
Drivetrain
A flip of the hood and we see a fully restored and gleaming engine
bay. Inserted is the fully restored and chromed accented
200ciinline 6 cylinder mill. This has a 1 barrel carburetor, new
wiring, and some colorful intake and exhaust manifolds as well as a
purple hose for the radiator. A shiny master cylinder is on and a
small round open air filter is covering the 1 barrel carb. On the
back is a rebuilt C4 3-speed automatic transmission with a
conventional 2.83 gear ratio rear axle. All this is looking good
under this hood.
Undercarriage
A new fuel tank resides in an otherwise patina and surface rusted
undercarriage. It is structurally sound underneath but the rust
persists throughout. One can easily view the new parts recently put
on within the patina and surface rust. Floor pans are solid and
painted black. A Mustang II front end is now on and leaf springs
for the back are original. Power Wilwood front disc brakes are on
and these have slotted rotors. Power drums are on back, and these
brakes have all new lines and master cylinder. Headers are
emanating from the exhaust ports on the mill. These end up as
cutoff pipes just next to the transmission. There are no mufflers
on this car.
Drive-Ability
While our consignor states this car runs well we made no attempt to
start the car. The driveshaft has been removed and tape is over the
tailshaft.
An in the middle of a restoration project with the mechanicals all
buttoned up and working great, it just needs cosmetic work on the
steel exterior, and some interior seat restoration. An interesting
not oft seen model in our Hallowed Halls, and worth a look, as most
of the hard work has been completed. And you can drive it while you
are working on it!
5T22T560754
5-1965
T-Metuchen, NJ Assy Plant
22-Comet Caliente 4 Door Sedan
T-200ci Inline 6 Cylinder
560754-Sequential Unit Number
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.
