429-Powered: 1970 Mercury Cyclone

There is no substitute for cubic inches. This 1970 Mercury Cyclone demonstrates the truth behind that statement. Its engine bay houses a 429ci V8, delivering a mountain of power and torque. It means that even the lightest tickle of the “loud” pedal produces excellent acceleration, a trait that many enthusiasts seek when assessing the relative worth of a classic. This Mercury presents acceptably as a driver-grade vehicle, although lifting its appearance would be relatively straightforward. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting the Cyclone listed here on eBay in Morgantown, Pennsylvania. The seller set their BIN at $39,900 with the option to make an offer.

Mercury launched its Fourth Generation Cyclone in 1970 and, like its predecessor, it only graced showroom floors for two years. Our feature Cyclone rolled off the line in 1970, ordered by its first owner in Dark Ivy Green. The seller confirms that the current owner purchased the car in 2012 and immediately handed it to the appropriate people for a professional restoration. It still presents nicely, and the underside shots confirm it is rust-free. The paint shines, and the panels are very straight. Closer inspection reveals several cosmetic shortcomings, and while most are pretty hard to spot, the mismatched rear valance stands out a mile away. The seller doesn’t elaborate, but with the passenger-side lower rear quarter panel also showing a folded seam, I suspect this area may have encountered an immovable obstacle. A couple of trim pieces and the Shaker sport further physical damage, but the glass is clear.

Ah, cubic inches. Anyone seeking effortless performance will be drawn to this Cyclone and its 429ci V8. It delivers 360hp and 480 ft/lbs of torque to a 3.25 Ford 9″ rear end via a three-speed C6 automatic transmission. Throw in power steering and power front disc brakes, and the driver won’t raise a sweat behind the wheel of this classic. The engine bay looks clean, with no evidence of leaks or other problems. The seller states that the motor starts easily and that the car drives well. However, they identify an exhaust leak and report a misfire. It appears that no one has diagnosed the problem, which is disappointing for a vehicle in this price range. I would certainly ask questions and negotiate an in-person inspection before committing my hard-earned cash to this classic.

The Cyclone’s interior is quite tidy and is comfortably acceptable for buyers seeking a driver-grade classic. The Brown vinyl is free from significant damage, with only a few minor nicks and marks. The carpet is clean, and the headliner hasn’t ripped or split. There are shortcomings, and whether the buyer addresses them will depend on their desire for perfection. The factory gauge lenses are cloudy, and with the fascia also deteriorating, it is time for the buyer to source a replacement. The recesses in the dashpad house a brace of aftermarket gauges which look out of place. I would probably seek replacements with a more “factory” look, and might also consider swapping out the aftermarket radio/cassette player. However, that is a personal opinion, and you might find the interior acceptable as-is.

If taken purely at face value, this 1970 Mercury Cyclone is a promising classic. Its lack of rust and minor cosmetic shortcomings confirm that it has no immediate panel or paint needs. However, the engine misfire is a concern and deserves careful investigation. It might be something innocuous like a dud plug, but it could also be the most obvious sign of deeper problems that could quickly empty the buyer’s wallet. Do those thoughts deter you, or are you still tempted to reach out to the seller?