There is something undeniably attractive about owning a classic that is effectively the last of its breed. That is the opportunity offered by this 1971 Mercury Cyclone Spoiler. It presents extremely well, and with only 74,000 miles on the clock, it should offer its new owner decades of high-performance classic motoring. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder T.J for spotting the Mercury listed here on Craigslist in Santa Rosa, California. The seller set their price at $65,000 OBO for this turnkey classic.
The seller purchased this Cyclone from a private collection several years ago. Its previous owner enjoyed a reputation for authenticity, and this classic largely reflects that philosophy. The exterior features its original Competition Orange paint that is in excellent condition. A close inspection will undoubtedly reveal minor flaws, but it would be unrealistic to expect any car to clock 74,000 miles without accumulating a few chips. The panels are as straight as an arrow, and the underside shots confirm the car’s rust-free status. The stripes look very crisp, and the car retains its original front and rear spoilers. Refreshingly, this Spoiler rolls on steel wheels with trim rings and hubcaps, with every owner resisting the urge to fit aftermarket wheels.
Ordering a 1971 Cyclone Spoiler brought a 351ci V8 as standard equipment. The seller states that the 351 under this car’s hood is numbers-matching. However, they admit the same isn’t true for the date-correct close-ratio four-speed Top Loader transmission. The Window Sticker confirms that this car’s 285hp and 370 ft/lbs of torque would have fed to its 3.25 Traction-Lok rear end via a three-speed Select-Shift automatic transmission. This car also features power steering and power front disc brakes. The seller provides a very detailed description of this classic, although they miss one crucial point. They don’t indicate whether the Cyclone is a turnkey proposition. Having said that, I see nothing in the listing images suggesting that it isn’t.
Apart from an upgraded radio/cassette player, this Spoiler’s interior appears unmolested. Trimmed in Black vinyl, it features bucket seats, a console, a Hurst shifter, a rimblow wheel, and the special instrument package with a factory tachometer. The overall presentation is tidy, although if this classic is a genuine survivor, I would use the word “exceptional” to describe its condition. There is no visible wear or evidence of abuse, and the carpet is clean. The dashpad is crack-free, which is a victory considering pads are prone to problems, and reproductions retail for over $800. The interior is one aspect of this classic that is bound to receive positive comments at any Cars & Coffee.
The automotive landscape was changing at the dawn of the 1970s. While there was still a muscle car market, both it and the pony car experienced shrinking sales volumes. As a result, many manufacturers rationalized their model lines, and the Mercury Cyclone Spoiler was among them. The 1971 model year marked the end of the line for the Spoiler, with only 353 cars produced. The seller states that this Spoiler is 1-of-157 ordered with the 351ci V8, and that figure is consistent with numbers I have seen elsewhere. So, if you fancy owning a car that is genuinely the last of its breed, this 1971 Mercury Cyclone Spoiler could be worth a close look.
Value and mechanicals aside, I would look GOOOOOOOOOD in that!
Got to love the Comet tail lamps
Cool car, appears to be in very good shape. The gunsight grille and the canted gauge package were its unique features, which still call attention to the car today.