1965 Mercury Comet for sale $19,995

1965 Mercury Comet $19,995
Car Ad from: Hemmings View Original Ad
Price: $19,995
Contact: View Original Ad from Hemmings
Location: Lithia Springs, GA
Details: The Ford Falcons more sophisticated cousin was the Mercury Cometand#44; and this 1965 Mercury Comet Caliente convertible offers a neat alternative to the blue oval machines that were so popular in the early 60s. With a timeless triple black color combinationand#44; an appealing upscale interiorand#44; and a thrifty drivetrainand#44; its a hobby car you can enjoy without guilt.

The idea of the small car isnt a new oneand#44; and even upscale Mercury was getting in on the act with the Comet. It offers styling cues taken from the full-sized machines sitting next to it in the showroomand#44; but thanks to compact proportionsand#44; it was easy to drive and remarkably quickand#44; even when equipped with a six-cylinder engine. This one shows good straight bodywork thanks to a lifetime in the southand#44; and dressing it up in black makes it look bigger and more upscale than youd expect. Dramatically carved sheetmetal was all-new in 1965and#44; making it look more like its big brothers and less like an economy carand#44; and most folks wont recognize it when they first see it. Chrome and trim are quite goodand#44; and even on the budget-oriented Cometand#44; theres quite a bit of itand#44; including the big bumpers and ornate grille up front. The stainless trim on the front fenders and ornate fluted taillight lenses give the Comet a lot of visual pizzazz that make it look more expensive than it is.

The attractive black interior is another way in which the Comet looks like it should cost way more than it does. One look at the tasteful black vinyl and cloth upholstery with its square stitching instantly reminds you of the other more expensive cars in the Mercury lineupand#44; and thats completely on purpose. The cloth inserts make the interior comfortable even on warm days with the top downand#44; and while its not totally correctand#44; it certainly looks right. Matching door panels are stylish for a basic carand#44; and were guessing they were restored when the seats were upgraded. The instrument panel is a handsome and functional design that includes wood appliques for warmth a full set of gauges that are remarkably complete for such an affordable machine. The original AM radio is in the center of the dashand#44; although its probably due for an upgradeand#44; and the trunk comes complete with a full-sized spare and jack assembly. A luxurious black canvas convertible top was recently installedand#44; and includes a crystal clear rear window and matching black boot.

Fords trusty 200 cubic inch inline fits neatly with the Comets economy-based mission. It appears to be the original engineand#44; but in 1965and#44; Ford Motor Company wasnt stamping numbers on blocksand#44; so its impossible to say. It delivers bright performance in the lightweight Mercury and youll recall that the 1965 Mustang was based on this same platform. Bright red paint on the valve cover and air cleaner makes the machinery stand out against the satin black engine bayand#44; and while its not detailed for showand#44; it does have a factory look that helps give it camouflage. It starts easily and has a bit of a gruff voice thanks to a single exhaust system. With highway-friendly 3.20 gears out backand#44; the smooth six pulls the car around with confidence and the Dual Range 3-speed automatic transmission is a nice travel partner. Brightly polished Weld wheels carry staggered 225/60/15 front and 235/60/15 rear radials that give it an aggressive stance.

Unusual yet eminently practical for todays timesand#44; this Comet is a great entry-level hobby car that wont cost you much now or down the road. Call today!
Analysis: Fair Deal, 7.0% below market avg. What's this?