1966-1967 Mercury Cyclone GT

The 1966-1967 Mercury Cyclone GT emerged as a unique variant of the Comet, offering enhanced performance and distinct characteristics. Given the close relationship between Ford and Mercury, any design updates to Ford models also influenced Mercury's lineup.

From its debut in 1960, Mercury's Comet consistently maintained a larger size compared to the Ford Falcon, its foundational model, yet remained smaller than the mid-sized Ford Fairlane launched in 1962. By 1966, the cost of maintaining three separate compact body designs became impractical, prompting Ford Motor Company to adopt a strategy similar to GM's, aligning the Comet with the redesigned Fairlane's 116-inch wheelbase.

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The updated lineup featured four Comet variants: the economical 202, along with the Capri, Caliente, and Cyclone, the latter three extending to 203 inches in length. Each model shared a 116-inch wheelbase, an increase from the previous 114 inches.

Similar to its earlier version under the Comet Cyclone name, the revamped Mercury Cyclone offered two body styles — a hardtop coupe and a convertible — available in either base or GT configurations.

The 1966 Mercury Cyclone GT was powered exclusively by a 335-horsepower, 390-cubic-inch V-8 engine equipped with a four-barrel carburetor and dual exhausts. This engine was also used in Fairlane GTs. Mercury advertisements boasted that the GT "offers acceleration powerful enough to press you firmly into your bucket seat."

The suspension system was enhanced, but the most notable transformation was in the body design. Cyclone models featured vertically aligned quad headlights set in individual round housings, dual pinstripes, and a two-section grille.

The 1966 Mercury Cyclone GT package featured bold lower-body racing stripes between the wheel arches, a checkered-flag emblem on the front fender, and two non-functional flat hood scoops.

While resembling the standard Comet/Cyclone grille in shape, the GT variant showcased a unique horizontal bar design and a small checkerboard detail on one side. Two slender stripes extended along the upper fender line. Many were unaware that the GT's hood was constructed from fiberglass.

The 1966 Mercury Cyclone GT also boasted an engine enhancement kit, 7.75 x 14 whitewall tires mounted on robust 5.5-inch wheels, a 3.25:1 axle ratio, and a gearshift lever positioned on the console.

The heavy-duty suspension incorporated a substantial front stabilizer bar. Bucket seats were covered in pleated vinyl, offered in solid hues or two-tone combinations. The driver enjoyed a sporty two-spoke steering wheel, a cluster of elevated instruments, and a matte black dashboard.

The standard three-speed transmission could be swapped for either a four-speed manual or the Sport Shift Merc-O-Matic. The Sport Shift allowed manual control over 1-2-3 gear changes or effortless cruising in Drive mode.

Following the discontinuation of the Meteor post-1963, Mercury lacked a mid-size offering. The expanded Comet-based series attracted a new audience. Mercury Cyclone GTs outsold standard Cyclones nearly 2-to-1, with 15,970 units sold. Despite this, the more affordable Comets, particularly the budget-friendly 202 series, outperformed with nearly 64,000 units produced.

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1967 Mercury Cyclone GT

The 1967 Mercury Cyclone GT saw mostly aesthetic updates, including a single-section grille with horizontal bars and a central emblem. The taillights and rear design were also refreshed. Engine adjustments reduced the 390-cid V-8's output to 320 horsepower, while the standard 289-cid Cyclone V-8 stayed at 200 bhp.

Rally stripes on the lower body and a blacked-out grille continued to distinguish the Mercury Cyclone GT. Additional GT features remained largely unchanged, such as the twin-scoop hood, polished engine parts, Wide-Oval whitewall tires, reinforced suspension, and front-disc brakes with power assist.

By 1967, the Comet name was reserved solely for the basic 202 sedans. This year proved challenging for Cyclone sales, as well as for other Comet-based models. GT production plummeted to just 3,797 units, with only 378 convertibles. Sales of standard Cyclones were even weaker.

Despite a promising beginning, Mercury's mid-size performance model struggled to gain traction, unlike its Fairlane counterpart. Serving as the Pace Car for the 1966 Indy 500 (with Benson Ford driving) and earning the title of "performance car of the year" from Super Stock magazine failed to boost showroom sales. While disappointed, Mercury's team remained determined, as evidenced by their upcoming intermediate models.

Find comprehensive specifications for the 1966 and 1967 Mercury Cyclone GT on the following page.

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1966-1967 Mercury Cyclone GT Specifications

The 1966-1967 Mercury Cyclone GT featured a 390 V-8 as its sole engine option. While nearly 16,000 units of the 1966 Mercury Cyclone were produced, sales of the 1967 model fell below 4,000.

Specifications

Engine: overhead-valve V-8, 390 cubic inches (4.05 x 3.78), 335 horsepower (1966), 320 horsepower (1967)

Transmissions: standard 3-speed manual; optional 4-speed manual and 3-speed Sport Shift Merc-O-Matic

Suspension front: upper control arms, strut-stabilized lower arms, coil springs, anti-roll bar

Suspension rear: solid axle, leaf springs

Brakes: drum brakes front and rear (front discs optional in 1966, standard in 1967)

Wheelbase (in.): 116.0

Weight (lbs.): 3,075-3,595

Top speed (mph): 123

0-60 mph (sec): 6.6

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