1961 Comet sedan The Mercury Comet was produced by Mercury, a division of the Ford motor company, from 1960 through 1967. The original Comet design was based on the Ford falcon platform which was also introduced in 1960. The two sister cars shared many of the same engine, suspension, and chassis components, while the Comet had its own distinct body lines, exterior ornamentation, and interior trim. The unitized construction developed by Ford in 1935 was used on both the Comet and Falcon. The Comet was a unique car, slightly larger than the falcon with it's own identity evidenced by the many changes in through the years. The Falcon was designed as the Ford economy vehicle, while the Mercury Comet was made as a plusher performer with an easier ride for those who would pay the modest additional cost. Described by Ford, the Comet had "big car ride, with small car handling". The first year 1960 Mercury Comet was a mild success with sales of 116,331 units compared to 435,676 Falcons sold in the same year. The Comet had more size and a much smoother more comfortable ride than the Falcon. The 1960 offered a 144 cubic inch six cylinder engine with a two speed manual transmission. Both two door and 4 door sedans including station wagons were available in the opening year. In 1961, the Comet was available with a new high performance "thrift power" 170 engine. The buyer had a choice of either a two speed automatic transmission or the three speed manual transmission. The options list included, backup lights, independent air conditioning unit, padded instrument panel, push button radio, windshield washers, electric tailgate window and more. The 1961 models also introduced more exterior and interior trim options with a myriad of available colors and trim now on the order sheet. The wagons offered great economy with a nine foot long loading surface for large loads. The 1962 Mercury Comets were very similar to the 1961 models. As time progressed, the Comets were outfitted with more trim and ornamentation for exterior style. The 1962 brought life to the new Comet "S-22" model. This new model featured bucket seats, floor console, loop carpeting, backup lights, deluxe chrome Mylar door panels and a special four spoke steering wheel and horn ring. The S-22 also had special ornamentation on the outside for identification and appeal. Like the rest of the 1962 Mercury Comet line, the S-22 offered an extensive list of available exterior paint colors and interior trim combinations. 1963 Comet S-22 convertible The 1963 Comets were introduced with the all new Comet convertible, which was the very first Mercury Comet with a convertible top. In all there were only 13,111 Comet convertibles built in 1963 produced in both the standard Comet and s-22 option, these were a beautiful addition to the Comet line. Also new to the lineup in 1963 was the new Comet Cyclone with the first v-8 engine offered. The new cyclone with 260 cubic inch V-8 added new appeal to the Comet with the cubic inches to back the name. The V-8 was also available with a 4 speed floor shift. The addition of new paint and interior colors added to the excitement for Mercury Comet buyers in 1963. For 1964 the Comet acquired new lines with and all new squared off body line design. Different from previous models, these new Comets were a bit longer and more futuristic in style. The 1964 model introduced new names in the Comet Caliente , Comet 202 and Comet 404. Three distinctive packages with the same body lines and drivetrain components. The Caliente was the sport model with the cyclone being the ultimate package with the v-8 engine as standard equipment, 6,000 rpm factory dash tachometer and bucket seat interior in addition to the attractive color keyed body side molding. The 202 model was the economy version while the 404 nicely filled the mid series slot. 1965 Comet Caliente hardtop The 1965 Comet had very similar body lines to the 1964 with an all new front end appearance with attractive stacked headlights and new finned taillight design. Still offered in the same models with a total of 11 different models. Available accessories were air conditioning, am/fm radio, power steering, tachometer, electric clock and backup lights. In addition to the economy 200 six cylinder engine was the 289 Cyclone engine and the "Super V-8" option with an impressive 225 horsepower with four barrel carburetor. This performance engine could also be equipped with a 4 speed manual transmission. 1966 Comet Cyclone GT hardtop For 1966 and 1967, the Comets took a great step in size and shape with a complete body redesign. The new design mirrored the Fairlane closely with similar body lines and identical chassis, engine and transmission choices. These were some of the most impressive Comets ever built. The years of high performance big block engines were in full swing by this time, and the Comet was no exception. The new big Comets, needed big horsepower. Ford introduced the 427 V-8 in limited production to the Comets. This race engine was available as a street driving option. The Comet was now available in Caliente model and the ultimate Comet Cyclone GT. Performance, responsive handling, and power were all available in this new muscle mercury. These machines offered racing stripes on the rocker panels to match the spirited 390 Cyclone GT four barrel motor with 335 horsepower and twin scooped GT hood. The Comet GT model also included standard equipment bucket seats, and dual exhaust. Both 1966 and 1967 Comets offered the 202 model as well as a new Capri model to replace the mid series 404 model. The 1966 and 1967 Comets offered 13 different body styles to the buyer with a flavor for almost and individual. These cars are among the most desirable Mercury's ever built and are sure to see great appreciation in value in the collector car market for years to come. If you need further information on the Mercury Comet , including production figures, body codes, paint codes, engine specifications and other technical data, visit the Dearborn Reference Library. For other information not listed please E-mail the technical staff at tech@dearbornclassics.com