The introduction of the Caliente in 1964 added spice to Ford’s otherwise tame compact-car line-up. The Caliente was a top trim level of the Comet, a model born in the maelstrom of economy vs power, size vs price. As the Comet shook off its economy roots, it crept up the status ladder – like so many American cars – gaining horsepower and accruing style points along the way. For 1966, the Caliente graduated to the mid-sized Fairlane chassis, acquiring new sheetmetal, trim, and engine options. Notably, Ford’s FE 390 cu. in. V8 became available. While more than 230,000 Calientes were made over four years of production, fewer than 21,000 were convertibles, and even fewer of those came with a big V8. Today’s featured car, a 1967 Caliente convertible, is one of only 12 examples produced in that year with a factory-supplied 390 and four-speed manual. It is offered at auction here at ACC; bidding has reached $18,500, reserve not met. The car is located in Collierville, Tennessee, and we have Curvette to thank for the tip!
This is the base 390 2V, good for 265 hp; the same engine could be had with either a slightly upgraded two-barrel (275 hp), or a four-barrel (S-code, 335 hp). So while we have a rare car here, it’s not the holy grail high-performance NASCAR-ready R-code Cyclone, or even an S-code. Still, it comes with its factory four-speed manual, a big advantage over most Calientes, which were predominantly ordered with automatics. This example is equipped with power steering and standard drum brakes all around. It is said to start easily and run well.
I wish the “bucket seat” box had been ticked while the buyer was sitting at the Memphis dealer in 1967, but alas, he apparently wanted a bench seat. The interior is not perfect, with upholstery separating at its seams and worn in corners. The trunk also shows mild wear. Other than the rarity of the engine/transmission option, this car was one of few delivered in Onyx over red.
Road rash and a few bumps are scattered across the exterior, but none of its flaws seriously detracts from what is a powerfully appealing variant from Ford’s Comet family. Hagerty suggests a value of around $24k for a ’66 Caliente convertible equipped with a 289 in “good” condition. Our featured car deserves a premium for its factory 390/four-speed combo, but whether bidding will even surmount the reserve remains to be seen. What would you pay for this rare Ford?
Love it Michelle. 4sp, big block.
Bench means room for one more kid to load up and take out for a drive they’ll never forget 🏁
bench also means your girl can sit closer
Nice ride!: Wasn’t this on here not long ago or was it a different one?
Muy Caliente
Si!
Sharp car, It does have some faults, but not enough to keep one from enjoying cruising in it. Rarely seen model, especially with this powertrain.
Good write-up Michelle.
good looking merc done in the iconic black/red and a bb as well. there were always fewer of these than the Fairlanes. never see these at any of the cruises.
Very Nice! Bumpers could be sexier. Your honey can slide over on the bench seat, but I can appreciate buckets would make for a sportier interior. I would put electronic ignition and a manifold and 4 barrel on her.
Would pay 25-28k if i had a garage space, we are a Merc Family.
This Caliente in a Mercury, better than a Ford. Would make a great cruiser with the top down.
What a great car, it’s everything that I would love in a car. The 390 as and 4spd and convertible.
It’s a nice car, but everything is just too expensive now. At my advanced age all my touchstones and watermarks are completely irrelevant. After I return from a drive anywhere I am constantly taken by how god awful ugly almost every vehicle on the road is especially compared to something clean looking and sporty like this. I wish the roads were still populated by such nice looking autos, and that the wonderful variety of styles and shapes we used to enjoy were still standard fare . It is not simply nostalgia for times of youth, but for a time when enthusiasm for beauty, style, class, and performance drove a wonderful car culture. Future barn finds- “it is rare to find a Cybertruck such as this in such pristine condition. The owner requested the optional 6 port USB charge bank, and accessory privacy screen for the display, maintenance records indicate a recent battery replacement, so you could be good to go for cruising on the historic legacy interstate highway segments that survived the war. Bidding is currently at 2 million dollars, a real deal for a classic like this, how much would you pay?” I’ll have mine Caliente thank you very much! Lovely car!
This is beautiful as it is, but a 4V and a brake upgrade would be nice. So far, $18.5k reserve not met. I’d love to find this in my garage.
S22 was the top line Comet before Caliente came along.
SOLD for $28,350.
Nice car
Very cool Merc. 390 V8 4 speed drop top with shiny paint and beautiful interior. I love the bench seat, but you must have your seat belt on if you want to drive fast on curvy roads or you’ll find yourself sliding across to the passenger side hanging onto the steering wheel with both hands while the car crashes into some roadside object like a power pole. I know because that happened to me many years ago. Still, whoever gets this car will be the envy of everyone at cars and coffee.
God Bless America