If restoring an engine swap would be in order. A 302 would be just fine.
[h=1]Crusty Convertible: 1967 Mercury Comet[/h]
image: http://barnfinds.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/00x0x_3uoGgQ9S5C3_1200x900-e1470955202818-630x354.jpg
This car sure is rough, but it’s a convertible and the price isn’t crazy. This ’67 Comet convertible is for sale in Middletown, Connecticut, and advertised
here on craigslist.
image: http://barnfinds.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/01111_6nwDC3LJRCc_1200x900-e1470955282631-630x421.jpg
This Comet is said to be complete. It’s been sitting in a garage since 1982, and was probably put away because it needed work then. After sitting for almost 35 years, the car will need a fairly complete restoration, and there is no doubt that the restorer will find rust in the body and underside once work begins. Anyone familiar with Falcons and Mustangs will know what I mean. Northeastern cars like this one, even low mileage cars better cared for than this one, will have the tin worm. Still, there is a lot to be said for this car. It’s really a Caliente version of the Comet. And did I mention, it’s a convertible and that makes this car rare! In 1967, Mercury produced only 1,539 Caliente convertibles (along with 809 of the more powerful Cyclone series).
image: http://barnfinds.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/00707_bC9PbpwM8W_1200x900-630x473.jpg
I have not been able to determine how many Calientes (convertibles or closed cars) were equipped with the 170 cid six cylinder engine this one features, but I bet it was far less frequently ordered than the V8. And this car is a three speed with shifter mounted on the column, which has got to make it even more unusual for its year, since by far the majority of cars sold in 1967 were automatics. So I think this car is well worth the extensive restoration effort it will need.
image: http://barnfinds.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/00F0F_5Bu4tYWwbUa_1200x900-630x473.jpg
According to the seller, “there is minimal rot and it has not been hit. All chrome is intact and the car has not been stripped of parts.” The seller does say there is rot in the quarters, seat areas and trunk, so maybe his definition of “minimal” and mine are different. Clearly, the interior need to be redone but it appears complete. Just remember,
it’s a convertible.
image: http://barnfinds.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/00f0f_bKuN5rV4Ad5_1200x900-e1470955455649-630x354.jpg
As you can see from this photo, the hood is bad, but the seller says he has one “in pretty good shape” that presumably comes with the car. The engine likely will need a complete rebuild, and the convertible top will need to be replaced.
image: http://barnfinds.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/00u0u_aEsq0lnfUuD_1200x900-e1470955485731-630x356.jpg
The seller says this car shows 80,000 miles and he believes that to be the real mileage. With a $3,000 asking price, this looks like a terrific project for someone. I live only about 40 miles from this car, and am sorely tempted to go see it before someone else grabs it. This would be a fun car to restore, and I would resist the temptation to repower this car, even though I know many of our readers will disagree with me. I just like the idea of keeping this car original, and it’s fun to try to imagine who it was in 1967 that decided they just had to have a Comet convertible with a six and stick – that had to be someone interesting.
Tags: American / Mercury / Projects
Read more at
http://barnfinds.com/crusty-convertible-1967-mercury-comet/#GeOG9qcK3MFWt02q.99