Mercury produced the 1971 Cyclone GT as a comfortable classic that offered genuine muscle credentials. This impression was reinforced if the original owner ordered the GT with the optional 429 Cobra Jet V8 under the hood. Such is the case with our feature car. While it is no trailer queen, it is a solid and tidy driver-grade classic begging to be enjoyed with a new owner behind the wheel. Located in Struthers, Ohio, the owner has listed the Cyclone for sale here on Craigslist. You could drive away in this classic by handing the owner $29,900. I have to say a big thank you to Barn Finder Gunter K for spotting this muscular gem for us.
The seller is candid about this Cyclone’s overall condition, stating that it is a driver-quality classic. The original Window Sticker and Marti Report indicate that it rolled off the production line wearing Knight White paint with a Black vinyl top. It isn’t clear whether anyone has performed any restoration work, but the car presents well for its age. There are no major flaws or defects with the paint, while the vinyl appears excellent. The panels are straight, with gaps as tight as you are likely to find on a Mercury of this vintage. There is no visible rust, and the owner doesn’t mention any issues in their listing. The GT features concealed headlamps, and their doors seem to operate as they should. The remaining chrome and trim look flawless, as does the tinted glass. The Magnum 500 wheels are a later addition, but they suit the character of this classic.
Buyers had a couple of choices regarding which engine to slot under the hood of their new Cyclone GT, and this car’s owner went straight to the top by selecting the legendary 429 Cobra Jet V8. Its impressive 370hp feeds to the 3.25 Traction-Lok rear end via a three-speed automatic transmission. The decision to equip the car with power steering and power front disc brakes adds to this classic’s luxury feel. Buyers could find more potent vehicles in 1971, but this GT’s ability to cover the ¼ mile in 14.7 seconds before winding beyond 130mph was nothing to sneeze at. The seller doesn’t indicate whether the Cyclone is numbers-matching, but verifying this should not be difficult. The engine bay presents superbly, and it doesn’t flatter to deceive. The car runs and drives well and is ready to be enjoyed by its lucky new owner.
Turning our attention to the Cyclone’s interior keeps the positive vibes rolling. The car is upholstered in Black vinyl, and this appears to be free from wear or physical damage. The owner doesn’t mention it, but I believe the front buckets wear new covers. The dash and pad look excellent, with no evidence of issues. One of the few visible flaws is a crack on the rim-blow wheel. This is disappointing, and the buyer will need to decide whether they can live with it or spend nearly $800 on a reproduction. A search online may unearth an original for a lower figure, but the new owner may need to be patient in their search. For those who like their touches of luxury, the GT features a console, factory air conditioning, and an AM/FM stereo radio with optional twin rear speakers.
While there is a lot to be said for owning a pristine example of any classic car, the idea of owning a driver-quality survivor holds a strong attraction. Their lack of perfection can be their greatest attribute because their owners can enjoy them without fearing that the occasional stone chip or mark will undermine the car’s potential value. That is the motoring experience available to the next owner of this 1971 Cyclone GT. They can slip behind the wheel of a relaxing classic that offers excellent comfort with winning performance. This GT has only been on the market for a few days, and its price looks pretty competitive. That’s why I won’t be surprised if it finds a new home very soon.
This is a classic musclecar that either you love it or hate it. It’s unique stying is a lesser seen than many of it’s counterparts. These have grown on me over the years having liked earlier years. This one is nicely optioned with a great color combo. It is a great driver just waiting for the new owner to put it thru the paces. When you see classics like this one and you question the asking price, ask yourself, “where is there another to compare it with”?. Supply vs. Demand based on originality and condition. The pricing for musclecars has really exploded recently. Many of us that would think a cars asking price is completely unreasonable are now doing a double take and saying “well, maybe not”. I think this Cyclone is a good buy on a great car. 👍
Pretty car except that front end just spoils it in general for me. Shades of a Montego I would rather not remember. Butttttttttttt, at this point, if I could be allowed to drive, even that crummy Montego would fill me with joy.
Fun fact, the gunsight nose and parking/turn signal light assembly is hinged to lift up and away (with the hood open) for the headlight aiming devices that were mandatory for inspection in some states in the ’70’s.
I’m with Gunner, either you liked the “shnoze” front or you didn’t. I happen to like it, and as far as I’m concerned, this is one of the very few badaxx Mercurys made. Mercury, while had great success in stock car racing, kind of morphed into an “old mans” car, kind of the “Buick” for Ford. This car showed, Mercury could indeed be a contender, and like the axing of Pontiac with GM, I’ll never forgive Ford for axing the Merc. This car had it all. Beautiful lines, awesome interior, and and in case you’ve never been in a 429 CJ powered car, it has a lot of power. Probably the most powerful gas motor I’ve experienced, and the sound is pure big block. Compared to today, it’s amazing, in 1971, aimed to compete with the Road Runner, I read, you could walk in a L/M dealer with $3,207 bucks, and drive off the lot with one of the coolest Mercurys ever. Yeah, that’s how it was. Going to take TEN times that today, if that’s an issue, and hate to sound redundant, but at 11.8 mpg, it will cost ya’.
Speaking about the Jimmy Durante front styling, I thought it looked horrid back in the Seventies, but today I find it kind of refreshing in a Mrs. Calabash kind of way.
They don’t have the AC compressor in the engine bay. The hoses are tucked in behind the washer fluid.
The nose is of course polarizing, but those canted gauges sure are cool-looking.
Reading the description yeah it’s an A/C car but it’s gone. I know the area grew up 35 miles west and that’s no Ohio car or was hidden in a garage and never saw winter roads Yes that nose tilted up, knew a guy that had one, ran decent. Most cars up in the area didn’t have air unless it was a luxury car. Only used for two months tops.
Rare car and worth the price.
Wood Brother’s famous 1971 Cyclone.
One of my favorites, even though I was Petty fan.
https://www.motortrend.com/news/woods-brothers-1971-mercury-montego-nascar/
Allen L: Too bad the Wood Brothers couldn’t talk David Pearson into running a bigger schedule later in his career, but he concentrated on the “super speedways” of the era. He could have challenged the King for overall wins. Not to take anything away from Mr. Petty, but many of his victories came at tracks of a half mile or less (Islip, N.Y., 0.2 mile, 7/15/67) where he likely only faced local opposition. Still have to admire him and the team, slogging to tracks to sometimes race three times a week. Kept Lee and Maurice busy, for sure.
I saw this car (#21) at the Wood Brothers Racing Musuem
in Stuart,Virginia,where it’s on display.Last time I was there,I
got to meet Leonard Wood! ( Not sure who the ugly old guy is with him).
Super cool picture!
I like the Shcnoz, can you imagine this coming up in your rear view mirror, i love these, but probably could only afford a no motor tranny rotbox entry to stiff with the 460, no automatic and the 411 rear( im only cruising around town)but always like to see these.
would love to see a video of that nose section tilting up
I love the looks of the Cyclone nose, looks reall cool. I had a buddy back in high school in late 70’s that had a “70 Montego, loved the looks and style of that car
Kinda looks like a 67 Riviera to me.
31,000 miles, i would guess it has flipped.
Odd that Merc made the Cyclone Spoiler only, i believe, for the 1970 model year, tho this GT could be just as fast if equipped right.
More likely a 1970. Front gunsight center is smaller than 1971, which had GT (G above T) in it. Parking light lenses were amber (these are clear). Missing chrome Mercury script on left corner of hood and right corner of trunk lid. Missing chrome trim that was on lower body line, front to rear and over wheel openings, which separated lower black chip guard paint, (unless it was ordered deleted & would be noted on window sticker). Possible repaint? Front & rear spoilers were only standard on Cyclone Spoiler models. Rim Blow Steering Wheels did have cracking problems. Mine was in same spot, but still functioned.
Would be interested in viewing window sticker & Marti Report.