Given how strong and capable a muscle car it was, the Mercury Cyclone’s unpopularity is really surprising, with sales nowhere near those of many other high-performance offerings from the good old days. In a way, that’s sort of good news all these decades later, as they are now uncommon and less often seen than some of the better-known rivals from the period. This final-year 1971 Mercury Cyclone GT is said to have been rotisserie-restored, and although there are a few minor blemishes on the exterior, this one’s all but guaranteed to still be a real head-turner. Our thanks go out to reader Curvette for finding this one here on eBay in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, and providing the excellent tip! The seller is seeking $49,500, but has also included a make-offer option.
Three variants were available for the Cyclone in 1971, including the base car, the Cyclone GT, and the heavier-hitting Cyclone Spoiler. While this one has received several mods, a check of the VIN reveals it was indeed born a GT, as confirmed by the 16 in the ID number. However, for the final year, the once-standard 429 in the GT had been downgraded to a 351, and the H in the vehicle identification number verifies that this is how this one began life. Not to worry, as the small block has been swapped for a massive 429, so this one is now delivering big block power. Horsepower is stated as 375, and there is a C6 automatic taking care of the shifting duties for you.
While a few enthusiasts will find the black flame decals groovy, they might be a bit much for some potential buyers, and unfortunately, the exterior isn’t without flaws. Visible chips are present on some panels that extend onto the hood, and additional spider-web-type damage can also be found on the finish. There’s no word on what caused this, and with all the work that obviously went into this restoration, it’d be a shame to have to redo the whole exterior. However, this may be necessary if the buyer desires perfection, or to lose that fire effect on the front half.
Thankfully, there’s better news inside: the interior appears to be in mostly good condition all around. The dash layout here is one of my all-time favorites, with the gauges extending well into the passenger’s area, and removing that aftermarket steering wheel and putting a factory helm back on should be a quick and easy task. Considering the exterior defects, it’s probably wise for the seller to be open to offers, but overall, this 1971 Mercury Cyclone seems more favorable than not. How much would you be willing to spend here?
Those flames gotta go.
Great maybe for a TV show character. But the flames are lame.
Very nice otherwise. Not anywhere near 49k nice, but nice.
I remember in 81 my cousin had a black on black cyclone buckets console big motor I was young so was not in the know about certain cars. It was a nice car this one will need a repaint for sure…
Aaaahh NO
.Loose the flames, pick a different color and $25k would be the most I’d offer. The 429 is a hot idea but it’s not a 429 car. Other than that it’s a nice ride.
When i saw this … I went WHOA!!! That’s different. Ok some may like the frames …many will not. I notice the front end where the paint is chipped.It’s vevy tight clearance. Was this Mercury in an accident? And was the body prep correctly for the paint? I like the frames with the wheels and spoilers front and back. I could do without the vinyl top. This reminds me of day 2 back in the 70s. I knew a bodyman that own a 70 Mustang Boss 429. I think it was white and he painted psychedelic colors all over it. Back then we said .. wow far out man!! And it was.. Yes.. the price is high with those paint issues. I would fix those problems before selling it for that price. Good luck to the seller. 🇺🇸🐻
The flames and the steering wheel would be removed immediately if I had this car. What were they thinking? That they look good?
I still say a big block Torino in an evening gown. I agree, the flames a bit much, I don’t see anyone attracted to the car itself would want flames. Mercurys were for a more sedate group, but still wanted the power. I wonder who was attracted to these? Men typically wanted a 4 speed, and this wasn’t a car for “daddies little cutie”, that would have been a Gremlin, no, it was for a gal that knew what the ultimate musclecar/cruiser was. Big brother influence? The old man? Perhaps, but regardless, knew full well what was the hottest stick. Awesome cars.
Just like those custom street rods from the 80’s, with the pink, purple, and orange stripe paint jobs.What looked killer to you, back then? Isn’t going to fly, decades later. These Cyclones were beautiful cars, and the 429 is a desirable engine. But unless you can do it yourself? You can add another at least $15,000 to the car, for the bodywork.
It looks like it needs a biohazard sticker
restomod what the hell does that mean all i see is dumb looking flames
I wonder what it hit to have the spoiler & paint damaged in the way it has. Too many gimmicky items for my taste.
Cool car, uncool paint job.
boy somebody has ruined a fairly rare merc for sure. 50k not looking like that. it’s going to take 30k to fix the paint and the front suspension. not worth it.