Vehicle Description
SUMMARY
The beneficiary of a ground-up restoration that was completed in
2007
429 cubic inch Ford V8
Toploader 4-speed manual transmission
Correct Competition Blue paint
Correct Ford 9-inch rear axle / Correct Traction-Lok differential /
Correct 3.50 gears
Sale includes: A Deluxe Marti Auto Works Report / An Eminger
Document
Correct power steering
Correct power front disc and rear drum brakes
Black vinyl interior
14-inch steel wheels
If you're a fan of '70s muscle, it seems like everywhere you turn
you see MoPar this or GM that. It's almost as if a large segment of
the hobby has simply forgotten about all the hot cars Ford produced
during Detroit's golden era. Or, maybe it's just selective memory.
And maybe GM and MoPar guys are too ashamed to admit that cars like
this sweet Mercury Cyclone, an authentic, fully documented Spoiler,
are much cooler and much more exclusive than their beloved
classics. At any rate, the proof is on the pavement. And if you buy
this fully sorted piece of Americana, you'll be able to school 'the
other guys' on the road AND at the show. Are you a diehard Ford fan
who's looking for some rock-solid muscle that's stylish, powerful
and roomy enough to take your other-minded friends on enlightening
journeys? Then this slick Merc is just the car you need!
BODYWORK/TRIM
In typical '70s Motor City metric, Mercury's aggressive Cyclone,
adorned with long surfaces and creases that stretch from stem to
stern, is incredibly hard to get straight once it's been overhauled
or reworked. Fortunately, the metal on this retro racer was
subjected to a ground-up restoration that involved excellent panel
alignment and an astute attention to detail. Correct Competition
Blue 2-stage creates a nice foundation for sporty stripes, a
functional ram air hood and, of course, correct spoilers. And items
like broad bumpers, color-keyed mirrors, an intricate rear valance
and a distinct gun sight grille create a sophisticated profile
that, even 46 years later, marches to the beat of its own drum.
ENGINE
Ford's impressive Cobra Jet V8 was standard fare for the Cyclone
Spoiler. And, while Dearborn brass rated the lethal powerplants at
a mere 375 horsepower, it was common knowledge that the engines
actually produced over 500 horses! Pop this Merc's hood and you'll
find 429 cubic inches of Ford big block that, in its fully restored
state, does a fantastic job of mimicking assembly line aesthetics.
At full throttle, the flapper valve opens, drawing cool oxygen
through a correctly painted ram air induction system in to a spry
Autolite 4-barrel. Below that juice box, cast iron heads seat a
cast iron intake between finned aluminum valve covers. At the front
of that intake, a traditional points distributor sequences spark
through 7mm High Temp Static Suppression cables. Cast iron exhaust
manifolds conduct an octane-fueled symphony through free-breathing
tail pipes. In front of those tubes, traditional V-belts spin
correct power steering and a rebuilt alternator next to an
Autolite-topped battery. A large radiator cycles coolant through
reproduction Autolite hoses and old school screw clamps. And, as
you can see from our high resolution photography, the Ford Blue
beast is homed in a solid engine bay that plants fresh decals in a
smooth coat of Satin Black skin.
DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION
At the bottom of this hardtop, solid floors and a beefy frame are
supported by a rebuilt suspension that's clean and lucid. The
muscular 429 transmits power through a close-ratio Toploader
4-speed, which spins a nodular 9-inch axle that's finished with a
correct Traction-Lok differential and correct 3.50 gears. At the
front of that drivetrain, correct power steering mixes surprisingly
tight turns with responsive feedback. At the center of the
undercoated floors, a true-dual exhaust system utilizes a pair of
Flowmaster dual-chamber mufflers to give the big engine a deep and
throaty voice. At the corners of the car, correct power front disc
and rear drum brakes supply quick and precise stops. And all that
proven hardware rolls on painted steel wheels, which twist meaty
245/60R14 BF Goodrich Radial T/As around stainless trim rings and
satin center caps.
INTERIOR
This Cyclone's thorough restoration included the careful
preservation of a vintage Black interior. Firm bench and bucket
seats ride a sea of clean carpet, which floats color-keyed mats
around a chrome Hurst shifter. A unique, driver-oriented dash
founds a Philco AM radio above a supplemental Auto Meter Sport-Comp
fuel gauge. Stylish door panels stretch abstract trim between
ornate Lincoln-Mercury crests and correct chrome handles. The
driver holds the road through a vintage Rim Blow Steering Wheel.
And the passengers stow cargo in a matted and decaled trunk that
features a correct jack and full-size spare tire.
PROVENANCE
Here's a detailed look at this Merc's Eminger Document and Deluxe
Marti Auto Works Report
DOOR DATA:
SERIAL NUMBER: 0H17C19916
0 � 1970 model year
H � Built in Lorain, Ohio
17 � Cyclone Spoiler 2-door hardtop
C � 429 cubic inch, 4V Cobra Jet engine
19,916th Mercury vehicle scheduled for production at Lorain
10/69 � Built in October of 1969
65G � Cyclone Spoiler 2-door hardtop
J � Ford #3657-A Competition Blue paint
8A � Black and Pewter Clarion Knit vinyl interior with bucket
seats
S � 3.50 Traction-Lok axle
U � C6 Merc-O-Matic transmission
21 � Atlanta Ordering District
OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT:
C6 Merc-O-Matic transmission
Optional axle ratio
Traction-Lok differential
G78x14 belted white sidewall tires
Power front disc brakes
Power steering
AM radio
EMINGER:
CYCLONE SPOILER 2-DOOR HARDTOP 8-CYLINDER ($3,759)
- 429 cubic inch Cobra Jet V8 that's complete with ram air
induction
- Dual exhaust
- Competition Handling Package
- Hi-back bucket seats
- Special Instrumentation Package
- Front and rear spoilers
- High level ventilation system
- Competition Blue
Select-shift transmission ($42)
Heavy-duty Traction-Lok differential ($00)
Higher ratio rear axle ($6.50)
G-78x14 white sidewall tires ($28.50)
Power front disc brakes ($64.80)
Power steering ($104.90)
AM radio ($60.90)
TOTAL OPTIONS: $250.60
CAR DELIVERED TO: Gwinnett Motor Company of Lawrenceville,
Georgia
OUR SALE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTATION AND ACCESSORIES
Two vintage sales brochures
A vintage Owner's Manual
A copy of one of the car's original Title (dates to October of
1989)
Miscellaneous Cyclone Spoiler literature
The aforementioned Deluxe Marti Auto Works Report
The aforementioned Eminger Document
Two vintage tags
Two sets of keys
When it comes to maximizing the amount of car your money will buy,
you simply can't go wrong with unique Detroit muscle. A scant
fraction of Mercury Cyclones were equipped as line-topping
Spoilers. And when you consider that this Spoiler is fully
documented and well restored, you have a head turning classic
that's fun, historic AND rare. If you're looking for a stylish,
comfortable, and reliable piece that commands a lot of respect on
the show field, and feels right at home on the highway, this hot
hardtop is your hot ticket!