Seeing a restored classic or one that’s been turned into a sleek Restomod has a way of bringing back nostalgic recollections from my younger days, and they’re nearly always good memories. It’s often a case where the car is an admirable model a friend had growing up, or one I wanted to own but couldn’t afford at the time, and now feel it would be rewarding to go back years later and make that dream a reality. However, I don’t recall anyone from my past expressing a specific interest in driving a 1975 Mercury Comet, nor do I remember these autos being hot topics of conversation among my peers growing up. The good news is this one here on Coyote Classics might be among the most satisfying builds for this type of car ever, so it may be time to add one of Mercury’s shooting stars to your must-own bucket list. Priced at $37,995, it’s located in Greene, Iowa, and our thanks go out to reader JDC for the fine tip here!
Sharing many similarities with the Ford Maverick, the Comet was branded a compact when the fifth and final generation of production began in 1971, running through 1977 when the model was permanently retired from the Mercury lineup. In 1975, a pair of inline-6 engines was a possibility, with a 302 V8 topping the chart as the largest factory powerplant available, producing around 120 horsepower. Powering this one now is a 4.6-liter V8 sourced from a 2008 Mustang, which made 300 HP in bone-stock form, and for even more fun, it’s connected to a 5-speed manual transmission. The third member is a 9-inch limited-slip rear end with 3.50 gears.
By 1975, the distance between the front bumper and grille had grown significantly on the Comet, and I’m guessing that was to ensure the car met the federally mandated front-end crash tests. Other than that, most Comets from this era have a similar overall appearance, and this one’s a real beauty on the outside. The previous owner says it received a frame-off restoration, with the body subjected to one hundred hours of block sanding before the fresh yellow paint was applied. The scoop and black hood treatment further enhance the sporty nature of the exterior, with the Billet wheels looking right at home here.
For a project that’s reported to have cost over $75,000, I’d expect a spectacular interior, and thankfully, this one doesn’t disappoint. The aftermarket steering wheel is fitted to a tilt steering column, along with a nice set of AutoMeter gauges installed in the dash. I’m certainly spotting very little to find fault with here, as this one appears to have had just about everything done right. My only concern is that even with the high amount spent to build this 1975 Mercury Comet, is there enough demand out there to recoup even half of that investment? What do you think?
Nice build. At least its not Caliente Red.
Not much fun spending $75 and only asking a little more than half back.
Like almost every hot rod ever built, this one needs a couple of changes to suit my taste.
Smaller wheels (un-plated Torq-thrusts or even steelies with dog-dish caps, please), bumpers from an earlier Comet/Maverick, and a different steering wheel head the list. I’m sure the builder — and many others — like what’s there. I’m not wild about ’em. The yellow paint screams “Hey, pull me over!” but I still dig it.
If the Comet runs and drives as well as it looks, I could rock it all day.
Can’t quite go for the ask, though I can hardly blame the seller for not wanting to be totally underwater. Nice, nice piece.
Right on Ray.
They didn’t want to spring for the Coyote?
My only wish on this is that they had started with an earlier model Comet, from before the bumpers had become steel birders. Other than that, I love it.