Photo: eBay seller mustangmasters428
The short-lived third-generation Cyclone was a fantastic car, coming with powerful engines and styling that turned it into a head-turning machine.
The Cyclone wasn't available with a six-cylinder engine, as Mercury's focus was exclusively on delivering enough performance to set it apart from the crowd. And the carmaker certainly achieved its purpose.
After becoming the fastest car in the world in 1968, the Cyclone returned in 1969 with an engine lineup whose laziest option was the 302, rated at 220 horsepower. The 351 could be had in two versions (250 and 290 horsepower), while the top unit was a 390 with 320 horsepower. The 390 was exclusive to the GT version.
However, Mercury also launched in mid-1968 the limited production 428 Cobra Jet, which turned the Cyclone into a rocket on wheels. It produced 335 horsepower and was a fantastic choice for anyone interested in a boost of adrenaline behind the wheel.
The Cyclone you see in the photos (born as a Montego) left the factory as an R-code car, meaning that it was fitted by Mercury with the 428 CJ unit. Unfortunately, the big block is no longer in the car, so if you hoped to restore this car to factory specifications, you'd have to spend extra to get the 428.
eBay seller mustangmasters428 says the vehicle has been parked for years. It was shipped to a local body shop, so it's now dressed in primer, but you'll still have to take care of occasional rust spots. The sellers claim they have all the missing parts, jumpstarting the restoration process if you want to bring the car back to the road as fast as possible.
While the engine bay brings bad news, the seller explains they have the required parts, though it's unclear if another block is also available. The interior is complete, but the dashpad and other parts would require some attention.
Undoubtedly, a Cyclone in such good shape and born with a massive big-block unit under the hood is rare. I don't have any figures to back these claims, but it's one of the few Cyclones fitted with a 428 CJ I've seen lately. It's a shame the engine is no longer around, but fingers crossed for a petrolhead to spot the car, find the correct block, and bring it back to the road with the power it deserves.
Meanwhile, its first mission is to find a new owner. The car landed on eBay with a $15,000 starting bid, though the seller also configured a reserve. Its value is unknown, but anyone who wants to get this rare Mercury without a fight can trigger the Buy It Now option available for $25K. The car is parked in Jacksonville, Florida.
After becoming the fastest car in the world in 1968, the Cyclone returned in 1969 with an engine lineup whose laziest option was the 302, rated at 220 horsepower. The 351 could be had in two versions (250 and 290 horsepower), while the top unit was a 390 with 320 horsepower. The 390 was exclusive to the GT version.
However, Mercury also launched in mid-1968 the limited production 428 Cobra Jet, which turned the Cyclone into a rocket on wheels. It produced 335 horsepower and was a fantastic choice for anyone interested in a boost of adrenaline behind the wheel.
The Cyclone you see in the photos (born as a Montego) left the factory as an R-code car, meaning that it was fitted by Mercury with the 428 CJ unit. Unfortunately, the big block is no longer in the car, so if you hoped to restore this car to factory specifications, you'd have to spend extra to get the 428.
eBay seller mustangmasters428 says the vehicle has been parked for years. It was shipped to a local body shop, so it's now dressed in primer, but you'll still have to take care of occasional rust spots. The sellers claim they have all the missing parts, jumpstarting the restoration process if you want to bring the car back to the road as fast as possible.
While the engine bay brings bad news, the seller explains they have the required parts, though it's unclear if another block is also available. The interior is complete, but the dashpad and other parts would require some attention.
Undoubtedly, a Cyclone in such good shape and born with a massive big-block unit under the hood is rare. I don't have any figures to back these claims, but it's one of the few Cyclones fitted with a 428 CJ I've seen lately. It's a shame the engine is no longer around, but fingers crossed for a petrolhead to spot the car, find the correct block, and bring it back to the road with the power it deserves.
Meanwhile, its first mission is to find a new owner. The car landed on eBay with a $15,000 starting bid, though the seller also configured a reserve. Its value is unknown, but anyone who wants to get this rare Mercury without a fight can trigger the Buy It Now option available for $25K. The car is parked in Jacksonville, Florida.
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