The Cyclone was a performance-oriented Mercury, in production from 1964 to 1971. At first, it was based on the compact Comet, then later as an extension of the mid-size Montego. In 1968, it found itself positioned between the Cougar and Marauder, with the former putting pressure on Cyclone sales. The seller’s ’68 Cyclone GT is pretty rough, apparently having lived outdoors in the snow in a non-running state for some time. As a project in Staten Island, New York, this Merc is available here on craigslist for $5,000. Thanks for the muscle car tip, Mitchell G.!
While the base 1968-69 Cyclone had a 302 cubic inch V8 as standard fare, the 390 big block was the order of the day in the Cyclone GT. With a 2-barrel carburetor, the motor produced 265 hp, while the 4-barrel was good for 325. We don’t know which is in the seller’s car or something else. Cyclone sales were likely disappointing at 13,628 copies in ’68, with the GT fastback like this one being built at just 6,105 units.
This project car doesn’t look like it has moved in a while, but it was potent back in the day with its 390 and 4-speed manual transmission. The body is rusty and the paint beyond saving, and the interior hasn’t been functional for some time. It will need a full restoration, but when was the last time you saw a Cyclone G vs. a Chevelle SS 396 or Plymouth Road Runner?
We’re told that if this Mercury doesn’t sell soon, it will be relocated to New Jersey. There the seller will get it going again and probably relist it as a running project. Would you be better off taking it as-is or waiting for the seller to do some work to make it a more desirable acquisition?
I’ll be the first to say it. Too many zeros. It looks solid overall except for the passenger side floor but who knows what it looks like underneath? Sheet metal is lumpy but it looks like surface rust mostly.
Interesting. Moving to New Jersey will get the seller motivated to get it running. If he moves it to Pennsylvania, will he fix the rusted out floor?
Good candidate for a Woods Brothers #21 NASCAR tribute.
You wouldn’t even have to knock the dents out of the rear quarter panel, as rubbing is racing!
One of my favorite NASCAR models. It just looked cool. Back from when these cars still had a bit of “stock” in them. And of course, because they were Wood Brothers cars. They have always had my respect due to their decades-long loyalty to Ford (and, vice versa). The word “legendary” often accompanies their name when their family-owned team is discussed.
Looks promising but price?
The fact that 390’s run forever is what’s saving this project. Good luck to the seller, if you have to keep it my advice is take time doing it, it’s worth it.
bought a new 1968 Torino gt fast back 390 4 speed same car loved it
I purchased an orange 68 Merc Cyclone in February, 1977; it was equipped with a 390. My friends and I spent the afternoon tuning it. The very same early evening, I was driving too fast on a two lane highway coming into a small rural town. There was a patch of glare ice on the other side of the elevated railroad tracks. We stopped spinning when we contacted three parked cars in front of a steakhouse. All four cars were totaled. I’ve always dreamed of owning another one, but this one isn’t a candidate.
Russ I’ve seen 3 or 4 of these Cyclone GT 390’s here in Georgia at car shows. Beautiful cars when brought back to life. Just look at that engine bay! You can see everything & get to it. Almost forget how ez it was to work on em. Missing a whole lotta stuff here. It’s what I can’t see that’s troublesome. $5g’s is asking too much imo
In the opening pic this car looks absolutely miserable. I want to throw a blanket over it. I hope it gets rescued.
The ad should read : Free to a good home .
Done