The Cyclone was Mercury’s mid-size muscle car in the late 1960s and early 1970s. It began as a compact in 1964 and was promoted to an intermediate in 1968. Demand would quickly dissipate when higher insurance rates would suppress demand for hot cars like the Cyclone. For its swan song in 1971, the Spoiler had a 351 cubic inch V8 as standard equipment compared to a beefier 429. This ’71 Spoiler has been off the road for at least 30 years and has a rebuilt, period-correct engine that has yet to be run. Hailing from Independence, Missouri, this rare performance Merc is available here on eBay for $39,500 (or you can make an offer). Once again, Larry D comes through with a novel tip.
Under the skin, the 1971 Cyclone was a Mercury Montego. After a substantial restyle in 1970, the Cyclone changed little in appearance from the prior year. A performance hood with a built-in scoop was standard equipment, concealing the windshield wipers in the process. Production numbers were scant compared to what was happening over at Ford with performance versions of the Torino. In 1971, Mercury built just 444 base Cyclones, 2,287 more of the Cyclone GT (next step up), and a token 353 top-end Cyclone Spoilers like the seller’s car.
As the story goes, this Cyclone has been stored inside since the 1990s. We don’t know why that is, but it may be related to the motor. A rebuilt replacement for the original 351 Cleveland V8 with a 4-barrel carburetor resides under the hood, perhaps dropped in 30 years ago. After the installation, the threads in the oil pan for the drain plug hole were found to be stripped, so no oil went in, and the engine was never started. Replacing the oil pan seems to be a simple solution, so why has it not been done before?
The body looks fair from a distance and the red paint sports some interesting murals that we’re told were painted on in 1976 (to celebrate the Bicentennial perhaps?). But the fenders have attracted some rust over the years, so while it looks to be okay, some patches and paint will be required. The red and black interior with high-back bucket seats comes across as needing some work as there are cracks and tears after 50+ years.
While not as potent as a CJ429 which was standard fare in the Spoiler just the year before, this Mercury should be able to turn in a decent 0-60 mpg run with a Hurst-shifted 4-speed manual transmission. After all, the 351 was still rated at a healthy 285 hp. By 1971, the Spoiler was more show than go, but these cars are so rare today, wouldn’t you rather have Mercury over a Ford?
Interesting, rare, and unique model. The front end styling was a love or hate situation, but I’m fine with it. The coolest thing on these Cyclones was those canted gauges. I hope someone gets it and brings it up a couple notches.
I’m glad I’m not the only one taken by those canted guages. The first time I saw one of these cars I fell in love with that dash. That and I’m a sucker for a hood tach!
Speaking of Cyclone front ends, 2 weekends ago, my Atlanta buddy took me and my son to Alpharetta, GA to the Savoy Auto Museum there. It’s a new museum that features rotating exhibits. We saw brass era cars, classic era cars, restomods, 70s muscle, and microcars. Fantastic exhibits and well worth the trip. It’s named the Savoy because, whilst clearing the land, they found the rusted hulk of a 1954 Plymouth Savoy 4 door nestled amongst some vines. The hulk sits outside in the parking lot area now. Really cool.
However, the reason for my response is the attached picture of a 1970 Mercury Cyclone Spoiler II. It’s a factory original 1 of 2 vehicles created. The other was destroyed during a factory test accident. Clearly this was a prototype that they decided against using. Given the alternative in the BF instance car, Mercury stylists and decision makers may have missed a trick here. It is somewhat reminiscent of the Dodge and Plymouth front ends, which may have been the inspiration for this styling exercise.
Another view.
I will bet this Spoiler II came out of Floyd Garrett’s Musclecar Museum in Sevierville, TN. That was a terrific place and when we took a road trip some years ago to Kentucky, I made absolutely certain to make it a stop along the way home. Me and my six year old son and two little dogs traveled back to California via Route 40 after the necessary southern diversion. Floyd passed a couple years ago, but I think the museum’s still going. I guess you have to be a Member to post an image or I’d add a couple shots of it from other angles.
At any rate, the featured 351 car here is beautiful just as it is (love the custom paintwork) and 1971 pricing is certainly easier to swallow than 1970 pricing for a lower performing but otherwise nearly identical and apparently original survivor car.
Unfortunately, there were no Spoiler II’s completed for 1970. The closest they came was the clay mock up. There were a few Torino’s but the program showed that the nose wasn’t needed for the 70 Tornio and Cyclone to beat the MoPar winged cars and actually canceled before the Daytona had managed to win a race. Partially because it wasn’t needed but also because the money needed to make it work right was not going to be in Fords budget for 1970. The one that has been making its rounds with claims of being a chicken coupe find and various other stories is a recreation of something that didn’t truly exist.
As to that front end styling, it brings to mind the controversial AMC “coffin nose” treatment on Matador/Ambassadors a few years later.
The Cougars of the era had a similar front end Bob. Nuthin to hate.
$40 grand for a car with a non running replacement engine. With some rust issues? Nah.
Couldn’t have said it better if I paid someone to.
Obviously the price is the “yes dear, I posted the car for sale just like you demanded”.
Yep and that’s why the listing has already been pulled. Likely because someone stepped up in a hurry for a time capsule like this selling for less than $50K, not because the price was unreasonable.
I wish I still had my 71 GT. I loved that car. It was red just like in the pics
Quite the shock to see the car was originally sold at Stepps Ford in Anchorage Alaska. I might well have seen it running around town during its time in Alaska. Guarantee there will be rust issues as Salt was used in the winter for traction control on the roads there. Still is too.
I too may have seen this car running around and later after John Stepp lost the Ford franchise it became Stepp Brothers Lincoln Mercury and I worked there for a while.
Thankfully salt use was basically eliminated here long ago, they use a little to keep the sand from sticking together I think but other than that we haven’t used salt in a very long time.
Since the original motor is long gone. Perhaps a 429 now would be sensible. These models don’t have a deep value and the body can easily handle the big block. It sure could perform with any other muscle car.
Wow, at least $25,000.00 over priced imo. Non running non original motor of unknown quality and rust? No wy
Interesting and unique car. Perfect for a resto-mod. BMW
E 24 instrument cluster center console door handles and
seats. New used Dodge Challenger (5.7) drivetrain and
suspension for better fuel economy and driveability.
(Complete lift-out engine/transmission cradle avail for 5k)
The perfect guest for cars and what?
Are you for real? The only crap you missed was SBC!!!
This might be an okay deal – I don’t see any serious undercarriage rust, and the originality (plus the period murals) are compelling. At least it hasn’t been “tarted up” for sale. The ask is a little high but musclecars remain hot – I think 25k or so might be appropriate if a personal inspection was conducted first.
Nice car,and different. What bothers me is the small issue with the drain plug. It can be fixed with a oversize self tapping plug. Not the best fix, but get it going. I dont think thats a bad fix. There must be more than that to keep it from running.
Not sure if this Cyclone has optional hidden headlites, but “stuck” in the up position.
& not sure if carpet & dash pad should really be matching red.
Again, another way overpriced mid-muscle car….rare yes, no doubt…..but needing a ton of work…I agree with previous comment…install the 429 in there…sell the 351, it has no originality to the car, then the interior, then the rust issues, then new paint…….that car might be worth $20k…..maybe…..
Why stop at a 429? Go with a stroker 460!
Waaaaay off on the asking price. NADA value $28,600 as optioned. And the factory 4 speed upped that up from $22,600.
Beautiful car but:
I’ve been working on 351 Clevelands for more than 45 years and currently own a 70 Ranchero GT and 72 Torino Sports Roof both 351 Clevelands…
That said:
Something definitely stinks in the oil pan stripped drain plug story.
I’ve replaced pans and gaskets on 351 Cleveland’s in 70-71 Torino/Ranchero and Mustang applications and it’s no big deal.
Two hour job.
At the very least the owner could have installed a self tapping over sized drain plug available at all auto parts stores…
Which leads me to believe that the engine probably has some kind of serious issue(s).
I really don’t like calling out anyone as a liar or worse but in my 68 years I’ve stepped into deep do do a couple times after believing a story like this….
All things considered I’d discount this Spoiler $6,500 from the NADA value of $28,500 which would allow for gambling on that engine and having a known good condition 351 Cleveland ready to drop in.
Also….not disclosing the complete VIN is another warning flag.
I love the dashboard in these… so much more better looking and functional than what Ford was sticking in Torinos and Rancheros.
NADA is BS and you know that
In response to “Reply to $ where your mouth is”.
You sound exactly like a keyboard badazz AND wiseazz.
Go attack someone on Facebook or Twitter.
I’ve bought and sold over $2,500,000 worth of vintage cars, trucks and motorcycles over the last 22 years…. NADA is the standard for auction houses, banks, insurance companies and dealerships as well as myself…
I’ve never paid over a NADA value.
HEY Russ !,
wheres my responce comment to the Dr ?!?
you didnt erase it did you ?,
if you did shame on you you, seriously lame.
You owe me an appology at least.
That took time and consideration to write, had no foul language and made a flawless point.
Seriously , wheres my comment ?
NADA 🤣 That’s like consulting Consumer Reports. Literally no one would’ve ever bought an American Supercar as these were known back then if they had put any stake in Consumer Reports. Should we ask Ralph Nader, too? Maybe you’ll be better off in a new Kia K5 GT, arguably one of the few true spiritual successors to the coveted vintage American muscle car, since the virtuous and the globalist have since conspired to all but put an end to the American car as we knew it.
At least try Hagerty if you want to be taken seriously, but a ’71 Spoiler is so rare, it isn’t even listed… yet.
😂😂😂 If the name fits, wear it.
Well duh 😵💫
As to the dash, I think it’s hard to beat the mid-60s Bonnevilles. I’d rather have the Torino.
Neat old ride, or at least it was at one time, maybe the best thing is being the only one at the local show or cruise with a Mercury Cyclone Spoiler, GT, whatever.
Nice write up Russ. As others have stated the canted gauges are really cool… I always love the tail end of this car too. I’d love to have one.
The seller has 1,755 items listed!!
Never started the motor because the drain plug is stripped
I’ve got an island for sale off the coast of Kansas
Jay, really? How much are you asking? At a parts store you can get rubber plugs that fix that problem, you put them in and then tighten them with a Allen wrench.
Put in a 460, , 4 speed, and a drag pac 430 rear gear ( what were you gonna take the family to the beach)dont fix it so nice that your neurotic about people walking by it, I love this nose, nothing looks like this, Personally i think they stole it from Subaru ( the 82 cyclops) maybe they were going one eye too? They were almost there.While i love this car body style, the 68 also was a killer car, was a green white stripe 427 4 speed car( dont know if it was original or not..Anyway this car is way to expensive and nice for me, would love to find one rattier……or cheaper. What a great looking piece of history.
Cool, rarely seen (today) car! I like the unique styling! As to the oil pan issue, I had a 68 Ford Fairlane with a stripped-out drain opening, and lucky for me my dad worked for a tool and die place, and I was able to make new oversized threads and get an oversized plug! pretty easy! I agree there must be more to the “story”…there usually is!
A buddy in H.S. had a Mercury Cyclone with a 429 column shifted bench seat version, orange with black interior, cragar ss wheels with fat tires in the rear, man I loved that car! I had a 67 Chevy 2 Nova 2dr with a 283 small block, 4 barrel, 4 speed, US mags, white with black bench seat interior. We lined em up often with me always pulling him thru 3rd but then that 429 would hits hits it’s stride & blow right on by me! Damn we had fun back then!
I had a ‘71 Torino GT which is the same car with different sheet metal, front and rear trim. The Merc parts are hard to find and not much repro parts are available.
The GT is a step down from the Cyclone Spoiler option. The desirable options are 429 SCJ with 3.91 or 4:30 locker gears.
The Drag Pak wasn’t available for 71.. While you could option the 429CJ.. the SCJ and gears were long gone.
Asking price is very optimistic at a recent Auction only a few months ago a Mint Torino Cobra with a 429 sold for 50K IDK if it was original or restored but it looked perfect.
That’s a nice looking car. Notice the uniqueness of it. Cars of the 50’s thru the 70’s showed uniqueness.
Unlike the jelly-bean shape on wheels most all cars morphed into. Yuck.
Sort of followed the morphing of Americans in obese shapeless yucks.
This car has poor styling. That is why they didn’t sell many. Needs an LS swap and nitros to run it on the track. I’d trade my Harley Sportster if they threw in the difference.
my cyclone spoiler was sold new at Spokane Lincoln mercury in November 1970 ..2 sold that were comp green in Washington state ..Brother in law was first owner ,my step brother was second owner,,I was third owner for 17 years …step brother changed the cam ,put on offy tunnel ram with dual 660 holleys …hays clutch with latter bars ..and 4:56 gears ,,,120 mph in two blocks