Although it isn’t perfect, this 1968 Mercury Cyclone GT 390 is a solid survivor, allowing scope for its new owner to perform a relatively straightforward cosmetic restoration. However, since none of its issues are urgent, they could take their time deciding whether to follow that path or to preserve the car as an unmolested classic. Its V8 will deliver impressive performance that will satisfy most enthusiasts. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting the Mercury listed here on eBay in Elkhart, Indiana. The seller set their BIN for this beauty at $30,000 OBO.
Initially launched as the performance variant of the Comet range in 1964, Mercury dropped the Comet name when it launched the Third Generation Cyclone in 1968. The seller claims that this first-year GT is an original survivor, ordered by the first owner in Polar White with contrasting Red stripes. The car presents nicely from a distance, with the paint holding a healthy shine, and the stripes appearing crisp and clean. However, closer inspection reveals paint cracks and a selection of chips and marks, which might motivate the new owner to perform at least a partial cosmetic restoration. The seller doesn’t mention any potential rust issues, and with no evidence of problems in the lower extremities, their claim that this garage-kept classic is solid sounds plausible. The trim and glass look comfortably acceptable for a survivor-grade vehicle, and the car rolls on its original GT wheels.
As the model designation suggests, lifting this GT’s hood reveals a 390ci V8. The 1968 Mercury Model Lineup Brochure quotes power and torque figures of 325hp and 427 ft/lbs, feeding to the road via a three-speed automatic transmission. This Cyclone also features power steering and power brakes. The vehicle might weigh more than 3,700 lbs, but with so much power and torque available, it would still deliver pretty impressive performance. The seller states that this Mercury is documented as a genuine survivor, suggesting that it retains its numbers-matching drivetrain. They protected its survivor status by recently rebuilding the original brake booster rather than opting for the easier route of bolting on a replacement. The Cyclone has always been properly maintained, and it appears to be a turnkey proposition.
Trimmed in Red vinyl, this Cyclone’s interior looks quite tidy for a vehicle of this vintage. It is unclear whether the seller has reattached the faux woodgrain to the glovebox door since they snapped the listing images, but that is one of the interior’s few weaknesses. The dashpad has discolored with age, which is pretty common, and the simulated chrome trim on the dash has worn. Otherwise, there is no evidence of vinyl rips or splits, and the carpet is surprisingly clean. The Cyclone features a factory tachometer, and the only non-functioning features are the right-hand turn signal and the fuel gauge.
Maybe I’m overly sentimental, but I always find it sad that companies that produced vehicles like this 1968 Mercury Cyclone GT 390 could disappear from the automotive landscape. This car combines genuine muscle with stunning good looks, and I would understand if the buyer decides to perform a cosmetic refresh to recapture its youthful appearance. Of course, with no apparent rust, they could take their time making that decision. It will be fascinating to gauge your response and to discover whether most of our Barn Finds readers would preserve or restore this classic.
These are good looking cars, especially in this color combination. The price seems aggressive, but true survivors that are desirable tend to have a somewhat different subset of buyers willing to pay up for the right car.
This is being sold through a listing service, often featured on this site. The descriptions tend to be written off a template that lacks details, the ads don’t generally have many detailed pictures and the prices run high. They typically have a very low sell through rate, over 1,000 listings with 24 completed sales over the last 90 days.
Steve R
Agreed, listing is lacking detail and cluttered interior with terrible pictures is a poor sight. Unfocused pictures and car parts laying on floorboards, seats and garage floor indicate a lazy seller. A lot of original parts are still on the car, so why the empty bolt holes on core/radiator support? Empty bolt holes tell a story. Missing vinyl strip from top of radiator support. The two holes staring at us from the hood latch base are supposed to hold two diagonal rods – missing- that connect to the back of the grill for rigidity and you can see where they would attach but the tabs are missing on the grill. Under-car shots would help, as would some effort to tidy up and showcase what looks to be a nice Cyclone..
You are correct about the quality of some of the photos and some areas that show neglect or need attention. However, the seller shows some of these areas of concern like emerging rust and paint cracks, so there’s that. What is this, a good #3- driver maybe, that may be driven and look decent? You are correct too that it does not show the underside and certainly should be inspected. A rare car. Inspect and offer less if it passes? A Thunderbird in the same condition and with the same 390 sells for less often.
Agree….these are hard to find in nice orginal shape…..my dad was selling every shell of one he could find back 30yrs ago….price might be close but listing seller doesn’t care – he’ll make his money….it looks to be gone….
Excuse me whilst i wipe up the drool..watch your step….Love Mercury’s with a passion and this is near the top.
It would be nice to know the mileage for that price. I too think it’s a bit steep.
The 390 gets a lot grief from the musclecar community for being a “boat anchor,” etc. It was engineered to make gobs of low to mid-range torque. A well tuned 390 with the right converter, maybe a basic shift kit, and rear gear ratio (3.73 thereabouts) a good dual-plane intake and Q-jet carb, mild cam/lifters/springs, would hold its own on the street without emptying a checking account. Q-jet’s (INFINITELY adjustable) and 4-bbl intakes were plentiful in salvage yards (Crazy Rays) b.i.t.d, and relatively cheap (compared to aftermarket/speed-shop parts). Q-jets had those small primaries, great for coming off-idle out of the gate. And huge secondaries to take advantage of all 390 cubic inches. Most street “races” were over pretty quickly once it was clear that one car was clearly faster than the other. No point adding insult to injury. But yeah, 390 Fairlanes/Torinos held their own.
Wow, just wow!! Super nice car and I like these over their Ford cousins. I would buy it and change very few things. Just keep as a survivor car and enjoy.
So let’s see, no fuel gauge for a $30k price tag, prior commenters have got this right, too pricey and lots of things to repair/restore on this FixOrRepairDaily car…..sorry, the truth hurts…….
really cool looking mercs for sure. poor pics and just not as tidy as a survivor i feel should be. these are not big sellers. these are either you like them or you don’t. i feel the price is a bit on the aggressive side, but you never can tell.
“Mercury – the Man’s Car”
This listing was ended by the seller on Fri, Aug 21 at 12:40 PM because the item is no longer available.