1961 Mercury Comet 2-Door Sedan

The Comet was introduced in the spring of 1960. Based on the new-for-1960 Ford Falcon, and originally planned as an Edsel model, it was sold by Lincoln-Mercury dealers. Initially marketed as its own brand, Comet later became a model in the Mercury line. With its Thunderbird-like roofline and upscale appointments, the Comet was an instant sales sensation. It was available as a sedan, coupe and station wagon. Total production for 1961 was 197,263.

Sensing that Comet had even greater potential, a sporty S-22 Coupe, patterned after Corvair's Monza, was added to the line in the spring of 1961. The S-22 package included a plush all-vinyl bucket-seat interior with center console, in a choice of five colors. Deluxe armrests, special badging, full wheel covers and the newest fad in tires, the narrow-band whitewall, were all standard. Priced at $284 more than a standard Comet coupe, the S-22 sold an impressive 14,004 units in its debut year. An 85-horsepower 144 cubic-inch six-cylinder engine was standard and an optional 101 horsepower, 170 cubic-inch six was available.

This example has the optional '170' engine and Merc-O-Matic 2-speed automatic transmission. The current owner used it as a daily driver for many years before undertaking a full restoration in 1984.