Vehicle Description
1964 Mercury Comet Caliente Hardtop
The Mercury Comet, originally developed as an Edsel model,
transitioned to a Mercury vehicle in 1960, sharing its platform
with the Ford Falcon. It was initially marketed as a compact car
and later became part of the intermediate class in 1966. The Comet
saw various performance modifications and racing applications,
particularly in drag racing, with notable models like the Comet
Caliente and the lightweight high powered A/FX versions.
For consignment, a 1964 Mercury Comet Caliente hardtop with the
true mileage unknown. This car has been owned by our consignor
since 1968 and has been garage kept ever since. At some point, more
than $20,000 was spent to build the engine and now you have a
Caliente that's not just hot, it's scorching!
Exterior
The fiberglass hood, front fenders, and doors keep things light and
single stage turquoise paint covers it all, including the side body
lines which look like the trailing flare of a shooting comet. Up
front, mean looking front intake ducts ride the front of the hood,
confronting oncoming air and scooping as much as possible while the
vertical front grille takes in some of its own. In back, a grille
like panel is in the center and the tail lights bring in some space
age patterns of round afterburners backed by a panel of reflective
red plastic, totally unique. 15-inch Weld wheels project the
potential of a race but the lack of any external tailpipes will
have red light warriors wondering. Overall, the paint is full of
patina with more pronounced imperfections like chips, cracks,
fiberglass repairs on the hood, and other various blemishes. The
metalwork on the car could use some freshening as well.
Interior
Blue alligator stamped vinyl inserts decorate the door panels which
are framed by the exterior's turquoise paint and bordered in black
vinyl with some patina setting in. Racing bucket seats and five
point harnesses occupy the front and things just go serious at that
red light. The rear bench maintains its stock configuration of
varying blue tuck and roll patterned vinyl and the alligator
extends to the sidewalls in back as well. A three spoke steering
wheel front a cluster of gauges and the stock dash, showing quite a
bit wear, is back there but obscured by race required readouts,
including a large tach and shift light as well as a big speedometer
mounted on the column. A triple gauge pod is mounted in front of
the dash center and wires are routed through an existing hole. A
Hurst Quarter Stick shifter is mounted on a pedestal and the floor
has black loop carpet in place, while the white headliner above is
loose and sagging. The trunk is clean and lined with various themes
and textiles.
Drivetrain
Here's the money shot! Under the hood is a clean 347ci V8 stroker
fully built and includes an Eagle cast steel crank, Eagle SIR
forged rods, Federal Mogul positions, a performance roller cam, AFR
Renegade 185 heads with 58cc chambers, 2.02i/1.60e valves, Scorpion
roller rockers, and high performance valve springs. An Edelbrock
intake wears a Holley DFT Slayer 4-barrel carburetor and the whole
package is backed by a C4 3-speed automatic transmission sending
power to the Ford 9" in back with 3.73 gears and Positraction.
Naturally, headers are onboard to begin the exhaust process. Disc
brakes are equipped at all four wheels.
Undercarriage
Clean and race ready underneath with shut off switch, driveshaft
loop, and Cherrybomb Extreme mufflers at the tail end of the
exhaust with tips terminating under the car. There's a deep sump
oil pan and a finned transmission and we note some green droplets
on the oil pan. There are small spots of rust through on the
floorboards but no other rust to speak of. The knuckles are clear
and the suspension consists of coil springs up front with leaf
springs and Caltracs bars in back with new adjustable shock
absorbers front and rear.
Drive-Ability
Every angle but the front presents a bit of a sleeper, but no
matter what side you're standing on, once this car starts, all bets
are off. Something wicked this way comes! We settle into the racing
seat, firm and supportive, and grab hold of the pistol grip shifter
and send this turquoise twister onto the tarmac where it
demonstrates very capable acceleration and eager power. Narrow
C-pillars and big windows create a greenhouse with excellent
visibility and the brakes are utilized to slow this Comet down. We
note the turn signals, wipers, and brake lights not working, but
all other functions on board do. 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.
Ay, cabron, this is one hot tamale, one caliente Comet! Leave the
exterior as is for the ultimate sleeper, or freshen it up to create
the ultimate car for show and go. Those front ducts on the
fiberglass hood are worth the price of admission and the stout
engine is a solid winner. We think HALEY would be a cool license
plate, but that'll be up to you. Reach for the stars on this one
and make the call.
4H23U538073
4-1964
H-Lorain, OH Assy Plant
23-Comet Caliente 2 Door Hardtop
U-170ci I6
538073-Sequential Unit Number
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.
There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee
is not included in the advertised price.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and
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Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends
in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and
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