Well, here’s an unusual find, a 1964 Mercury Comet Villager station wagon that was associated with the defunct “Midway Dragway” in Grand Junction, Colorado. It’s an innocuous-looking station wagon in “Villager” trim, evidenced by its faux wood paneling. So, what’s the real story here? Let’s investigate and find out. Brewester, Ohio, is where Ted found the listing for this suburban staple, and it’s available here on craigslist for $9,500.
Last week, I covered this 1963 Comet S-22, which was the last of the Comet gen-one editions. This Comet wagon marks the start of the gen-two (’64-’65) variety, which offered three trim levels, Caliente, 404, and 202 series spread across several bodystyles, including two-door hardtops, sedans, convertibles, a four-door sedan, and station wagons. The seller refers to this Villager as “super rare,” and they’re definitely not common, as only 1,980 were assembled. All in all, this example shows pretty well, and the seller refers to it as a “solid Western car“. The DSO (District Sales Office) code is stated to be 51, Denver, Colorado, and that’s certainly western, though I wouldn’t consider Brewester, Ohio, to garner that same descriptive locale. As referened earlier, the dragstrip’s name emblazoned across this wagon’s tailgate was in Grand Junction, Colorado, so that geography may help explain this Mercury’s western description and sound appearance. The finish has obvious problems, but nothing appears to be a significant structural or cosmetic problem.
The interior is not well photographed, so it’s difficult to make an accurate assessment of its condition. The wayback appears to be in fair shape – it doesn’t look like it spent a lot of time lugging around engines, transmissions, slicks, etc. at the dragstrip.
There is this one image of the removed rear seat, and clearly, duct tape has been its friend. The bottom rest appears to be partially upholstered in red, which contrasts with the tan backrest. Likely small matters, but those with an interest may want to request additional, more comprehensive images.
When I see the term K-Code employed, I usually think of a 271 gross HP, 289 CI V8 engine. In this case, however, K-code was assigned to the Comet’s “Super Cyclone” engine, a 210 gross HP 289 CI powerplant (note the Super Cyclone decal on the air cleaner assembly). Research indicates that the K-code designation migrated to that hot 271 HP version in ’65. A Merc-O-Matic three-speed automatic transmission backs up the Super Cyclone, but there’s no mention made of running or driving attributes.
Yes, this is a rare find, no doubt about it. With all the interest in sixties station wagons these days, I doubt this Villager will have a problem finding a new home. I’m on the fence with the price, but the real issue is, where will you ever find another Comet Villager like this one, right?
Never seen one or heard of one. Thanks J.O looks a very cool and probably nice driving Merc.
That lead photo makes it look pretty good. The remaining photos, well not so much. Similar to Stan, I may have seen or heard of one, but not for a very long time. I would like to see it restored to stock or near stock. I think it would be an attention-grabber at shows, and a fun car to take the grandkids for ice cream.
Thanks Jim.
Great write up Jim. To answer your last question. I don’t think you’d find another one. I’ve never seen one of these or heard of it either. With less than 2000 made I’d personally think it would be beautiful restored.
This is a rare car and very cool due to the “Dragway” graphics. Unfortunately it would cost WAY more to restore that it is worth, and it is too rough to leave as-is. If it didn’t have the graphics, this would be more of a $2500 car- am I right?
I would think it’s the Villager wood trim that makes it valuable. And I agree, it should be restored less the drag strip graphics.
If the graphics are real and not something tacked on, like so much signage is today, I’d leave it. That would be part of its history and make it more interesting, but that’s a bid if.
Steve R
I’d tweak the interior, and drive it exactly as is. Too cool!
I once owned a ‘64 Comet wagon, although not a Villager. This offering is a rare model for the ‘64 Comet lineup. It looks like it will take quite a bit of time and cash to bring back to a presentable condition. Someone swapped out the air cleaner from a 210hp Cyclone, also the seller should have provided more detailed photos. The gas cap is one rare piece, most of them were left on top of a gas pump somewhere when the driver pulled away after fueling.
It seems like wagons have always appealed to me. It’s unique and appears to have a good history. I’m all for clean up and drive or full restoration. Whichever your wallet is up for.
just drive it leave it alone. too cool to mess with
My heart leapt when I saw K-code, but then reality set in. It’s still very cool and I’d get it if it needed less work and I had more room. And my wife would let me. In reverse order.
Thinking the picture of the seat is the complete front seat (tan color). The red upside down seat that is laying on the front seat is probably a rear seat from a sedan. The back seat in a wagon would have had a fold down base. It’s probably still in the car, as they show the back folded down.
My 2 cents.
Also, where is the shifter. I can see the indicator on the column but not seeing the shifter arm.
If Mercury’s Colony Park was too big, this was the alternative.
LOVE IT… But 4 days ago I finally found hat I wanted after 3 years of looking for…….
$9500.00? Dream on. A third of that, maybe.
I had a ’64 Comet 404 wagon (trim level down from a villager) and it was a great car. It was flashier than a Falcon wagon and had a lot of more trim than the 202 (basic) comet. Had the 289 in it with automatic. I actually miss that car. Aqua with tan interior. The ’64 Comet grilles always made it look like a baby Lincoln at least to my eyes.
Grand Junction is a dry desert area in far western Colorado, if it spent its life there it should be pretty well preserved.
Make it a driver. It’s super cool as is , wax it …take it to cruises , swap meet, shows ( I do this now with my 64 red 404 wagon 260 V8.
On my 65 Villager 289 2V I painted and restored the woodgrain (still working on interior) …but I’m afraid to get scratches on it.
I also have a 64 Villager 289 4V but its major big project!!