Ground Up Restored Cyclone Spoiler 429 V8 4 Speed PS Power Disc Brakes

SUMMARY

* The beneficiary of a ground-up restoration that was completed in 2007
* 429 cubic inch Ford V8
* Toploader 4-speed manual transmission
* Correct Competition Blue paint
* Correct Ford 9-inch rear axle / Correct Traction-Lok differential / Correct 3.50 gears
* Sale includes: A Deluxe Marti Auto Works Report / An Eminger Document
* Correct power steering
* Correct power front disc and rear drum brakes
* Black vinyl interior
* 14-inch steel wheels

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If you're a fan of '70s muscle, it seems like everywhere you turn you see MoPar this or GM that. It's almost as if a large segment of the hobby has simply forgotten about all the hot cars Ford produced during Detroit's golden era. Or, maybe it's just selective memory. And maybe GM and MoPar guys are too ashamed to admit that cars like this sweet Mercury Cyclone, an authentic, fully documented Spoiler, are much cooler and much more exclusive than their beloved classics. At any rate, the proof is on the pavement. And if you buy this fully sorted piece of Americana, you'll be able to school 'the other guys' on the road AND at the show. Are you a diehard Ford fan who's looking for some rock-solid muscle that's stylish, powerful and roomy enough to take your other-minded friends on enlightening journeys? Then this slick Merc is just the car you need!

BODYWORK/TRIM

In typical '70s Motor City metric, Mercury's aggressive Cyclone, adorned with long surfaces and creases that stretch from stem to stern, is incredibly hard to get straight once it's been overhauled or reworked. Fortunately, the metal on this retro racer was subjected to a ground-up restoration that involved excellent panel alignment and an astute attention to detail. Correct Competition Blue 2-stage creates a nice foundation for sporty stripes, a functional ram air hood and, of course, correct spoilers. And items like broad bumpers, color-keyed mirrors, an intricate rear valance and a distinct gun sight grille create a sophisticated profile that, even 46 years later, marches to the beat of its own drum.

ENGINE

Ford's impressive Cobra Jet V8 was standard fare for the Cyclone Spoiler. And, while Dearborn brass rated the lethal powerplants at a mere 375 horsepower, it was common knowledge that the engines actually produced over 500 horses! Pop this Merc's hood and you'll find 429 cubic inches of Ford big block that, in its fully restored state, does a fantastic job of mimicking assembly line aesthetics. At full throttle, the flapper valve opens, drawing cool oxygen through a correctly painted ram air induction system in to a spry Autolite 4-barrel. Below that juice box, cast iron heads seat a cast iron intake between finned aluminum valve covers. At the front of that intake, a traditional points distributor sequences spark through 7mm High Temp Static Suppression cables. Cast iron exhaust manifolds conduct an octane-fueled symphony through free-breathing tail pipes. In front of those tubes, traditional V-belts spin correct power steering and a rebuilt alternator next to an Autolite-topped battery. A large radiator cycles coolant through reproduction Autolite hoses and old school screw clamps. And, as you can see from our high resolution photography, the Ford Blue beast is homed in a solid engine bay that plants fresh decals in a smooth coat of Satin Black skin.

DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION

At the bottom of this hardtop, solid floors and a beefy frame are supported by a rebuilt suspension that's clean and lucid. The muscular 429 transmits power through a close-ratio Toploader 4-speed, which spins a nodular 9-inch axle that's finished with a correct Traction-Lok differential and correct 3.50 gears. At the front of that drivetrain, correct power steering mixes surprisingly tight turns with responsive feedback. At the center of the undercoated floors, a true-dual exhaust system utilizes a pair of Flowmaster dual-chamber mufflers to give the big engine a deep and throaty voice. At the corners of the car, correct power front disc and rear drum brakes supply quick and precise stops. And all that proven hardware rolls on painted steel wheels, which twist meaty 245/60R14 BF Goodrich Radial T/As around stainless trim rings and satin center caps.

INTERIOR

This Cyclone's thorough restoration included the careful preservation of a vintage Black interior. Firm bench and bucket seats ride a sea of clean carpet, which floats color-keyed mats around a chrome Hurst shifter. A unique, driver-oriented dash founds a Philco AM radio above a supplemental Auto Meter Sport-Comp fuel gauge. Stylish door panels stretch abstract trim between ornate Lincoln-Mercury crests and correct chrome handles. The driver holds the road through a vintage Rim Blow Steering Wheel. And the passengers stow cargo in a matted and decaled trunk that features a correct jack and full-size spare tire.

PROVENANCE

Here's a detailed look at this Merc's Eminger Document and Deluxe Marti Auto Works Report

DOOR DATA:

SERIAL NUMBER: 0H17C19916
* 0 – 1970 model year
* H – Built in Lorain, Ohio
* 17 – Cyclone Spoiler 2-door hardtop
* C – 429 cubic inch, 4V Cobra Jet engine
* 19,916th Mercury vehicle scheduled for production at Lorain
* 10/69 – Built in October of 1969
* 65G – Cyclone Spoiler 2-door hardtop
* J – Ford #3657-A Competition Blue paint
* 8A – Black and Pewter Clarion Knit vinyl interior with bucket seats
* S – 3.50 Traction-Lok axle
* U – C6 Merc-O-Matic transmission
* 21 – Atlanta Ordering District

OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT:

* C6 Merc-O-Matic transmission
* Optional axle ratio
* Traction-Lok differential
* G78x14 belted white sidewall tires
* Power front disc brakes
* Power steering
* AM radio

EMINGER:

CYCLONE SPOILER 2-DOOR HARDTOP 8-CYLINDER ($3,759)
* -- 429 cubic inch Cobra Jet V8 that's complete with ram air induction
* -- Dual exhaust
* -- Competition Handling Package
* -- Hi-back bucket seats
* -- Special Instrumentation Package
* -- Front and rear spoilers
* -- High level ventilation system
* -- Competition Blue
* Select-shift transmission ($42)
* Heavy-duty Traction-Lok differential ($00)
* Higher ratio rear axle ($6.50)
* G-78x14 white sidewall tires ($28.50)
* Power front disc brakes ($64.80)
* Power steering ($104.90)
* AM radio ($60.90)

TOTAL OPTIONS: $250.60
CAR DELIVERED TO: Gwinnett Motor Company of Lawrenceville, Georgia

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OUR SALE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTATION AND ACCESSORIES

* Two vintage sales brochures
* A vintage Owner's Manual
* A copy of one of the car's original Title (dates to October of 1989)
* Miscellaneous Cyclone Spoiler literature
* The aforementioned Deluxe Marti Auto Works Report
* The aforementioned Eminger Document
* Two vintage tags
* Two sets of keys

When it comes to maximizing the amount of car your money will buy, you simply can't go wrong with unique Detroit muscle. A scant fraction of Mercury Cyclones were equipped as line-topping Spoilers. And when you consider that this Spoiler is fully documented and well restored, you have a head turning classic that's fun, historic AND rare. If you're looking for a stylish, comfortable, and reliable piece that commands a lot of respect on the show field, and feels right at home on the highway, this hot hardtop is your hot ticket!