This big block Mercury is sporting a 429 big-block and may even still be wearing its original Calypso Coral paint! It’s located in Belmont, North Carolina and is for sale here on eBay with a buy-it-now of $7,995 but offers are being accepted. The car is said to run and drive well, although the brakes are soft. I will note at this point that the whole idea of soft brakes on a 429 powered vehicle scares me more than a little bit! A quick check of some online value guides makes the price look very attractive, with even the low retail price being almost twice where the buy-it-now is set now. Until changing hands recently, it had been in the same family since new. The odometer is showing just over 100,000 miles. It’s not a Cyclone GT or Spoiler, but the seller does have some parts from those special versions. Would you drive it as is, restore it as it left the factory, or upgrade it to one of the more special versions?
Having learned to drive in a 1970 Cobra Jet Torino (I know — WHAT were my parents thinking??) I have to agree on the comment about the brakes. These steer and stop much like the mid-60’s land yachts that they were based on. That being said, even with the less desirable Thunderjet engine and the rusty floors this seems decently priced. I do remember seeing a recent auction where 4 restored Cyclones went through in a row and they all sold in the $11K to $21K range and a CobraJet Torino went in the $70K range. Seems like a good entry level car.
I have to agree this is a decent deal for someone. I’ve never been a fan of this particular year of the Cyclones because I’m not fond of the front end but for the price it would be hard to turn down with that big block 429. I would go through the brakes and maybe upgrade them to 4 wheel disc then drive it.
I get your concern about the front end. I like these big Merc’s. I prefer hide away headlights, like some Cyclones have. I really like the front end on the Montego with hide aways.
I’ve always been a fan of the Cyclone. Although the GT would appeal a bit more, this one would suffice just fine. If I had this it would definitely be a restoration. I have no doubt that there would be a lot more rust than is shown.
Im not a ford guy but I would love to have this in my garage.
Although I’m not a FOMOCO fan, I think it’s a good buy and could be made into a helluva ride. I like my vehicles done and painted but that is getting expensive…to do it right, you will have some $ in it but what can you get thats decent for 20g?
Love the color…patina and all…
Thank God the seller thought to install the paper floor mat protector prior to photographing it..
..wouldn’t want anyone to get the wrong impression..
…after all, we are looking at a pristine interior..
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I had an orange gt 20 years ago along with a torino. Always loved these even being a gm man.