Sometimes in our Ford hobby adventures we set out to look for one thing and end up finding another that's somehow even better. The right Ford actually finds us. Andy Carrano of Ringwood, New Jersey, has a story a lot like that. Like many of us, he was originally a Mustang fan, and he has owned a '65 2+2, a '67 Shelby GT500, and a '70 Mach 1. However, when the time came for yet another classic Ford he yearned for something unique. Andy began to search the world for a different sort of car to scratch his persistent high performance itch. After checking out other offerings in the classic Ford lineup he decided that a Fairlane of the '66-'67 variety would fill the bill. He knew he wanted a GT version equipped with a 390 or 427 big-block engine, knowing that such a car would come with disc brakes and a 9-inch axle. The trouble is that nice big-block Fairlanes are rare and can get expensive. It was a frustrating search but Andy bided his time.
He had never considered the possibility of a Mercury Comet, which is the even less numerous cousin of the Fairlane. Then one day, while glancing through the Mercury section of the classifieds, he came upon this perfectly restored '67 Comet Cyclone GT. When he saw the photos several things impressed him right away. Both body and paint looked excellent and the original Glacier Blue color was an awesome hue. The Cyclone was an S-code GT, so it came from the factory with the disc brakes and 9-inch axle that Andy wanted. Perhaps best of all was the fact that the original S-code 390 engine had been replaced with an R-code dual-quad 427 FE.
The low-riser center oiler addition was a huge plus. The engine was original in appearance in every way and the gem-like car intrigued him. After more photos and a conversation with the owner, he bought the car sight unseen. The Comet had to come across the country on a transporter and on the day of the car's arrival he was apprehensive. Photos on a computer screen are one thing, but the reality could be hidden sins and unpleasant surprises. However, when the Merc was unloaded and the cover removed, the car was as glorious as you see here. It's indeed one of the best colors in the Mercury lineup and the super clean dual-quad 427 assures that the car runs like a rocket. The Carrano's enjoy taking the Cyclone to cruise nights and car shows, and although the car has a nice stereo, it doesn't get much use. Andy says "who needs the radio when there's a solid lifter 427 FE under hood?" We can easily understand why he's so happy with the Cyclone, and what's not to like? Smart and patient shopping resulted in a deal that gave him, what is, in practical reality, an R-code car for an S-code price.
The Details
Andy and Dianne Carrano's '67 Mercury Comet Cyclone GT
Engine
- 427ci FE center oiler V-8
- 4.23-inch bore
- 3.78-inch stroke
- Ford forged steel crankshaft
- LeMans connecting rods
- TRW 11.8:1 compression forged aluminum pistons with chrome-moly rings
- Ford 427/425 HP solid lifter camshaft
- 427 low-riser cylinder heads
- Ford low-riser dual-quad aluminum intake manifold
- Dual Holley 1850 600 cfm carburetors
- 105-octane fuel required
Rearend
- 9-inch axle
- Traction-Lok differential
- 3.55 gears
Exhaust
- Hooker Super Comp headers
- 2½-inch dual exhaust
- Flowmaster mufflers
Suspension
- Front: Rebuilt factory coil spring with OE-type shocks
- Rear: Rebuilt factory leaf spring with OE-type shocks
Brakes
- Front: Factory Kelsey Hayes disc, 11-inch rotors
- Rear: Factory drums
The car has an almost level...
The car has an almost level stance with a slight rake imparted by a larger rear tire. The Mercury body styling is certainly different than from the Ford camp and is a great way to go for a car that looks truly different. You'll see a thousand Mustangs for every 427 Cyclone you come across.
Wheels
- Front: American Racing Shelby Cobra polished, 17x8
- Rear: American Racing Shelby Cobra polished, 17x8
Tires
- Front: BFGoodrich G-Force TA, P235/45R17
- Rear: BFGoodrich G-Force TA, P255/50R17
Interior
- Restored stock bucket seats; gray vinyl and cloth upholstery; OE instrumentation, including optional 8,000 rpm tachometer; OE four-speed shifter; Pioneer stereo with twin 6x9 package tray speakers
Exterior
- Q-code Glacier Blue paint, GT rocker stripes, fiberglass R-code 427 hood with pins, 427 factory ornamentation
Andy thinks he's got a great...
Andy thinks he's got a great car in a great color, and we agree. This is one Ford muscle machine from the Total Performance years that really sets our hearts to thumping. The rare car has the beautiful Fairlane hardtop roof line but has Mercury only styling at both the front and rear ends.
This beautifully restored...
This beautifully restored factory instrumentation was worthy of preservation as it's equipped with the optional 8,000-rpm tach. Factory tachometer cars are very rare across the classic Ford and Mercury lineup.