The 1970s Mercury Comet was a rebadged Ford Maverick. The latter car sold so well that the Lincoln-Mercury arm of FOMOCO wanted its own version to peddle. So, it arrived in 1971 with a different front clip and taillights, but mechanically remained a Ford. The seller’s 1975 example needs paint but comes with a spare engine in case you want to upgrade to a V8. Located in Tygh Valley, Oregon, this running project is available here on craigslist for $7,500, and is a tip brought to us by the very active “Curvette”.

Like the Maverick, the Comet saw few changes through the end of the line in 1977. Most noticeable was that both bumpers grew in size to accommodate 1973-74 Federal safety mandates for collision protection. Standard fare in the Comet, which was slightly better trimmed than the Maverick, was a 250 cubic inch inline-6. This one is flanked by an automatic transmission, making for a car more interested in economy than speed. The seller has a disassembled 302 V8 that can be thrown in that will bolt onto the same pattern as the I-6.

We’re told this Mercury is rust-free and the color is black, though it could be faded, satin, or even primer, from what we can tell. We’re told a new carpet kit and the headliner are part of the deal, which we assume the buyer will have to install. The car has a DIY sort of console for the radio, and there are other gauges present, perhaps overkill for the I-6? A scoop has been added to the hood, but that must be more for looks.

The brakes are new, so the Comet should stop just fine. And we’re told the engine and tranny are up to snuff at 68,000 miles. Considering the work needed to make this into a V8 car with new paint, we wonder how much action the seller will see at the asking price. And we also wonder if the ginormous “club” on the steering wheel to deter theft will be included, too!