What do you think of when you hear the word Comet? Something celestial like Haley’s Comet? A crack passenger train from bygone days? One of Santa’s around the world in one-night gang? For me, pretty much all of the above. How about a car? Honestly, that’s far down on the list of triggered recollections but it does generate a hit. And as such, for further review, here’s a nice example of a Comet of the automotive variety, a 1963 Mercury Comet two-door hardtop, located in Sherman, Texas, and available here on eBay for a BIN price of $15,500.
The Comet name got kicked around a bit at the former Mercury division of the Ford Motor Company. It was a compact-sized car between 1960 and 1965, grew to an intermediate from ’66 until ’69, took a siesta in ’70, and returned to compact status for its final run from ’71 until ’77. The Comet covered a lot of bases in ’63 with two-door hardtops and sedans, a four-door sedan, a convertible, and a station wagon model.
This example has some very nice features, not the least being its very clean condition. The seller advises that this Comet was originally black but was repainted some time ago, the finish is still pretty deep but apparently has some minor cracking. The quarter panel mini-fins seem really dated on a ’63 vintage car, but this Mercury wears them well. There doesn’t appear to be evidence of rust or rot with this hardtop and all of the body panels are well aligned and straight. The seller adds that the chrome and trim are good and appear to be original – the only boo-boo is the “Comet” badge on the passenger fender which has been reduced to Co t. Rounding out the exterior is the inclusion of Magnum 500-styled, steel wheels, they look great in this application.
As for the overall integrity and solidity of this Mercury, take a gander at the underside. It is truly solid with nothing more than a minute trace of surface rust or a vague glimpse of peeling paint or a coating. This is a very sound car.
The interior of this Mercury is just perfect. The seller refers to it as “good” but I would rate it higher than that. The red vinyl upholstery shows minimal signs of wear and is very fresh in its appearance, not just the seats but the door cards too. The instrument panel is clear and bright as well as being complemented by a trio of auxiliary gauges and a column-mounted tachometer. Of note is the under-dash A/C unit that has been painted to match the interior decor. The old-school lap belts are a nice touch too.
Under the hood is where the real surprise can be found, a beefed-up, non-original 289 CI V8 backed up with a four-speed manual transmission is in residence. A VIN decode indicates that this Comet rolled off of the Lorain, Ohio assembly line with a 164 gross HP, 260 CI V8 engine so somewhere in its past, this Comet was treated to an aluminum-head 289 motor upgrade. The seller claims, “Car runs well and has good power”. Extras include headers, 3.55:1 rear gears, traction bars, and disc brakes. There is no word how many miles this 289 engine has experienced but it is doubtful that it matters.
When I hear the word Comet from now on, the car reference will definitely move up at least a notch, maybe even two. This Mercury’s condition and equipment are impressive, it looks like it’s a stout performer and possesses definite eyeball appeal. It’s hard to say too much about the price, it’s probably more than I would initially think a ’63 Comet would command but this example is pretty special, don’t you think?
Nice car, especially with that four speed. With that red interior, going back to the original black paint would look great. Maybe lose the traction bars, not a car you see often, good choice
Traction bars are gone.
I agree – this one looks real nice. I’d lose the traction bars and make a few minor other changes and drive it.
The author must be young, because some of us older car folks think of the Comet as a car first, anything else second. My father had a 65 Comet back when they were used cars, it was also red with red int and a 289. It also had bucket seats if I’m remembering correctly, my father drove a new beater every year to keep the Road Runner out of the salt. I always had a place in my heart for these.
I’m sure Jim is thrilled to think he’s young!
Young!? I wish I were and I guess I should say thanks! Considering that the last Comet was made 43 years ago, and yes I clearly remember it as nothing more than a Maverick rebadge, I have long moved on to other models to forget.
JO
This Comet was made before they had Mavericks. The later ones were re-badged Mavericks.
With the right tire, the bars would add at least a tenth to the quarter mile. Used Lakewoods on several of my rides.
You young guys, comet was a falcon rebadge
Nice cars that you don’t see often.
I like everything except the back taillights and valance
It looks like it was borrowed from a Corvair.
If it was only a Falcon! The Comet is something you rarely see anymore. Pretty sure the base V8 was a 221, the 260 was an upgrade. Whoever designed and approved the rear end styling should have lost their jobs. I forgot how literally “butt ugly” they were.
Actually, I really like the rear end view. If you want really awful, go a year earlier, now that’s bad!
In high school I wanted one of these so badly, or a Falcon Futura; bucket seats please.
Agreed. I’m a big Falcon fan.
My favorite is the 64 Sprint. My buddy had one with a red bench interior with the standard on the floor, it was a fun quick car. I actually ruined the 260 trying to keep up with a brand new 95 Wagoneer that had the V8 in it.
I topped out at around 110-115, no tach but it was screaming and developed a bad rap a couple days later. I helped him put in a 302 but he switched to an automatic and it just wasn’t the same car, especially after the side pipes and sunroof were installed.
Some people shouldn’t drink. lol
Beautiful Comet…and I like her rear.
I really like this car…can’t afford it right now. The one negative about the styling that stands out most to me is the massive rear overhang. Yes, that’s trunk space, I know. While I like the mods, I’d prefer to find one in a more stock condition and pick my own mods. Anyway, nice car and GLWA.
is the floor gone and we’re lookin at the gas tank?
I think these and the early Falcons are a cool alternative to the endless Mustangs, set up like this of course.
Sounds like a hot 289, looks like a blast from the past with those ‘bars, leave ’em.
Oooo, this a nice one. You know, a LOT of neat cars come through here, and I don’t care what camp you hail from, you have to admit, this is one of the nicest. I got a chuckle out of what a “Comet” means to people. For me, it certainly brings up the car,,,,but not like this. Initially, the Comet was a fancy Falcon, but most in my neck, were plebian 4 doors, with missing hubcaps and a creased fender, and smoke billowing out the 144 cube/6 ‘s draft tube.( Oh, that was a gutless thing) Like most Falcons, in a short time from new, they became $100, back row beaters, I had a ’62 like I just described. They were simple cars for city transport, it’s what they were designed for. This here, was the exception. As basic as some, like mine were, it’s shows they could be made into a really neat car. Very nice.
Oddly enough, to answer the Comet and what I think of first question, a darn green cylinder shaped container of abrasive cleaning product. That’s just messed up. As for Merc’s, Cyclone is usually my first thought.
Good one Troy! I completely forgot about that.
JO
I like Falcons, but I like early Comets even more. (especially the “Edsel” Comets that have no Mercury nameplates)
even though my preferred drivetrain is 6-cylinder + 3 on the tree, and red is my LEAST favorite car color; this appears to be a wonderful car that will be a blast for the buyer to own and drive…..
This is a nice car that would be a lot of fun to drive. I also like the rear end; kind of looks like a Corvair with fins. If it were mine, I’d have to change the wheels though; they’re too ‘Buick’ for me (not that there’s anything wrong with that).
The Canadian Ford was a Meteor. So Comet was a family name.
Looks like the perfect set-up along with great styling. A/C too! I would take the traction-bars off immediately…. if wheel-hop is a problem, I would put Koni shocks on.
No wheel hop. Rear axle is 3.80 trac-lock.
Ticks all the boxes. Leave it as is and drive the snot out of it!
I was a teenager when this Comet was new,in fact I was in junior high school. I lived in Lorain Ohio,and for eighth grade graduation,we got a tour of the Lorain Ohio Ford plant. They assembled Comets,Falcons,and some pick-ups. This was in 1964. What an experience,to see a whole car assembled. That year was the first year for the Cyclone. Both cars were hot in my opinion. Up until 1964, the Comets were glorified Falcons,and I like Falcons better. This car is really nice, especially with the 289. The Lorain Ohio plant closed down around the middle to late nineties.
Funny (to me anyway) how the Falcon got ugly in 1964 but the Comet got improved in the looks department for 1964
Nice little Mercury. The only thing I would change is put the wire behind the shock tower on the passenger side and re-route the gas line underneith the motor onto the passenger inner fender, Then to the carb. Since my accident I am real cautious about the gas line now. I ,m glad to see it has a Hurst shifter too. Instead of the noisey Ford shifter. Really nice looking ride and well done. I,d definitely would want to check it out better . Looks can be deceiving.
I like this, not a Mercury you see very often. I am more into the later Falcon Sprint especially in Ragtop form. Give me bucket seats and a 4 spd with the built 289 and I am a happy camper. There has been no mention of the Caliente that came later.
My Nephew had a ’65 Red Caliente ragtop 6 cyl, 3 spd bucket seat car, a ride he really liked. He would call it his Vomit with a throw up top.
French Ford had a Comete in the early 1950s, a very nice looking 2 door vehicle. (Designed by Facelle ?)
That factory became Simca.
It looks nice but I’d like to know how much Bondo is hiding in all the holes that were filled in when they removed all of the side trim. I have a 61 Falcon that the former owner did the same thing to The lower trim and left the upper trim in place. Some of it is cracking and my intent is to grind it all back off and reinstall the trim. The problem is the lower trim for both the left and right doors is impossible to find as it was 61 specific. However, I only paid $3200 for the car so it’s a little more forgivable than at the price this Comet is starting at. I expect that Anyone who wanted to put this Comet’s trim back on would have a similar situation. And with that red interior, I’d have painted it black again, not resale red.
Really nice car and the perfect color combination. I would like the price if the top went down.
The 63 comet had a great look to it and this one has been well cared for!! It was a much more aggressive look that the earlier models!!!
The car above is a 66 Comet Caliente. It has a 289 with c-6 trans. It was parked across the street from my house so I took a picture and talked to the owner. He recently bought the car from a lady who needed money for her husbands cancer treatments. The car came from Oklahoma where the people lived. It’s one of those cars you must see to fully appreciate.
This red one is very special with the 289 and 4 speed. I only wish I could afford to separate my self from $20 grand. But my retirement savings is dwindling fast. Best to whoever gets it.
God bless America
Comets are cool, knew a guy back in the late 60’s bought a used 66 bottom of the ladder 202 I think. Anyway the car had a 390, three on the tree, that’s a column shifter for the younger readers. Had a 9″ locker and factory traction bars. Blue vinyl interior and two tone paint. What a sleeper. Car was unmolested original build car. Back then you checked the boxes of course.
last 2 posters hit my comments “liked the stacked hdlght model” and what abt the “202” so many called them.
As I look at the car I see ‘frame stiffeners’ not ‘traction bars’ (for ‘hole shots’) but my eyes were put in upside dwn. It looks like some begining mods if true, the R&P steering is another I’d keep w/the 1st. Disks up frnt, bilstiens a 1 inch lower, & shelby drop…now it’s a lill SCCA canyon carver. This is what I’d do to this or the ‘ranch’ of the same generation (the ’round bodies’)…