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.
Nice car, 4spd is a big plus, not sure the 351 is a big selling point when the other possibilities are the 429CJ and 429SCJ.
It’s probably all the money and then some, but if you’ve got something this nice, there is no reason to discount it when fresh to the market.
Steve R
A 351? Good heavens, I agree with Steve, if you are going to have a car like this, which with a big block, I consider the ultimate in Gentlemens Cruisers, and to order a 351, I bet the workers on the line had to look twice to make sure. Not to sell the 351 short, it just wasn’t a big block. Looking up the times, not much difference, however, the 351 did 0-60 in about 6 seconds(5.8 for the 429) and 1/4 mile mid 14s( 13.9 for the 429, depending on traction) but this car wasn’t about brute acceleration, like say a Mustang or Torino, this was high class, left lane transport. Still a really neat car.
Nice car but I never liked the front ends of these Cyclones. I agree with engine swap, you already change the originality when the tranny swap was done. Just complete the swap and add a 429.
We can all dream a little. I’m so glad it’s on the wrong coast, and too much money for me. This 71 Mercury shares the same front pointy beak as the beaked Birds. Those 351s can be warmed up nicely, and you have more room to add AC. And it’s a manual so would be much more fun to drive.
nice but strong money. should look better under the hood for that kind of coin. nice to see the window sticker.
Love those style of guages on the pass.side dash
I would detail that engine bay. Take a whole weekend, degrease it, maybe replace maintenance decals if you can find NOS or duplicates, Back To Black all the plastic and rubber…
nice
These are very cool!!
Nice car !!! You rarely see any of these.
Not a car you see very often, even at shows. Always thought the way they spilled the gauges out almost into the passenger side was rather funny. Nice looking car though with a pretty premium price attached to it considering it’s a 351 and not the 429.
A beak only a mother could love.
At $65,000? It should have the BBF.
Seems a perfect car to take for a blast out to the vineyards 🍇 🍷 near beautiful Santa Rosa.
Hmmm, re: the beak. From the previous comments I would have to say you either love it or hate it. It’s my favorite thing about the Cyclone.
I will never forget seeing one of these in the L-M showroom when my father co-signed the loan docs to enable my older brother to buy a Capri. Loved that grille then and still do.
Thanks Howard A for the 0-60 specs between the two engines. I was not aware they were that close. Likely the 429 equipped example just could not hook up at the start. Reminds me of the time I lined up in my Fox body Mustang GT at the Texas Motorplex against a 390 FE equipped Torino. The Torino just made a big cloud of smoke at the start and I got the holeshot. I lead until the last 10 feet of the 1/4 mile but the big block did finally reel me in.
Beautiful car, but again, not one to sell on Craigslist.
My friend had a 351 version and he gave my Boss 302 a run for the $$…
Love the Mercs….
Went to a junkyard in 71 and removed the gauge cluster… The coolest thing…
My 1969 Dan Gurney Special Cyclone Spoiler 390 Factory AC buckets/console, Auto set the record in 2007 at 48k which has since been broken. Its the only known EVER 69 Spoiler to have factory AC & big block power. It is the Cyclone Spoiler. It is the 1st Cyclone listed and the lowest known Gurney serial number car aswell. Oh and Dans son owns it now!
I thought you mentioned this car has a select shift automatic, but I’m seeing 3 pedals and what looks like a 4 spd. Which I’d rather have anyways