Some classics tick so many of the right boxes that it becomes challenging to identify their greatest attribute. That appears true of this 1967 Mercury Caliente. This gem presents superbly, has a V8 under the hood, and has only accumulated 72,000 miles on its odometer. However, the fact that it won’t cost its new owner a fortune may make it irresistible to some potential buyers. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Mitchell G. for spotting the Mercury listed here on Craigslist in Lanark, Pennsylvania. The seller set their price at $11,900 OBO, making it a potentially affordable classic.
The Caliente formed part of the Third Generation Comet range upon its introduction for the 1966 model year, but the company dropped the “Comet” badges for 1967. This Caliente emerged that year, ordered by its first owner in a combination of Lime Frost Metallic and Polar White. The seller is sparing with their information about the car’s history, making it impossible to determine whether it is a genuine survivor. However, the lack of visible paint and panel flaws suggests that it may have received at least a light cosmetic refresh. Its presentation is first-rate, with the sparkling bright trim perfectly complementing the paint that holds a deep shine. I can’t spot any rust, and the seller doesn’t mention problems in their listing. The glass looks flawless, with the Mercury riding on non-original Magnum 500 wheels that suit its character perfectly.
If further investigation confirms that this Caliente is a genuine survivor, its interior condition isn’t impressive…it’s astounding. Finding anything to fault with its presentation is almost impossible. The two-tone vinyl upholstered surfaces are free from wear and marks, and I question whether the back seat has ever seen occupants. The carpet is in excellent condition, as are the dash, pad, and paint. I described it as “almost perfect,” and I stand by that statement. The trim around the door frames is beginning to show some age, and although this isn’t a major problem, it does detract slightly from the overall appearance. Replacements for the offending items are available and affordable, and would represent a cheap investment to give the inside of this Mercury a “finished” look.
Powering this Caliente is Ford’s 289ci V8, producing 200hp and 282 ft/lbs of torque. Shifting duties are tackled by a three-speed Merc-O-Matic transmission, with this car also featuring power steering. The seller claims that this classic has a genuine 72,000 miles showing on its odometer without mentioning any verifying evidence. However, the car’s overall condition makes the claim plausible. This Caliente is by no means a muscle car, but the V8 should provide pretty respectable performance for what is a six-seat family sedan. It runs and drives perfectly, allowing the buyer to fly in and build a relationship with the Mercury as they drive it home.
A classic car of any description represents what many would consider a luxury purchase. Some people struggle to find the money to fulfill their dreams, which is understandable. The toughest statements that any of us will ever make will often begin with the words, “If only.” These represent what we know are missed opportunities and are typically tinged with regret. This 1967 Mercury Caliente isn’t the most desirable classic on the planet, but most readers will consider it affordable. It appears to need nothing and could be ideal for enthusiasts on a budget. It might help someone to avoid the “if only” scenario, making it worth a closer look.
I think this is a sharp-looking car. The “too many doors” crowd will of course not like it, but so be it. I’ve always been partial to the stacked-headlight Ford products of the 60’s. Illustrates that white-letter tires with Magnum 500’s can dress up most any vehicle of the era. Hope someone gets it and enjoys taking it on cruises.
You obviously have not seen my fav sci-fi tv show, & movie of all time.
The 2 door that David Vincent drove looks INFINITELY better because it was a hardtop lower roof 2 door frameless glass fastback! … https://www.imcdb.org/v347963.html
The exterior passenger compartment of this 4 door for sale above looks just like the 1 did on my homely ’69 falcon 4 door! lol
The words “cruise/cruising” has been so misused & abused these days! Cruises today have NOTHING to do with …
https://www.lucasfilm.com/app/uploads/AMG_IA_99_R_marquee3-1.jpg
which for me always started AFTER 9pm. “Cruises” today just mean hanging out in a PERMITTED! parkin lot in the daylite usually from 6pm to dusk & then going home! No younger people today cruise a strip cause they have no drivers licenses, nor even hang out downtown on foot because of helicopter parents &(/or if they are older,) Steve Job’s 2007 invention!
Google –> how old that girl is in Milner’s car. That would get him in BIG BIG BIG trouble today.
I agree with BOB! This would make a nice weekend crusier! Sometimes two to many doors are ok!
Could not agree more Bob. This is the sharpest four door car i have seen what a beauty. The Magnum 500’s i have always felt do an amazing job on just about any car and would love to own this car.
At a time in the 60’s when there were lots of Mfr. cars that were street legal
hot rods……Mercury was lost…..looking for a place……
“Caliente” < Not a good FORD idea
I like the 4 doors because I have 6 kids.
Have to say…the 4 doors; the wheels; the interior; and that motor! What a great car!
Nice ride. Ford/Mercury was building them well during this time. Slam the door on one of these just feels solid.
Saw LOTS of these in the late 1960s — they were EVERYwhere, it seems. PERFECT with those four doors and nearly immaculate interior. But my only problem would be, how to come up with factory-correct wheels, hub-caps, and tyres for it: I but HATE the likes of fuzzy dice, after-market stereos, and mag wheels!!! I like a sedan to LOOK like a sedan, and not, “I wish I had a hot rod” (which I definitely DON’T!). Simply leave it as the spinster school teacher had it, please — just the way it came from the dealer’s showroom, thank you.
I do love stacked headlights and although this is a Merc my favorite Fairlane’s are 57,66,67. I would prefer 2 doors but I can only afford 4 and this is as beautiful 4 door as you can find but if I’m buying a toy car it will have a manual transmission.
I’m having trouble understanding this post ,I had a 64 falcon 2 Dr hardtop my friend had a 65 comet CALIENTE that I wished was mine both were bad ass looking but mine couldn’t keep up with the Comet but in this post it says the caliente came out in ’67 Google is 65 caliente and check it out they’re badass as the falcons were
Your right Bill there was a caliente in 65 and it is bad azz, they made it in 64 as well, I think the 65 is much better looking than the 66 I’m on the fence between the 64 and 65 I like them both, they each have Completely different designed bodies
When I was in the 6th grade my brother Dave who is 5 years older than me took our mom out to some garage sales. At one of them was a car that looked like this one, pretty much the same color but it also had AC. Paid 30 dollars for it and drove it home, this was in 1973. It turned out to be a pretty good car and it had a spectacular finish to boot, Dave was heading to Savannah to pick up our sister from work and plowed it into a herd of Black Angus cows, killed two out right and a 3rd had to be put down. The cow owner gave us the cows if we wanted them so we stayed up most of the night butchering
Nice looking car, but a common and popular color and a basic interior. It’s doubtful this was special ordered as stated, more than likely an off the lot purchase as most cars are