When the idea for the compact Comet was conceived in the late 1950s, it was intended to be sold as an Edsel. When that company went belly-up, FOMOCO sold the Comet through Lincoln-Mercury dealers simply as a Comet. It wasn’t until 1962 that Comets started being branded as Mercury’s. This 1962 2-door sedan must be the Custom model as it has a split-seat interior up front. A one-owner car, we’re told this beauty has only accumulated 20,000 miles. On the market for a couple of months, this survivor is available from Uniontown, Ohio, and here on Facebook Marketplace for $29,900 OBO.
The Comet was Mercury’s version of Ford’s Falcon, which also debuted in 1960. The compact car field was already getting busy with AMC’s American, Studebaker’s Lark, Plymouth’s Valiant, and Chevrolet’s Corvair. As was the case with all of Mercury’s products, they were a notch up from Ford in terms of trim. The 1962 Comet continued to sport small tailfins, a trend that was on the way back out by the early 1960s.
Not many details are offered by the seller, which is a shame considering the asking price might make it the most expensive Comet on the market. The odometer reading of under 21,000 miles is said to be original, but we don’t know if the rest of the automobile is. Has this car been kept on a velvet pillow for 63 years or has it been restored? The body and paint look great in the limited photos and the matching interior may have no flaws except for one part of the carpeting.
We assume a 170 cubic inch inline-6 is under the hood since a V8 wasn’t offered until the following year. And it’s apparent that a 2-speed automatic transmission is in play. The seller says all the history of the Mercury will be provided, but not in the free listing. This one-owner Comet was one of 73,800 2-door sedans produced in 1962, but when was the last time you saw one? Thanks for the tip, Dennis House.
Sharp Comet.
Very nicely restored. I like the tailights on the ’62 models better than the ’60. Comets are a nice alternative to a Falcon if you want something different.
The seller has lowered the price to $24,900 since the ad was originally posted 8 weeks ago. It may be nice, but they aren’t particularly sought after, is there anyone willing to pay that much for a 1962 Comet? If the seller has such a strong asking price, earn it, take better pictures and give a detailed description including documentation.
Steve R
Caption needs changing. The featured Comet is no more a “1960” model than the man in the moon! Looks like a `63 model although I see the year `62 referenced in the write-up. Very nice anyway. GLWTA!
Its a 62 with the bomb site fender toppers. I own a 63 Convertible with what they call wind splitters… Nice car though. Its an s22 like my 63 which warrants six tail lights, buckets and a console…
The bucket seats and console mark this as a Comet S-22. That, and the S-22 emblem in the steering wheel center. It’s a ’62, based on trim, grille, and taillights.
Even a $25k? He’s dreaming. At that price? This Comet had better have a Coyote stuffed in that engine bay. Or at least a 260 V-8.
Russ, I was all ready to trash you for calling a ‘60 Comet a Mercury- then I realized it’s a ‘62. Maybe BF should hire a proofreader. I’ve owned several Comets, including a ‘63 red/red S 22 260/4 speed. It was an early’63 2 door sedan with the “box top”. Most sites claim that V8s weren’t available until ‘63 1/2. Not true. Also that 289s weren’t available in Falcons/Comet until ‘64. Also not true. A friend of mine bought a ‘63 1/2 Falcon Sprint brand new with a 289- fender badges and all.
This is a very nice and very rare car. I doubt it’s going to sell for the asking price, but for the seller’s sake, hopefully I’m wrong.
I remember my step dad having a bright red one just like this, interior n all but his had what we kids called cat eye tail lights, can anyone tell me what year that might have been? Man this brings back sweet memories of all the family going on little trips together
Pops. That was a 1960. Was supposed to be the small Edsel.
This is a very sharp car and I would like to have it even though I think it is a little high priced. Also, I would be happy if the car has been restored, if not from previous experience with all low miles stored original cars, I would pass.
nice car but if the sellers looking for 25k he better take it to an auction or list someplace other than f/b. that’s not where your going to sell a car like that
It’s a 63′. I had an identical one as my very first new car only in black. One of the best car’s I ever owned.
Its a 62
Very clean example, but seller is asking Sprint prices on this base model Comet. I’d rather spend the money on a Caliente with a 260.
Funny how the manufacturer could put an upright hood ornament on each fender, but not even one rear-view mirror.
To Pops in TX: The “cat eyes” tail-lights, which better suited the little fins, were on the earlier Comets, as an “Edsel” theme. These compacts did not change much in the first few years, but the Comet was face-lifted to look more like a little Mercury, since Ford had deep-sixed the Edsel. I like this car, for some reason. The steering wheel and dashboard have that wonderful early 1960s look and feel, for those of us who drove these as young adults when they were new — nothing like it! If this is a true “survivor”, then perhaps it is the best all-original 1962-1963 Comet anywhere. However, if it is a restoration (as its presentation seems to suggest), then the outlandish price probably is an attempt to recoup the investment. But, given what this car is, and the present marketplace for these, a price between $11,000 and $15,000 seems more “real world”: if it is truly an untouched one-owner survivor, then maybe $18,000-$20,000 would be in line. I’ll bet that it’s loads of fun to fun to drive, and I would love to do so! Thoroughly nice car!
It is actually more rare than the 74,000 number mentioned because, as many have noted, it is an S-22…which according to the link has no production numbers listed. Very nice car…probably more of a $12-15,000 car though.
To Jeff Davis: ‘Tis a ’62 and not a ’63: take a look at the grille, and you will see the difference. To HC: With three tail lights on each side, this is not the base model. It might not be the TOP model, though it certainly is above the base model.
To Jeff Davis: ‘Tis a ’62 and not a ’63: take a look at the grille, and you will see the difference. To HC: With three tail lights on each side, this is not the base model. It might not be the TOP model, though it certainly is above the base model.
It’s a ’62 as a previous post said. If it was a ’60, the word “Mercury” wouldn’t appear anywhere on it. This car was originally conceived as a model for the Edsel brand. The Mercury moniker didn’t appear until the ’62 model year.