Ford planned to attach the Edsel’s badge to its new Comet, but the company pulled the plug on that star-crossed division months before the new compact was due on the market. So the poor Comet arrived homeless, presenting buyers with just sedan and wagon body styles. To inject a sliver of excitement, the S-22 trim level was available starting in 1961, offering bucket seats, elaborate trim, a center console, and three tail lights per side. Sluggish sales over at Mercury prompted Ford to expand that brand’s line-up by shifting the Comet to that division in 1962. The new model sold well, boosting revenues at Mercury and providing funds for development. A convertible and a sport coupe were introduced in 1963, and that’s when today’s featured car was minted. Advertised here on craigslist for $19,000, this solid driver is located in Westcliffe, Colorado, and the seller invites inspections. Thanks to Mike F. for this rare tip!
The S-22 was provided with a 170 cu. in. six as standard, but a 164 hp 260 cu. in. V8 fitted with a two-barrel was optional, as seen here. A two-speed Merc-O-Matic handles gear changes; power steering and power brakes round out the mechanical components. This car is wearing an older restoration, with its mechanical components requiring a few updates lately: the carb was rebuilt but still needs fiddling; the generator light is glowing at idle. The thermostat and fuel pump are new. The car is equipped with electronic ignition.
The interior is in decent condition, though the glove box lid doesn’t quite line up, and closer inspection might reveal a few more faults. The seller notes the convertible top has seen its best days, but the power mechanism works. The rear seats are beautiful, the glass is good, and the trunk is in acceptable condition. The wheels currently mounted are not original, but the steelies are included with the sale. The car also comes with a photographic restoration journal.
By 1963, the Comet had been redesigned away from the extravagant fins it bore in ’60 and ’61, necessitating new tail lamps. Base models were equipped with four lights, but the S-22 received these six bullet-shaped units. In 1964, the second-generation Comet was launched on the mid-sized Fairlane platform. The market confers higher prices to this later generation, though today’s S-22 deserves a premium for its V8 engine and convertible configuration. What do you think of the price here?
If Comets were branded as Mercurys beginning in 1962, were the 1961s Fords or a separate division? I can’t imagine a Ford dealer in 1961 having both Falcon and Comet.
Lincoln-Mercury dealers should have sold the new Comets when Edsel was discontinued in 1959
They should have, but they held off until March of 1960. That was probably to allow time to eliminate any reference to the Edsel.
The Comet was introduced for the 1960 model year and was available at Lincoln-Mercury dealers, but nowhere on the car did the Mercury name appear. That was the same approach in 1961.
When the 1962 models became available they were branded as a Mercury.
It appears the car is relatively rust free therefore the price is appropriate. New tops are easily procured and installation can be handled nicely by an experienced upholstery shop. Overall a nice comet.
God Bless America
I always thought that the 64 & 65 Comet was based on the Falcon platform. The 62 & 63 Meteor was loosely based on the Fairlane platform. Front suspension was different though.
OK. Old Ford Guy to the rescue. Edsel limped on into the 1960 model year, but by the Fall of ‘59 the handwriting was on the wall, so the Comet became an orphan. It was sold by Lincoln-Mercury dealers, but was not badged as a Mercury until the ‘62 model year. By the way, the Comet was about 5 1/2” longer than a Falcon. Falcons and Comets didn’t utilize the Fairlane chassis until the ‘66 model year.
I love this rare Comet V8 S-22 convertible!
Just a set of chrome reverse steelies and thin whitewalls away from being the perfect summer car :P
That tire and wheel combo puts this one in the weeds .
nice convert. love the colors but another car with a poor wheel choice. go with a factory wheel you can’t go wrong.
Compared to some of the aftermarket wheels available the ones on the Comet actually look pretty tame.
Great looking car. It would be fun to take it to the next level. Curious as to why there are no pics with the rear windows rolled down. Good thing that the original wheels go with the car. I just don’t understand why so many people have to put after market wheels on their car.
nice
Fed up with new car styling and unreliability, many people are looking for pre-2020’s used cars. This Comet could make a nice restomod for the right buyer. The overall platform looks pretty good, so upgrades to brakes, steering, mechanicals, etc. may result in a safe, reliable daily driver that’s a lot of fun to own.
Why oh why do people photograph their convertibles for sale with the tops down and the rear quarter windows……up?
Well, I’m thinking these window’s heavily chromed rimming adds to visual interest when the top is down. Why some find this practice you refer to aesthetically pleasing, or not, could be open to discussion.
Missing Mercury.
The wheels HAVE to go. And while I’m ranting, there should be a place in hell for those who leave the front windows down, and the rears up.
I would say the same thing for anybody who leaves ALL the windows up and the top down