“This is a reliable, great little head-turning classic that can be enjoyed every day,” so opines the seller of this 1963 Mercury Comet Custom convertible. I would agree! The styling is, well, subjective in nature, but this little Merc does visibly stand out; that’s for sure. Discovered in Los Angeles, California, this bright and cheery drop-top is listed here on craigslist for $24,995.
Introduced in 1960 as a compact, the Comet remained a C-segment car until ’66 when it grew into a D-segment intermediate. In ’63, Comets were offered in two-door sedans, convertibles, and station wagons as well as four-door sedans and wagons. The trim levels were three that year, Standard, Custom, and S22 – the sporty version. As for our subject, it’s one of 7,400 ragtop Customs that made the scene in ’63. The seller states, “This is a super clean, rust-free California car. Chrome is excellent; body and paint are a solid 9 out of 10.” The Code B Peacock Turquoise finish looks like new. My initial assumption was that it’s a repaint, but I can’t find any specific evidence (the underhood fender-attaching bolts aren’t painted?), so I can’t say with certainty. The mileage recording is only 19K miles, but there’s no claim that the reading is authentic. Regardless, the trim, chrome bits, and white fabric top present beautifully. It’s nice to find the original wheel covers still in place; they so often go the Day 2 dumpster route, unless, of course, this is a restored car and they had to be reacquired.
As goes the exterior, so goes the interior – it’s like new and so representative of vinyl upholstery patterns that were commonplace 60+ years ago – I wish they’d return, but I’m not gonna hold my breath. Anyway, the entire environment, including the instrument panel and center console, is just right. Nice to see is the top “boot”.They’re generally available as a reproduction part, but the inclusion helps to complete the picture.
Finding a 101 gross HP, 170 CI, inline six-cylinder engine under this Merc’s hood does not surprise me, but the four-speed manual transmission does. Generally found behind V8 engines, the four-speed is still a welcome complement to the six-banger and likely helps coax a little more “go” out of that venerable engine. As for V8 power, one was coming, but I believe it was a mid-year inclusion for the Comet. The seller claims this Comet to be “great running” and “reliable“.
Being offered by the “King of Affordable Classics,” the seller’s statement defining this car as a great little head-turner got me thinking. Sure, it will turn some heads, but I’d suggest anyone with an interest get their own head turning and check it out thoroughly – you know the deal with these kinds of sellers, you always want to verify for yourself that the reality lives up to the hype. As for the price, I dunno, $25 large? I’m on the fence on that one; how about you?
The history of the Comet is interesting. They started life as just “Comet”, being originally intended to be part of the departed Edsel lineup. They officially became a Mercury in ’62 and got a restyle. My dad bought one brand new. For ’63 the Mercury Comet strongly resembled the styling of Mercury’s full size models and IMHO are quite attractive. This is a stunning example too especially in that color, however would I pay that much for this car? Doubtful as these don’t have the classic status that commands such a high price.
pics look nice but several things noticed in the original listing:
1) the aluminum container on left inner fender–custom windshiels washer reservoir or?
2) left rear fender cap–not quite a proper fit
3) hood gap, wider on right side than left
4) right door window and quarter window don’t align properly, common problem with Falcon and Comet convertibles.
5) mileage claim 19,000 but pic of odometer looks more like 95,64x.x something.
In all, it’s 63 years old, clean and a sharp looking car, would enjoy having it in my garage.
It is a beautiful car and would be fun to drive even with the 6 cylinder.
Would I prefer at least a 260 V-8 yes , especially if I was dishing out $25,000.
Well, 1st, nice car, J.O., and here’s what I figure is the 411. I too think someone did a stellar repaint with a color that is very popular in S.Cal. Everything, it seems, is this Aqua color, and as mentioned, it was color “B”, which was a similar turquoise. When I saw the color, I knew right away it was Cal. You can see the interior panels are more like the original color.
This is a very rare car. Perhaps someone can distinguish the difference from a S22, but I read, less than 122, 4 speed convertibles were made. The “76B” indicates it is a S22, but no mention of that. I think there are plenty of us “shifty” characters left that would love to have this.
I love Howard K!
Always admired `63 Comets, even though they weren’t that common. The taillight lenses look like `60 Lincoln parts bin pieces, and if so they work well with the design. The interior is new–I can see that right off, but it looks correct for the model. A little nicer than a Falcon, but wish this had the 260 V8 instead of the six. No matter; I’d love to cruise in this all day! GLWTA!
i would not trust anybody that says they are the king of affordable classics. it would most likely be more affordable in the hands of a private seller.
My 1st car! (except mine was a 3 on the tree, and a red hardtop)
1) It’s an S 22. Not a Custom. The interior makes it fairly obvious, but the “S 22” emblem on the fender is hard to ignore.
2) Dagenham 4 speed.
3) The list of available models doesn’t include 2 door hardtops available after about January ‘63, and and marketed as ‘63 1/2 models.
Hard to ignore? You mean that real little thing on the front fender? Do you have telescopic vision? I can’t make that out. What’s so obvious about the interior? Is it the pattern?
JO
Jim, only the S-22 had the bucket-seat interior. I think that’s what he was getting at. The Custom had a conventional bench seat in front. Agree that the fender medallion is tiny. As for price, would prefer a Falcon Sprint for about the same money (Hagerty) or the optional 260 V8 if going for one of these.
I agree. 25 years ago, I rebuilt an S22 convertible for my daughters first car. In addition to the fender medallions, it had an S22 badge on the glove box. It came with a Custom parts car that only had twin tail lights. I put a 200 ci six in it. With the 4 speed, it was quite peppy.
My first car same color combo only mine was a 3 speed on the floor also this car came with a power top which I thought was cool at the time
nice
Very nice. At least it doesn’t have the anemic 144 six. A 260 would have been nicer, but the 4 speed with the 170 should be fairly lively.