1966 Mercury Comet

This 1966 Mercury Comet Cyclone GT convertible is one of 100 Indianapolis 500 Pace Car examples produced for the model year, and it is powered by a 390ci V8 linked with a C6 three-speed automatic transmission and a 9″ rear axle. Finished in red over white upholstery, the car features a power-operated beige convertible top, a twin-scoop fiberglass hood, power steering, power front disc brakes, styled 14″ wheels, Indy 500 graphics, a dual exhaust system, a tachometer, a center console, and a push-button radio. The car was refurbished under prior ownership and spent time in a museum until 2016 before being acquired by the selling dealer in 2023. This Cyclone GT Pace Car is now offered in South Carolina with a car cover, a parade boot, and a clean West Virginia title. All Indy 500 Pace Car Comet Cyclone GT vehicles were finished in red (T) with Indianapolis 500 Pace Car graphics. This example is said to have been repainted under prior ownership. Details include a power-operated beige convertible top, a twin-scoop fiberglass hood, “Cyclone GT” fender badging, chrome bumpers, and white rocker-panel stripes. Styled 14″ wheels are mounted with 205/75 BFGoodrich Silvertown Radial redline tires. The car is equipped with power steering and KYB gas shock absorbers. Braking is handled by power-assisted front discs and rear drums. The cabin features front bucket seats and a rear bench trimmed in white vinyl upholstery complemented by a color-coordinated center console and door panels. Features include a heater and defroster, a T-handle shifter, lap belts, red carpeting, and a push-button AM radio. The two-spoke steering wheel frames a 120-mph speedometer, a clock, and gauges monitoring amperage, fuel level, and coolant temperature. A 6k-rpm tachometer is mounted atop the dash pad. The five-digit odometer shows 1k miles. Total mileage is unknown. The 390ci V8 is said to have been rebuilt under prior ownership and was factory rated at 335 horsepower and 427 lb-ft of torque. An oil change was performed in preparation for the sale. Power is sent to the rear wheels through a C6 three-speed automatic transmission and a 9″ rear axle. The transmission reportedly was rebuilt under previous ownership. A dual exhaust system with MagnaFlow mufflers has been fitted. The warranty number reveals that the car is a 1966 Mercury Comet Cyclone GT convertible built at the Lorain, Ohio assembly plant and powered by a 390ci V8 with a four-barrel carburetor. The data tag also provides the following information: Body 76H – Cyclone GT two-door convertible Color T – Red paint Trim H5 – Red and white vinyl upholstery Date 24F – June 24 planned build date D.S.O. 84 – Home Office Reserve ordering district Axle 4 – 3.25:1 conventional differential Trans. 4 – C6 three-speed automatic transmission