Ford introduced a mid-size car in 1962 and moved the Fairlane nameplate over to represent it. Mercury was included in the decision and offered the Meteor in 1962 and 1963. These cars may have been the catalyst for General Motors to upgrade three of its compacts to intermediates in 1964. The seller has a fairly nice Meteor Custom from ’63, and it comes with a rebuilt 260 cubic inch V8. Located in Hermiston, Oregon, this Merc seems reasonably priced at $3,500 here on craigslist.
The Meteor was another Space Age name adopted for FOMOCO automobiles. It was a full-size Mercury in 1961, a mid-size for two years, and then disappeared from U.S.-sold cars (but it continued through Ford of Canada). The new, smaller Meteor was offered as 2 and 4-door sedans in 1962, with the 2-door hardtop arriving in 1963 (along with a wagon). The hardtop was only sold in Custom trim, and Mercury built just over 7,500 of them that year. A 170 cubic inch inline-6 was standard, but 221 and 260 CI V8s were added to the options list.
This Merc has a 260 V8, but no mention is made of numbers-matching. It has been rebuilt and may or may not be stock since there is Shelby bling all over the place. The engine compartment is rather dirty, so some detailing would make things really stand out. The tires are new, and the Meteor otherwise has a lot of original parts at 109,000 miles.
The body and paint seem to be okay, but the photos provided do not number many. And the interior may be fine, too, but it also needs detailing. An automatic transmission is paired with the V8, perhaps a 2-speed? The major downside is the lack of a title (missing), so that headache may have been factored into the price. This looks like a nice Cars & Coffee entry if the title business doesn’t throw you off.
What’s with the Shelby nonsense? I have to wonder what people are thinking when they do stuff like that.
Lots of people add aftermarket parts to their cars. I’ve seen some GM cars with different valve covers and air cleaners too.
🤣
Personal choice.
May not be for some, but their idea and choice.
Because they like what you consider nonsense stuff.
Some people think it is their purpose in life to put down someone else’s choices.
Nice looking car, good price, wish it was closer. Nice find, and write up.
A missing oil filler cap on a dust covered engine is never a good sign. It helps to highlight what was probably a lack of care or concern.
Steve R
Great article Mr. Russ Dixon! Please check out the yellow tabs on the hose clamps! I haven’t seen those before! Manual steering and manual brakes unless I’m missing something. Original generator? Steve R is right on the missing oil filler cap! Were they just adding some oil before the photograph? This looks like a great buy if it is running and driving and a title is possible!
“An automatic transmission is paired with the V8, perhaps a 2-speed?”
Yep, 2-speed. The 3-speed auto wasn’t offered on these until the following year.
I don’t get the Shelby gingerbread, either. It’s not like it’s going to add any HP.
Shock tower braces have been removed. Maybe they didn’t clear the Shelby air filter?
I think that I would choose the braces over the fancy air filter.
Nice find and write up. This was a good size and design period for Ford. A specimen worthy of investment
looks solid and priced fair. should move quick i would think.
Claim a rebuild on the engine? Kinda doubt it. There is a lifetime of grime on it. If they rebuilt it in that condition? No thanks.
Not so grimy but just dusty, likely from driving down a gravel or dirt road. Owner did not clean the compartment or the interior. Craigslist common ad. From what we can see and the location it appears solid and needs viewing. More importantly, they did not do the work to have a replacement title issued.
This reminds me a lot of my first car, a 1963 Mercury Comet SR-22 with the 260V8 and a four speed. It was a fun ride. In the summer of 1969 I drove from Maryland to Florida. Circumnavigated the panhandle including the Everglades and Key West and back to Maryland. Never so much as a flat tire. Despite the issues with the missing oil fill cap and no title; I would be checking this out if it weren’t on the other side of the country. GLWTS.
Meteor hardtops were also offered with an “S 33” package. “Custom” was the middle of the road offering. From ‘62 on the Comet was identified as a Mercury, and was available with the “S 22” package. Of course the big Mercs could be had with an S 55 upgrade.
Neat car, reasonably priced, and a nice cruiser. Back in the day, the factory described the 260’s performance as “Spritely”. 😉
In early 1963, I was 3 and my mom was driving her White/White1958 Studebaker Silver Hawk to the market. On the way home, an early 1950’s Cadillac T-boned us at a stop light. Their fault, no insurance. No car seat for me, but unhurt. Totaled Silver Hawk. A week later, my dad brought this car home, same color and interior, exactly like this one, except with every posible option, including Power Steering, Power Brakes and Air Conditioning. My mom drove it until early 1970, when she got a hard loaded LTD coup in black/black. The Meteor car was heavily out of style by then, but I think she missed the spirited little mid-size compared to the big 390 V-8 boat. I haven’t seen but one 2 door since. Thanks for putting it up and for the memories.
Being in Orygon lost title is not a huge problem. Many MOONS AGO MID 60S AN UNCLE OF MY DAD GAVE OUR FAMILY A 63 S 33 METOR. IT TOOK A HUGE LICKING AND KEPT ON TICKING, I WRECKED IT ONCE AND WE HAD IT FIXED . NOTHING THAT TIN BEATING AND BONDO COULDN’T FIX, SEE WHAT HAPPENS TO A NEW CAR IF SUFFER MAJOR BODY DAMAGE. BY THE WAY HERMISTON OR IS A HOT, DRY, DUSTY PLACE SHOULD NO RUST. AS FOR MISSING OIL CAP THAT MIGHT BE A REAL PROBLEM SUCKING IN LOTS OF DIRT.
Being in Orygon lost title is not a huge problem. Many MOONS AGO MID 60S AN UNCLE OF MY DAD GAVE OUR FAMILY A 63 S 33 METOR. IT TOOK A HUGE LICKING AND KEPT ON TICKING, I WRECKED IT ONCE AND WE HAD IT FIXED . NOTHING THAT TIN BEATING AND BONDO COULDN’T FIX, SEE WHAT HAPPENS TO A NEW CAR IF SUFFER MAJOR BODY DAMAGE. BY THE WAY HERMISTON OR IS A HOT, DRY, DUSTY PLACE SHOULD NO RUST. AS FOR MISSING OIL CAP THAT MIGHT BE A REAL PROBLEM SUCKING IN LOTS OF DIRT. LOTS OF DIRT AND DUST AROUND HERMISTON , ORYGON TITLE NO BIG PROBLEM.
I bet she’s already sold. Bargain price for this Mercury Meteor. Love these 260 engines. Wasnt the Meteor only sold in Canada?. Very similar to the American Mercury Calientes. I live in ga so a missing title on a vintage car wouldn’t be a problem.
The ad is still on Craigslist, so likely not sold yet. Good for living in GA but in PA and other states no title could be a headache. Does appear to be a deal but long distance may be an issue unless you can hire someone to view. Less of issue to have it trailered back east, I think. Good luck.
PA and NJ are 2 of the worst states for buying old cars without titles. If this car was originally from Canada it would explain it having no title. Canada only issues registrations, not titles like we do in the states. Ga does require an officer to sign off on a T22 form to confirm its not stolen.
These Meteors were US models. They were a reskinned Ford Fairlane. I always liked them, but don’t see many.
Good potential
Glad it’s on the wrong coast for me. The Mercury Calientes and Meteors with 260 V8s are nearly irresistible to me.