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Floor Shift Conversion: 1972 Mercury Comet

Sometimes, the base model spec is a inherently charming option as a project car. It gives you a sense of just how spartan cars used to come, as this 1972 Mercury Comet will show you. It’s equipped with the six-cylinder engine and was originally a manual column shift before the seller converted it to a floor-shift setup. It looks to be as honest as it gets, and you’ll find the Comet here on craigslist with a $5,200 asking price. Thanks to Barn Finds reader Jack M. for the find. 

I’ve found there to be a loyal following for Mavericks and Comets after listing this Barn Finds Exclusive post for a pair of these cars found in the expansive Georgia collection we’ve listed here. These aren’t enormously collectible cars, but they can either be enjoyed as a slow cruiser or hotted up with any number of aftermarket parts. It really is the best of both worlds if you’re looking for a cheap project to restore.

The Comet here is very, very spartan, with the seller noting a lack of air conditioning, power steering, or power brakes. Other than the floor shifter, it hasn’t been modified in any way. It will need a new heater core, and the seller notes some very minor rust in a quarter panel and fender. The interior is quite nice, indicating this Comet hasn’t been used extensively as a commuter or someone’s beater.

I happen to love this Mercury Comet we’ve listed here as a Barn Finds Exclusive, along with its 302-equipped Maverick sibling. The era of economy cars from the Big 3 was a challenging time for American automakers to compete with foreign rivals, but they must have been doing something right if these cars are still on the roads. Preserve or modify – both options are great for a Comet or Maverick project like this one.

Comments

  1. Avatar Fred w

    Just watched a fully restored grabber blue V-8 hammer for 37k at barret jackson!

    Like 2
    • Avatar sshayss

      That car was beautiful!

      Like 0
  2. Avatar DRV

    Love the trim package and overall look even though it and it’s Maverick brother are the worst cars to drive in the period IMHO

    Like 1
  3. Avatar MarveH

    I have a 331 stroker sitting on an engine stand that would love to call this Mercury home. I wouldn’t pay the ask on this though, I want to make a GT out of it so I would throw stupid money at suspension and brakes, plus five-speed and 8.8 rear.

    Like 0
  4. Avatar Howard

    All original cept for the bondo and paint

    Like 2
    • Avatar Dan D

      …and the dual exhaust….

      If it were me, I’d revert to the three-on-the-tree or at least get a less dumb-looking shifter.

      Dan D

      Like 1
  5. Avatar TimM

    I had a 65 comet and it was a great car with some really good styling!! It was truly one of my favorite cars that I regret letting go of!! My point is that I have always had a hard time calling theses pinto look a likes mercury comets!! To each his own but I think ford messed up big time whit the redesign!!

    Like 0
  6. Avatar Mountainwoodie

    That floor shift is it’s ONLY redeeming feature. But I could think of ten other cars I would convert before a Maverick. That said I applaud the seller for the conversion. If somebody pays even 2500 bucks for this I will be amazed. Notice I didn’t say I’d eat my hat………as my faith in humanity is at a low ebb :)

    Like 0
  7. Avatar ronald martin

    Its a 73 w/the rail road front bumper & normal rear bumper.I had a 73 GT new , V8,3speed,Alcopolco blue w/white stripes

    Like 0

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