The Cyclone was introduced in 1964 as the performance arm of the Mercury Comet. It was the equivalent of the Ford Falcon Sprint, and both quickly came into competition with the new Mustang, getting their doors blown off in the sales department. The seller has a nice (but not perfect) 1964 Cyclone that is largely a survivor and would be fine as-is as a daily driver. Located in Lynnwood, Washington, this red Mercury is available here on craigslist for $17,995.

In Comet circles, the Cyclone replaced the S-22 model (what did that stand for?). It was a compact for 1964 and 1965, migrating to a mid-size platform in 1966. Nearly 7,500 Cyclones were produced in their first outing, a drop in the bucket compared to the Mustang, which arrived midway through the 1964 calendar. Like the Falcon Sprint, it came with a V8 engine and offered a bucket seat interior. The option may have initially come with a 260 cubic inch V8, replaced by the 289 later in the year (such is the case with the seller’s car).

This Cyclone is roadworthy thanks to some recent work done on the vehicle. That stuff includes new brakes, tires, power steering parts, the windshield, and a rework of the matching vinyl interior. Mechanically, the car relies on a K-code 289 V8 (221 hp), C4 automatic transmission, and power steering to make transgressing parking lots a lot easier. The engine compartment is the least attractive part of the car, showing every bit of its 85,000 miles.

As this Merc originated in California, rust has never been an issue. If you were to take a magnet to the sheet metal, you won’t find any filler. We’re told the red paint is original, and only a couple of minor dents and dings keep it from looking nearly perfect. Besides a genuine Cyclone tachometer, the Comet comes with California black/yellow and blue license plates. The only thing you need to swap out is the exhaust (we’re guessing it may be worn out). Our tip source: Curvette!