Mercury introduced the Comet model in the spring of 1960 and it was based on the new-for-1960 Ford Falcon, and originally intended as an Edsel model. Initially, it was marketed as its own brand, later becoming a model in the Mercury line. The Comet was an instant sales success, thanks in part to its upscale appointments and Thunderbird-like roofline.
Recognizing its potential and in keeping with Ford's 'Total Performance' of the era, a sporty S-22 Coupe, patterned after Corvair's Monza, was added to the line in the Spring of 1961. The S-22 package added five exterior colors, plush all-vinyl bucket-seats, deluxe armrests, full wheel covers, special badging, and narrow-band whitewall tires.
1962 Mercury Comet
Styling changes for 1962 included relocating the Comet nameplates from the rear to front fenders, round taillights, and a new, fine-patterned, vertical bar grille. The base engine was an overhead valve six-cylinder unit with four main bearings, a 144.3 CID displacement, a Holley one-barrel carburetor, and delivering 85 horsepower at 4,200 RPM. A three-speed manual transmission was standard and the Merc-O-Matic automatic was a $171.70 option. A 170 CID version of the six-cylinder engine with 101 horsepower was a $45.10 option. A 223 CID six-cylinder, overhead-valve unit had 138 horsepower at 4,200 RPM.
The Comet became more luxurious with increased sound insulation, easier-to-read instrumentation, and a roomier trunk.
The two-door sedan body style had a factory base price of $2,080 and approximately 73,800 examples were produced. 70,227 of the four-door sedan, with a base price of $2,140, were produced. 2,121 examples of the two-door station wagon were built and 16,759 of the four-door station wagon.
Mercury Comet Custom
The Custom trim had the same four body styles as the base trim level, with prices increasing by approximately $90. Distinguishable features included fender nameplates, side window chrome trim, white steering wheel with bright horn ring, deluxe upholstery, cigarette lighter, carpeting, front door dome light switch, and rear seat armrest.
Mercury Comet Special
The S-22 sedan, priced at $2,370, had six taillights compared to the four on the other Comets. The four-door Villager Station Wagon had simulated wood trim and was priced at $2,700.
The S-22 had a medallion located above the trim on the roof panel, red wheel rims, and an all-vinyl interior with front bucket seats with a storage console between them. Standard items included loop-yarn carpeting, whitewall tires, and backup lights.
Production
The 1962 Comet production reached 165,225 units accounting for approximately 48-percent of Mercury's total production. Approximately ninety-five percent of all Mercury models and nearly 65-percent of Comets were equipped with automatic transmissions. 17 percent of 1962 Mercurys had six-cylinder engines.
by Dan Vaughan