Finding a classic that presents well, has no apparent rust problems, and is an affordable turnkey proposition can be challenging. However, this 1963 Mercury Comet Hardtop ticks those boxes. The seller revived it last year after several years of hibernation, preparing it for a life of adventure with a new owner. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Mitchell G. for spotting this sweet Mercury listed here on Craigslist in Brandon, Florida. The seller set their price at $14,500 but may consider cash and a partial trade.
The Comet started its production life as an automotive orphan. Originally intended to serve as a compact offering within the doomed Edsel range, it spent its first two years in Mercury/Lincoln showrooms with no marque badging. It eventually came under the Mercury brand in 1962, with First Generation vehicles remaining on sale until 1963. Although it is obviously based on the Ford Falcon, distinctive styling features like the subtle fins and stylish taillights help it to stand apart from its cousin. Our feature car is a final-year Hardtop that was restored a few years ago. Its overall condition suggests it hasn’t done much work since, with its Peacock Blue paint retaining a healthy shine, and no evidence of significant cosmetic shortcomings. The seller supplies several underside shots indicating that the buyer won’t face the prospect of rust repairs. The distinctive trim is in good order, and the glass is clear. The seller added wire wheel covers and narrow whitewalls to complete the classy look that is an inherent characteristic of these classics.
One criticism leveled at the Comet upon its release was a lack of performance from the 144ci six. Mercury addressed this shortcoming in 1961 by adding the 170ci “Thriftpower” motor to the mix. While the 144 delivered 85hp and 138 ft/lbs of torque, the larger engine boosted those figures to 101hp and 156 ft/lbs. The first owner teamed this car’s 170 with a two-speed Merc-O-Matic transmission, with no power assistance for the steering or brakes. Acceleration figures won’t be startling, but loping along at freeway speeds shouldn’t present many challenges. This Comet had only covered eight miles between 2019 and when the seller took possession in 2024. They worked through its mechanical components to ensure it was in excellent health. They state that it runs and drives beautifully, ready to provide someone with instant motoring gratification.
The Comet’s interior is striking in a combination of Blue and White vinyl. The painted surfaces wear the same shade as the exterior sheetmetal, and someone has added an aftermarket console, CD player, and speakers mounted in the rear parcel tray. The vinyl shows no evidence of severe distress or wear, suggesting this classic didn’t see much active service following its restoration. The carpet is clean, and the dash looks excellent. The car retains its factory pushbutton radio, meaning that if the new owner elected to remove the aftermarket components for a more “stock” look, they would still have in-car entertainment.
This 1963 Mercury Comet Hardtop is a wonderful classic that could offer someone a “complete” ownership experience. Only 9,432 of these cars rolled off the line during the final production year, and it is unclear how many survived. There is a good chance that the buyer won’t park next to an identical example at a Cars & Coffee, and the mechanical simplicity means they could perform most maintenance tasks in a home workshop. If you crave a turnkey classic that would allow you to be hands-on, this Comet could be an ideal candidate.
Not many boxes on the order form to be a S22. Such nice cars, but don’t let the “twice pipes” fool ya’, the 170, 2 speed is the ultimate slug. With 0-60( eventually) and 1/4 mile times in the VW Bug range, a small V8, like the 221, would be a better bet. Ford sure had some clever designers then.
Nice Comet. Not commonly seen. Looks to be in good shape. Not an ounce of “go fast,” but for this car, that’s not the point.
Speaking of “go fast” (or, more specifically, not going fast): our car club went on a 60-mile back country cruise last weekend. Some high-performance cars, and some…. six-cylinder cars. It didn’t matter, we never got above 60 mph, some of it under 40 mph. The point was, enjoying the scenery and the experience. This Comet fits fine in such a scenario.
Nice job of restoration. I’d lose the console even though it’s got cup holders for your tall boys while driving. Seriously I would never. It needs more power. Just my opinion. It may be good for driving around town but I can just imagine the angry drivers behind me on the entrance ramp to I 90.
My brother had one in the late 60’s. Black with a 3 speed floor shifted transmission. Fun little car.
CT Dave
Those wire hupcaps were available at Ford/Mercury dealers back then off the shelf.I have original dated ones on my 66′ Mustang, not reproductions which are
$ 100 a piece, the spinners another
$ 50.00 each.
I had a chance at a ’64 with a 170 and the Dagenham 4 speed…a ball to drive, and felt fast, but it was all done about 60. No idea what the rear end ratio was, as I dropped out of the party early, but I (briefly) entertained the idea of the Mustang front end enhancements with better brakes and the stiffening bar. It felt like it might just be a hoot in town…. Ahhh, memories…!
a lot of ask for a 170 MercoMatic with virtually no options.
This is actually a “ ‘63 1/2 “. The cool sloped rear window and hardtop configuration wasn’t available until sometime around January. Very nice car. I had a ‘63 1/2 S 22 2dr ht with a 260/automatic and a ‘63 Custom convertible 170 upgraded to a 200/auto.
Fun Fact: Comets were “stretched” about 5 1/2” in comparison to a Falcon. (More rear legroom)
Very similar to my first car except I had the SR 22 sport coupe. Bucket seats, console, 260V8 and a four speed. It was no muscle car but it was peppy and fun to drive. Mine was black with a red interior. Of course I quickly installed a “Thrush” muffler and chrome “reverse” wheels right after I got it. I drove the car from Maryland to the Florida Keys and back during the summer after I graduated high school. The car never missed a beat.
True story. Not long after I got the car my friends and I were driving considerably faster than the speed limit. The speedometer needle got stuck on 90. When I got home I was sweating bullets because the next morning my Dad was going to drive the car. In frustration, I banged the top of the dash over the speedometer and miraculously the needle returned to zero. No problem. Great memories. The car for sale is nice and a great little driver. It’s perfectly capable of holding its own in today’s traffic. I hope the new owner enjoys it. GLWTS.
Clarification on the Multi-Drive Merc-O-Matic Transmission:
Speeds Three Speeds Forward, One Reverse
Type Single stage torque converter with three speed
fully automatic planetary gear train