Despite the Mercury Cyclone being a solid offering with a name that fit the muscle car market, its sales were few and far between compared with competitors from Chrysler and GM, such as the Road Runner and GTO. The car dates back to 1964, when it was first called the Comet Cyclone, serving as the performance package in the Comet lineup. The Cyclone became its own model in 1968, based on the Montego, and received a final redesign in 1970, which was short-lived because production ended in 1971. This 1970 Mercury Cyclone GT here on Facebook Marketplace isn’t quite perfect, but it looks like a great driver, and we’d like to thank reader PRA4SMW for finding it and sending us the tip! It’s in Bolivar, Tennessee, and you can buy it today for $20,000.
Although this Cyclone looks great at first glance, a closer look reveals a couple of minor rust spots. Vinyl tops are great on cars that never stay out in the rain, but the trim around them can sometimes cause corrosion that wouldn’t ordinarily develop on vehicles without a roof covering. Still, the paint and finish look very nice for the most part, and I probably wouldn’t rush to make the exterior repairs here. There’s no information on what bodywork has been done in the past, if any, but the panels seem mostly straight, and it’s cool that the GT came standard with hideaway headlights.
While the Cyclone GT could be equipped with a 429 big block, the standard engine was a 351 cubic-inch small block. In base form, it featured a 2-barrel carburetor, but this one has a 4-barrel, and the letter M in the VIN confirms it left the Loraine assembly plant as a 4V. It also has an automatic transmission, and the mileage is listed as 90,468. The seller reports the car runs and drives great, so hopefully it’s been well maintained and won’t need major mechanical work for a while.
Stepping up to the GT also gave buyers a sportier interior, with bucket seats, a full-length center console, and a 3-spoke steering wheel as standard equipment. The material is coming apart in at least one area of the driver’s seat, and it’s unclear whether the dash cover is there for protection or hiding something. However, the interior looks very good overall, and I don’t see any issues inside or out serious enough to prompt immediate action on this 1970 Mercury Cyclone GT. What are your thoughts on this one?
One of my favorite Ford body styles. Love the nose and the rear tail lights. Not sure if 20k is due especially with the rust which to me looks potentially problematic. Nice writeup.
I agree with you on the styling both front and rear. But as shown the last time one of these was listed here on BF people either love it or hate it.
I’ve loved it from the start.
What’s going on with the ol’ airplane gauges on the right side of the dash ? Are they removed, or are they just covered up ? Looks strange to me.