The Comet was a “me too” car between 1960 and 1978, Mercury’s version of a Ford car. That included the Falcon, Fairlane/Torino, and Maverick over the years. In most cases, the sheet metal differed although the platforms were shared. The ’66 Comet is described by the seller as a “classic muscle car” but we’re not sure that it isn’t just an ordinary Comet that may (or may not) have an engine. Located in Strasburg, Colorado, this project is available here on craigslist for $2,500 OBO as the seller is losing his storage space. Thanks, again, for the tip, Mark_K.
Comet’s first outing in 1960 was as a compact and wasn’t branded as a Mercury initially as the car had intended to be a product offering of the ill-fated Edsel Division. It grew to mid-size status between 1966 and 1969 and became a compact once again in 1971-78 as a rebadged Ford Maverick. In its first two years as an intermediate, the car would carry stacked headlights, popular with FOMOCO during the 1960s. The Comet Capri, at about 15,000 copies, was the sporty 2-door hardtop and that may be the version of the car offered here.
The seller may have wanted to restore this car, but it doesn’t look much different now than it did when he/she acquired it you assume the outdoor photo in this review is how they found it. In that photo, the front end sits higher off the ground, suggesting there is little weight over the front wheel due to no motor. But the car sits a little lower in the garage photo, so we don’t know if there’s an engine here or not. The seller says a V8, which would likely make it a Challenger 289.
Whether there is any rust on the body of this Mercury can be debated due to a lack of thorough photos. In one pic, we see primer at the bottom of the driver’s side fender and rear quarter panel, but no such repairs on the other side. Interior photos show a nice back seat and a cracked dash pad, but that’s about it. If the Comet is largely complete (for example, no grill) and has few hidden problems, then the car could be acquired for restoration without breaking the bank just to get started.
Never understood the “lost storage” as a viable reason for selling.
Agreed, to me it sounds like a Run of Mill selling pitch. Just beats the buyers to the Punch. To ask why you selling it??
Some people would rather give the car a good chance at survival, rather than pushing it out onto dirt ground, putting the blue tarp of moisture death on it, and have it rot into the ground because you’re going to “fix it up some day” eventually being sold for scrap because the car rusted to the point of it being not worth fixing.
Before buying a car from out of state it would be worth paying a professional inspector to examine the car in person. Also check for a title to make sure it’s not a stolen vehicle. In the past several buyers lost their “purchase” due to police seizing them as stolen vehicles. Buyers lost out on what they paid for vehicles.
Comets were a pretty neat car compared to all the Ford counterparts. I had a 1966 Comet station wagon in 1977-78. I drove it through the blizzard of ’78 and never got stuck even once. Why, it had slicks on all 4 corners, the heater and wipers didn’t work but it did have a big plus. It was a 3 on the tree and straight 6 engine. I sold it 40 bucks but the guy stiffed me for it. About 15 years ago I found out that there weren’t that many made.
Judging from the seat pattern that is a Caliente:
http://oldcarbrochures.com/static/NA/Mercury/1966_Mercury/1966%20Mercury%20Comet%20Brochure/image7.html
The first car I bought after leaving home and starting out was a ’66 Caliente two door hardtop with a dented front fender, a 302 V-8 that had replaced the 289 at some point, a light avocado green metallic Earl Scheib paint job and a “Honk If You Love Jesus” sticker on the rear bumper.
The interior was immaculate and a greenish/gold all vinyl.
I loved to drive it around LA with all the windows wide open.
It was faithful all during college and until reverse went out about ’80 and I sold it to a guy… for $200 some six years after I first bought it.
The upper fender trim that runs all the way to the rear is another Caliente marker.
I love it. The price is right, aaand, it’s 2000 miles away from me. Again.
Been watchin this car for a while. Used to be on Facebook with big rims and thin tire’s asking price was 9k. Hispanic man’s name was in the ad. The center section of the grille was still intact. Was quite surprised to see it on c-list for 2500. Obo. BTW texted the number owner? texted back,has a 302.
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1226088314846704/