Vehicle Description
1963 Mercury Comet Convertible
The first generation Comets ran from 1960 to 1963 but would not
have a brand associated for the first two years, so while Comet
badges adorned the cars, neither Ford nor Mercury divisions were
apparent on the car. This first generation was based on the Ford
Falcon platform and in 62 and 63, also shared body and mechanical
parts with the Fairlane based Mercury Meteor.
For consignment, a 1963 Mercury Comet convertible, one of just
5,757 produced in '63 and this well sorted example presents in
original condition.
Exterior
Sultana White covers the car and appears as an off white in our
photo booth. The vertical front fascia of the car is classically
60's as are the straight panels and linear shoulder line which
terminates at slightly outturned fins that flank a flat decklid. A
side trim piece is fairly unique as it starts at the top of the
front fender, goes the length of the car, sweeps around like turn 2
at Laguna Seca, then heads back across the lower panels sweeping
through the door and ending on the front quarter panel. Chrome and
metal work are not perfect on this car, but they are mostly
straight and clean and the Mercury wheel covers on the 13-inch
wheels look great. Jet inspired tail lights protrude like
afterburners on a highly detailed rear panel and a Mercury God of
Speed gas cap in the center, winged helmet and all. Imperfections
include some bubbling, paint chips, and some discoloration in the
paint in one section.
Interior
Red painted upper and lowers on the door flank a pleated vinyl door
card with a horizontal white and metal detail that intersects the
vinyl, all a bit weathered but presentable. The red vinyl split
bench is bright and clean with red piping surrounding the inserts
and the entire pattern is repeated on the back bench where the
sidewalls pull in the door design and also appear slightly
weathered. Glorious 60's simplicity is exhibited by the thin
steering wheel with horn ring and the simple dash with some ornate
elements that give it character. Its horizontal layout includes the
speedometer, indicator lights and the odometer in a jukebox-like
surrounding. The remainder of the dash, including where the AM
radio is embedded, is painted bright red and the loop carpet
matches as well and in good condition. A black canvas top appears
to be in decent shape and its plastic window has just a hint of
hazing.
Drivetrain
Under the hood is a driver quality, clean 170ci inline 6 cylinder
engine with a 1-barrel carburetor and a 3-speed manual transmission
which sends power back to the 7.25" rear with 3.50 conventional
gears. Drum brakes are supplied at each corner. The orange valve
cover and air element box are bright and clean.
Undercarriage
More driver quality conditions underneath with minimal surface
rust, some oil on the transmission, and residual oil on the pan
along with some slight grease/grime build up on the knuckles. The
single exhaust travels back to a stock style muffler then
terminates before the rear bumper. We note some sling on the
exhaust pipe possibly coming from the U-joint. Suspension consists
of coil springs up front and leaf springs out back.
Drive-Ability
The very nice interior offers a comfortable cabin and of course,
endless visibility with the top down. Six cylinders rotate as we
roll onto the loop where the car accelerates well, tracks great,
and stops without issue. And good news, everything functional
appears to be working! While Classic Auto Mall represents that
these functions were working at the time of our test drive, we
cannot guarantee these functions will be working at the time of
your purchase.
Mercury proudly proclaimed ownership of the Comet in 1962 and since
Ford bought the name from Cotner-Bevington in 1959 after they had
been using it for ambulances, it went on in production in one form
or another until 1977. Here's a relatively rare car in drivable
condition and the top down ability to see real comets flash through
the evening sky above!
3H15U516453
3-1963
H-Lorain, OH Assy Plant
15-2 Door Convertible
U-170ci 1bbl 101hp I6
516453-Sequential Unit Number
WARRANTY PLATE
BODY 76A-Comet Convertible
PAINT M-Sultana White
TRIM 75-White & Red Vinyl
DATE 07L-November 7th
DSO 14-Washington
AXLE 5-Ford 7.25" 3.50 Conventional
TRANS 3-2 Speed Ford O Matic
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and
collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate
controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8
acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic
and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the
I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit
www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us
anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in
person.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and
we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host
Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends
in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and
automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune
in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy
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