1965 Mercury Cyclone

The two-door hardtop coupe Mercury Cyclone sold for $2,630 and 12,347 examples were produced in 1965. Power was from an overhead-valve, two-barrel carburetor V-8 engine which displaced 289 CID and offered 200 horsepower. Inside were bucket seats with a console and tachometer. The Cyclone emblems and checkered flag were moved to the rear fenders. Upfront was vertical headlights that were similar in design to those found on Fords. Other distinguishable features included a vinyl roof, two hood scoops, chrome wheels, and curb moldings.

1965 was the second year of the Cyclone, and it would remain part of the Mercury line through 1971. At the time of its introduction in 1964, it was known as the Mercury Comet Cyclone and served as a replacement for the S-22, assuming the performance-oriented option of the Mercury Comet. It would not become its own distinct nameplate model until the 1968 model year.

The Comet Cyclone occupied a unique niche within the Mercury line, positioned between the Cougar pony car and the full-size two-door models (the Marquis and Marauder). While the Cougar received much of the attention and notoriety, the Cyclone represented the Mercury marque in racing competition.

The 1965 Cyclone received a four-barrel carbureted version of the 289 CID V8 but offered 200 horsepower. Performance options included a handling package, a 'power transfer' rear axle, and a special fan. They had a black-out, stand-up grille, a center console, bucket seats with sewn-through pleats, unique nameplates and insignias, a vinyl roof in black or white, a 'Power-Pac' gauge cluster, and chrome-plated wheel covers with lug nuts.

The 1966 Mercury Cyclone with given all-new styling that was based on the body of the Ford Fairlane. New engine options included the 390 Y code (390 cubic-inch) V8 with a two-barrel carburetor and developing 265 horsepower. The 390 H code version used a four-barrel carburetor and produced 275 horsepower. A GT option came with the 390 S code which used a 390 cubic-inch engine with four-barrel carburetion and produced 335 horsepower. The GT versions wore a fiberglass hood with dual air scoops and unique car stripes.

The styling introduced for 1966 would carry through to 1967. New styling was introduced in 1968 and would continue through 1969. 1968 was the year the 'Comet' portion of the name was dropped. When production of the Cyclone came to an end after 1971, it did not have a direct replacement.

By Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2012