Much like the first Mercury Comet was an offshoot of the compact Ford Falcon, so was the latter Comet to the Ford Maverick. The Maverick enjoyed Mustang-like popularity in 1969-70, so the Comet would quickly follow in 1971. And both cars would remain in production through 1977. The seller offers a really nice ’72 Comet, which benefits from some recent refreshing of mechanical parts. Located in Yerington, Nevada, this sweet ride is available here on craigslist for $17,000. Kudos to Barn Finder Barney for the tip!
Other than the grille, hood, and taillights, it was hard to tell a fifth-generation Comet from a Maverick. Under the skin, both cars retained their Falcon heritage, which the first-gen Mustang would also leverage. The cars were mechanically the same, too, including engines. While most Comets were probably ordered with an inline-six, the seller’s car has the optional (and zippier) 302 cubic inch V8 rated at 140 hp SAE net (the new output measuring standard beginning in 1972).
The seller doesn’t disclose that it as such, this ’72 Comet has some of the telltale signs of a GT model, which include a blacked-out grille, bucket seats, dual mirrors, and a faux hood scoop. The aforementioned newer bits and pieces entail the carburetor, shock absorbers, other front suspension parts, and a dual exhaust. The addition of bling under the hood suggests some performance tweaking, but maybe not. The car used to have factory A/C, but it’s now MIA.
We’re told the paint is “decent,” though the photos are more optimistic. There was some rust in the floors, but they now wear fiberglass patches. The carpeting and dash pad are new, but the rest of the tidy interior may be original at 10 million miles (really?!). Yet the seller says seat covers and a headliner should be on the to-do list. Overall, this seems like a driver-quality car that’s proudly ready for Cars & Coffee. The seller provides a video clip to sweeten the pot.
Very neat Comet. I actually prefer the nose treatment and tailights a little more on Comets than the Maverick. We had a family friend with an early Maverick with a 302, and it was surprisingly quick. These are relatively light cars and that 302 is plenty to keep up with modern day traffic.
Just like the Mercury Cyclone they look meaner then the Torino
17 large for deleted AC, fiberglass patches and a fake mileage figure? Pass.
Dalton, you’re right even the add reads “Speedo work” very shady.
You think you put enough scoop on their Butch? This ain’t no Boss 429. I would like this as a sleeper with a strong small bolck
That is what Ford/Mercury put on it.
It’s somewhat overpriced, this is probably not a GT, yes, bucket seats and floorshift were part of that package, but they were also available separately. The scoop is wrong for a GT and it’s missing the black graphics. It will make a nice project, but is priced more for perfection, not as it sits.
Steve R
This is about $8K above what they should be asking. A rare find indeed, and an eye catcher. But at the end of the day it’s still a Comet. Perhaps someone who has a heartstring attached to these may scoop it up.
Very nice !! Loose the chrome exhaust tips!
The Comet GT hoodscoop was about half as high as that obvious Boss 429 hood scoop..lol.I love these and want one but the seller has stars in his eyes hoping for that much for it..lol
Sorry, seller. You can put as much of your own blood sweat and tears into a restoration/build as you want, source parts cheap, etc. But as soon as you invest in paint, you are gonna be underwater should you ever sell. That’s just the way it is man. Lovely car, but not at that $$$
hood scoop is no help to it. nice but a bit too pricey
The disconnected distributor vacuum advance probably means the shaft bushings are worn out and it’s time for a rebuild, or maybe for swapping in an aftermarket electronic replacement.
Uh, 10,000,000 miles? That’s more than 290,000 miles per year. Or about 500 miles per day. EVERY day. No time off for service, not to mention dentist appointments, mowing the lawn, and colonoscopies. That, folks, is dedication and driving.
Nice Hillbilly Go Fasters…
This one looks like a quick “”Fix & Flip”, with a quickie Maaco paint job and fiberglass patches for rusty floors. He’s hoping for a quick sale to the enamored or the ignorant. The A/C is AWOL, and God knows what else is under that paint! Unfortunately, at a $17k asking price, he’s dreaming! At between $8k and $10k, maybe, but at $17k, I’ll pass! Thanks, but no thanks!
On a personal note, the Comet front grille, seems a bit “busy”, with extra fake chrome and badges that attempt to justify a higher price tag for the upscale Mercury and failing. Fortunately, the Maverick grille is a simple bolt-in affair. The rear taillights, OTOH, are a step up from the Maverick’s bland rectangles, with just a bit more style. The bucket seats and floor shifter are a somewhat rare, but welcome addition to the interior.