The original Comet hit the market in 1960 as a derivative of the Falcon compact. But it carried no Mercury badging until 1962, although sold by Mercury dealers for its first two years. Seems the Comet was intended to be an Edsel, but with that brand going “sneakers-up” in the Fall of 1959, it quickly became a Mercury offering. The seller has an S-22 model, which was the sporty version of the Comet (though not faster). Located in a garage in Ozark, Arkansas, this unfinished project is available here on Facebook Marketplace for $4,000 OBO.
The S-22 joined the Comet lineup in mid-1961 as a sport package. That option mostly added bucket seats and a console, as inline-6 propulsion was still the only offering. A somewhat underpowered 144 cubic inch I-6 was standard, with a 170 optional. It was popular enough, finding 14,000 buyers in its abbreviated first season. Fins were still in vogue, and the 1960-61 Comets had them with slanted rear taillights.
This S-22 pillared coupe looks like a work-in-progress. Upgrades to the suspension fore and aft have already been handled, but the seller decided to stick with the original 144 inline-6. We’re told the head has been reworked and the engine has solid compression. Some wiring has been replaced but may need futzing with because the motor won’t start. The engine has been painted, and the compartment it lives in is finished in primer grey.
We’re also told the Comet has a new windshield, and the car comes with “too many extras to name” (come on, how much more time does that take to list the Top 10?). The body may be okay, but the red paint is past its prime. The only thing we know about the interior is that the non-correct bucket seats are sitting underneath the rear bumper. Who’s ready to take this one over? And thanks to Barn Finder Terry for the tip!
Kinda of a cool car. Reminds me of something a friend would have in high school. Auto or manual?
Cool Mercury.. the tail lamps look like its from a 61 Plymouth Valiant. I dont know who copy who first! 😂 This would be a good first car project for a teenager and father. I wish the next owner good luck. 🇺🇸🐻
The taillights are shared with the 1960 Edsel.
‘60 & ‘61 Comets were Edsel Orphans. Although they were sold at L-M dealers, they weren’t identified as Mercurys until the ‘62 model year.
Kind of of odd looking at the time but unusual-cool today. Falcon under pinnings and the motor although not really powerful got you down the road reliably. Mostly all 3spd manual. Wouldn’t mind finding a 63 convertible.
Here’s an early Comet S-22 drop-top for your perusal . . . http://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/967574459135131
Just sold my red 63 s22 convertible last summer I had for three years. 170 and 2sp merc o matic… Was a very cool little car, exactly like my 1st car at 17. After that had a 70 avanti ll for two months. Moved that along and now very settled on my 96 mustang gt Conv. Been driving that for a year now and it just does everything right.. Even got written up in the latest hemmings issue for attending their May cruise in in bennington Vt..
I like comets I’ve seen some that were made into nice older style muscle cars.
This one is reasonably priced and would make a nice project for a young person.
There was a girl in our high school from 68-72 that drove a light blue Comet Convertible with a white top and interior,a 289 and a four speed. It was a pretty cool car for a Comet.
Weren’t we just talking about Comets slanted taillights coming from the discontinued ’60 Edsel? Like, just yesterday? They are very similar but no cigar. Edsels were bigger, thicker.
But thanks for playing. We have parting gifts for you.
Asking price dropped to $3500
I like Comets- I have since my sister bought a ‘61 2 door in ‘63. I’ve owned a few, including a ‘63 convertible, and a
‘63 1/2 V8 S-22 hardtop.
The missing seats are a bummer. Seats, console, steering wheel, and badging is all there is to a ‘61 S-22. No idea if the console is present and accounted for. It’s shared with the Falcon Futura/Sprint, and a good one can run you a grand these days. BTW, Angel is correct- ‘60 Edsel tailights are similar- but not the same.
Hot rod material!