Mercury Cyclone#Third generation (1968-1969)

File:1964 Mercury Comet Cyclone (35574336244).jpg

The Cyclone started as an option for the 1964 Mercury Comet. It featured a {{convert|289|cid|cc|abbr=on|sigfig=4}}, {{convert|210|hp|kW|abbr=on|sigfig=4}} engine and a sporty look. It had a spoked steering wheel and bucket seats. Some of the engine parts were chromed.

File:1965 Mercury Comet Cyclone 2-Door Hardtop, front right (2023 ARMCO Park Wheels of Steel Car Cruise).jpg

In the 1965 models, the engine was updated to the four-barrel carbureted version of the {{convert|289|cid|cc|abbr=on|sigfig=4}} unit, but generated {{convert|200|hp|kW|abbr=on|sigfig=4}}. This model had a few performance options, which included a handling package, a special fan, and a "power transfer" rear axle. Special features included a black-out, stand-up grille, bucket seats with sewn-through pleats, center console, chrome-plated wheel covers with lug nuts, engine "dress up kit", unique insignias, a vinyl roof in black or white and a "Power-Pac" gauge cluster for the heavily padded instrument panel.{{cite web|last=Mays|first=James C|title=1965 Mercury Comet|url=http://www.oldcarscanada.com/2013/02/1965-mercury-comet.html|work=www.OldCarsCanada.com|accessdate=27 February 2013}}

File:1966 Mercury Comet Cyclone.jpg

The 1966 models underwent a major styling change. The body received "sculpturing" that ran the length of the car, and was based on the body of the Ford Fairlane. The models introduced new engines. The 390 Y code was a {{convert|390|cid|cc|abbr=on|sigfig=4}} engine with a two-barrel carburetor and {{convert|265|hp|kW|abbr=on|sigfig=3}}. The 390 H code had a four-barrel carburetor and {{convert|275|hp|kW|abbr=on|sigfig=3}}.

The GT option used a 390 S code engine which was a {{convert|390|cid|cc|abbr=on|sigfig=4}} engine with a four-barrel carburetor and {{convert|335|hp|kW|abbr=on|sigfig=3}}. The GT featured car stripes, a fiberglass hood (bonnet) with two air scoops and several other performance options.

The 1967 model was produced with several engine options. The standard engine was the {{convert|289|cid|cc|abbr=on|sigfig=4}} V8 with {{convert|200|hp|kW|abbr=on|sigfig=3}}. The GT's engine was {{convert|390|cid|cc|abbr=on|sigfig=4}}, but was quoted with 15 fewer horses at {{convert|320|hp|kW|abbr=on|sigfig=3}}.

Neither the 1966 Cyclone nor the 1967 Cyclone used the {{convert|427|cid|cc|abbr=on|sigfig=4}} Ford FE engine that went into the standard Comet officially from the factory. For Comet Cyclones that were modified by Andy Hotton of Dearborn Steel Tubing with the optional 427 Ford FE {{convert|410|hp|kW|abbr=on|sigfig=3}} engine there were no changes to the body work similar to the Ford Fairlane Thunderbolt. Only a small, chromed badge with the designation '427' located on each front fender reflected the larger displacement engine under the hood (bonnet).

file:Blue 1968 Mercury Cyclone.jpg

The 1968 models dropped "Comet" from their name. The Cyclones had a mid tire level body tape stripe. The Cyclone GT's had an upper level body stripe, buckets, wide whitewall tires, special wheel covers, all vinyl interior, and the special handling package.

It was named the fastest car of that year,{{how|date=November 2012}} because it set a world record speed of {{convert|189.22|mph|kph||abbr=on}} at Daytona.{{clarify|date=November 2012}}

Several engines were available for the Cyclones:

The {{convert|302|cid|cc|abbr=on|sigfig=4}} standard engine was available as either the two-barrel carburetor, which generated {{convert|210|hp|kW|abbr=on|sigfig=3}}, or the four-barrel carburetor, which generated {{convert|230|hp|kW|abbr=on|sigfig=3}}.

The {{convert|390|cid|cc|abbr=on|sigfig=4}} optional engine (standard for GT) was available as either the two-barrel carburetor, which generated {{convert|265|hp|kW|abbr=on|sigfig=3}}, or the four-barrel carburetor, which generated {{convert|325|hp|kW|abbr=on|sigfig=3}}.

The limited production 428CJ became available mid year and was rated 335hp

File:1969 Mercury Cyclone GT interior (5895934601).jpg

In 1969, the Cyclones had several engine options:

• The {{convert|302|cid|cc|abbr=on|sigfig=4}} engine was available with {{convert|220|hp|kW|abbr=on|sigfig=3}}.
• The {{convert|351|cid|cc|abbr=on|sigfig=4}} engine had two versions: one was {{convert|250|hp|kW|abbr=on|sigfig=3}} and the other was {{convert|290|hp|kW|abbr=on|sigfig=3}}.
• The {{convert|390|cid|cc|abbr=on|sigfig=4}} engine for the GTs was available with {{convert|320|hp|kW|abbr=on|sigfig=3}}.

There was also a Cyclone Spoiler with a 390 Improved Performance "S" code engine that made 325Hp with the 735cfm Holley Carb

{{main|Mercury Cyclone Spoiler II}}

File:Mercury Cyclone Spoiler II Dan Gurney.jpg

Mercury produced a version of the Cyclone for NASCAR called the Cyclone Spoiler II. The model was available in two flavors. The street version featured a {{convert|351|cid|cc|abbr=on|sigfig=4}} Windsor block, and was used to enter into the NASCAR business. The racing version featured a {{convert|429|cid|cc|abbr=on|sigfig=4}} Boss block, which was the same engine as the one in the 1969 Boss Mustang.

File:1969 Mercury Cyclone Cobra Jet.jpg

Mercury also added a new model to the Cyclone line: the Cobra Jet (CJ). The Cobra Jet's engine was a {{convert|428|cid|cc|abbr=on|sigfig=4}} which generated {{convert|335|hp|kW|abbr=on|sigfig=3}}. The engine had a Ram Air option, a 735 CFM Holley four-barrel carburetor{{cite web|last1=Shea|first1=Terry|title=1969 Mercury Cyclone CJ|url=https://www.hemmings.com/magazine/mus/2012/08/1969-Mercury-Cyclone-CJ/3715091.html|website=Hemmings Muscle Machines|publisher=Hemmings Motor News|accessdate=14 February 2018|date=August 2012}} although the option showed no quoted difference in horsepower rating.

The Mercury Cyclone CJ had the following enhancements over the Cyclone and Cyclone GT: it had a blacked-out grille; dual exhausts; 3:50:1 axle ratio; engine dress-up kit (chromed parts); hood (bonnet) stripes; and a competition handling package.

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File:1970 Mercury Cyclone GT.jpg

The CJ model was dropped from the Cyclone lineup, and applied to some of the engine names in the series. Mercury thus featured the Cyclone, Cyclone Spoiler and Cyclone GT. The Cyclones consisted of 351 cid V8s and 429 cid V8 engines.

The standard engine for the base Cyclone was the {{convert|429|cid|cc|abbr=on|sigfig=4}} four-barrel with dual exhaust that was rated at {{convert|360|hp|kW|abbr=on|sigfig=3}} SAE gross ({{convert|250|hp|kW|abbr=on|sigfig=3}} net). It was the standard engine in the 1970 Mercury Marauder X-100 and was available in other full-size models. It featured a 575 CFM carburetor.

File:Bluecyclone.jpg

Two optional engines were available for the Cyclone. The 429 Cobra Jet was the {{convert|429|cid|cc|abbr=on|sigfig=4}} four-barrel with dual exhaust but without the Ram Air induction. It was rated at {{convert|370|hp|kW|abbr=on|sigfig=3}} SAE gross ({{convert|305|hp|kW|abbr=on|sigfig=3}} net) and had a 720 CFM Rochester Quadrajet 4 BBL carburetor. The 429 Super Cobra Jet, which was part of a Drag Pack option, was a {{convert|429|cid|cc|abbr=on|sigfig=4}} four-barrel with dual exhaust and Ram Air induction, but it was rated at {{convert|375|hp|kW|abbr=on|sigfig=3}} SAE gross ({{convert|335|hp|kW|abbr=on|sigfig=3}} net), and had a 780 CFM Holley 4 BBL carburetor.

File:1970 Mercury Cyclone Spoiler II.jpg

The Cyclone Spoiler was for the performance-minded with front and rear spoilers, black or white racing stripes that went from front to the rear of the car, an integrated functional hood scoop for ram air induction, 140 mph speedometer with a four-gauge suite including an 8,000 rpm tachometer with adjustable red line, vinyl bucket seats, dual racing mirrors and a competition suspension package. The 429 Cobra Jet with Ram Air was the standard engine for the Cyclone Spoiler, with the 429 Super Cobra Jet with Drag Pak and Super Drag Pak optional. The Super Cobra Jet upgraded the block to four main bolts and provided a mechanical flat-tappet camshaft, and the carburetor was changed from a 720 cfm Rochester QuadraJet to a 780 cfm Holley. Standard with the SCJ was the Drag Pack, this package added a front-mounted engine oil cooler and a 3.91 ratio gear, while the Super Drag Pack offered a 4.30 ratio gear and a Detroit "no spin" locker differential. Colors for the Spoiler were limited to Competition Yellow, Competition Blue, pastel blue, Competition Gold, Competition Green and Competition Orange but for a premium Ford included the 'color of your dreams' program, and 31 buyers took advantage.

Ford had intended to continue the Spoiler II option for 1970 with an even more aggressive nose profile. One prototype was built.[https://www.supercars.net/blog/1970-mercury-cyclone-spoiler-ii/ 1970 Mercury Cyclone Spoiler II] at supercars.net

For the sporting gentleman that placed more emphasis in style than speed, there was the Cyclone GT. The basic package offered comfort weave bucket seats, full-length console, twin racing mirrors, integrated hood scoop that could be made functional for optional ram air induction, hide-away headlights, three pod tail lights and unique lower-body line trim. The cost of all of this style was the having a small block 351 Cleveland with 2-barrel carburetor and a three-speed manual transmission as standard fare. However, there were options, and they were good ones. The 4-barrel version of the Cleveland small block followed by a set of 429 CID big blocks up to the Super Cobra Jet and the Drag Pak plus a four-speed transmission and a selection of automatics. Although early sales literature shows the BOSS 429 as an option, none were actually built. An oddity with the GT was the Action Special Equipment Package, for which 953 buyers pulled the trigger. The package included deluxe wheel covers, white sidewall tires, a vinyl roof, and most notably a bench seat replacing the standard bucket seats, all for about a $15.60 credit.

File:1971 Mercury Montego Cyclone.jpg

For 1971 the Cyclone was marketed as the Mercury Montego Cyclone.[https://www.flickr.com/photos/autohistorian/8220564240/in/photostream/ 1971 Mercury Montego Cyclone advertisement, www.flickr.com] Retrieved 11 October 2024 It had some minor styling updates; most noticeable was center section of the grill received a larger ring in the gun sight with the GT receiving a unique badge. The Spoiler received a revised stripe package, and the rear spoiler was painted flat black, and the Base Cyclone now had the integrated hood scoop like the GT and Spoiler. Under the hood things were different as well. Gone was the Super Cobra Jet and Drag Pak options, and the base engine for the Base and Spoiler became the M code 351 Cleveland with 4-barrel carburetor. For the Spoiler, Ram Air also became option as opposed to part of the package for 1970. Beyond minor changes in the color palette and available options, the 1971 Cyclone line was a carry over from 1970. The Cyclone competed for buyers at Lincoln-Mercury dealerships in the performance coupe segment when it was decided to offer the De Tomaso Pantera exotic sports car beginning in 1971.

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For 1972, the Mercury Montego was fully redesigned with body-on-frame construction, front and rear coil spring suspension, and a new shorter 114-inch wheelbase for two-door models. The Cyclone was reverted to a performance option package available on Mercury Montego, Mercury Montego MX two-door, and the Mercury Montego GT. The package included one of two engines, the {{convert|351|cid|cc|abbr=on|sigfig=4}} Q-code 4-barrel Cleveland Cobra Jet small block engine rated at {{convert|248|hp|kW|abbr=on|sigfig=3}} SAE net or the {{convert|429|cid|cc|abbr=on|sigfig=4}} N-code 4-barrel rated at {{convert|205|hp|kW|abbr=on|sigfig=3}} SAE net. The Cyclone option group included a functional Ram Air induction through twin integrated hood scoops, Traction-Lok (limited slip) differential, F70-14 for {{convert|351|cid|cc|abbr=on|sigfig=4}} cars, and G70-14 tires for {{convert|429|cid|cc|abbr=on|sigfig=4}} powered cars, hub caps and trim rings, body striping and identification, three-spoke steering wheel and dual racing mirrors. The {{convert|351|cid|cc|abbr=on|sigfig=4}} was available with either a 4-speed manual transmission or 3-speed automatic, while the {{convert|429|cid|cc|abbr=on|sigfig=4}} was only sold with an automatic transmission.{{cite web|author=Matthew Litwin|url=http://www.hemmings.com/mus/stories/2013/02/01/hmn_buyers_guide1.html|title=1972-'73 Mercury Montego GT|publisher=Hemmings Motor News|date=2013-02-01|accessdate=2014-04-25}}

Early Mercury factory literature showed this option available, while later editions did not have any information on the Cyclone package. Only 30 1972 Cyclone package cars were produced, 29 Montego GT's and one Montego MX. Twenty of these Cyclones were equipped with the {{convert|429|cid|cc|abbr=on|sigfig=4}} engine.{{cite web|author=Matthew Litwin|url=http://www.hemmings.com/mus/stories/2013/02/01/hmn_buyers_guide1.html|title=1972-'73 Mercury Montego GT|publisher=Hemmings Motor News|date=2013-02-01|accessdate=2014-04-25}}

File:Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum in 2017 - A.J. Foyt, A Legendary Exhibition - 34.jpg and David Pearson]]

During its production, the Mercury (Comet) Cyclone represented the brand in motorsport. Initially gaining use in drag racing, the Cyclone was raced in NASCAR alongside the Fairlane and its Torino successor, with the fourth-generation Cyclone becoming one of the most dominant body styles ever used in Winston Cup racing. In the 1968 Daytona 500, the Cyclone took both first and second place. The Wood Brothers Racing #21 1971 Cyclone still holds a NASCAR record, for 18 wins out of 32 races. For the 1972 Daytona 500, 12 of the 40 cars in the race were Cyclones.

The dominance of the Cyclone would lead to the development of the "Aero Warriors", body styles of production muscle cars aerodynamically optimized for Winston Cup racing (following their homologation). Alongside the Ford Torino Talladega, the Cyclone Spoiler II was introduced to compete with Dodge Charger Daytona and Plymouth Superbird. Although a redesigned Spoiler II was developed in 1970, only a single prototype was produced (alongside three Torino King Cobra counterparts).

For 1971, NASCAR changed its rules to end the production of aerodynamically-optimized cars, increasing their homologation requirements and restricting their engine displacement.

Following the shift of the Cougar from the Mustang to the Montego chassis, Mercury-body NASCAR teams phased out the Cyclone in favor of the Cougar XR7, introduced in 1974.

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• [http://www.oldride.com/library/mercury_cyclone.html Mercury Cyclone] at Oldride.com

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