1971 Mercury Montego Cyclone

The Mercury Cyclone was built from 1964 to 1971 and at the time of its introduction was part of the Mercury Comet line, replacing the prior S-22 as the performance-oriented version of the Comet. By 1968 it had become its own distinct nameplate, and the Mercury Montego replaced the Comet. Several engine options were available included a 302, 351, and 390 CIV with horsepower ranging from 220 to 320 hp. Trim levels included the GT, Spoiler, Spoiler II, and the Cobra Jet. The CJ (Cobra Jet) was dropped from the Cyclone lineup in 1970.

The 1971 Mercury Cyclone looked similar to the previous year's model and came with a performance hood with an integral scoop. There were concealed windshield wipers, dual racing mirrors, and had a hardtop coupe body style. Mercury produced 444 examples of the 1971 Cyclone, 2,287 examples of the Cyclone GT, and a mere 353 Cyclone Spoiler models. The Spoiler series had side stripes placed higher on the side, front and rear spoilers, hubcaps with bright trim rings, and a 3.25:1 gear ratio rear axle. The GT series had buck seats, concealed headlights, and deluxe wheel covers. Inside, there were full instrumentation and three-spoke steering wheel.

The base 1971 Mercury Cyclone and Spoiler engine was an overhead valve 351 CID V8 delivering 285 horsepower and backed by a four-speed manual transmission with Hurst shifter. The Cyclone GT came with SelectShift automatic; four-speed and automatic were optional in the other series. Ram-air induction was available with the 429 CID Cobra Jet V-8, along with a higher ratio and Traction-Lok axles. The four-barrel 429 CID Cobra Jet had 370 horsepower and the four-barrel version had 370 horsepower.

by Daniel Vaughan | Feb 2011