Buzz
The redesigned 1968 Mercury Cyclone GT models continued into 1969 with minimal alterations.
©2007 Publications International, Ltd.Key Highlights
- The 1968-1969 Mercury Cyclone GT evolved into a Torino-inspired model, boosting sales but falling short of earlier peaks.
- Distinctive elements include a sleek fastback design, multiple V-8 engine choices, and a GT package focused on performance and handling.
- In 1969, the GT became an appearance package, while the CJ trim featured a standard 428-cid V-8 and remarkable performance metrics.
When the 1968-1969 Mercury Cyclone GT debuted, Mercury, following Ford's strategy, revamped the struggling Cyclone into a Torino-like model. Sales nearly doubled, but the 1967 figures were so low that even the increase didn't spark much excitement.
The 1968 Mercury Cyclone GT fastback captured attention with its sleek, elongated profile and a rear quarter that extended straight from the roofline. Bodyside stripes ran from the headlights to the tail, curving upward at the quarter window to emphasize the GT's seemingly endless length. Additional striping between the wheel arches highlighted its elegant design.
The notchback hardtop, available in base and Cyclone trims, featured a formal roof and a stylish shape. Despite its appeal, it didn't resonate enough with buyers and was discontinued after 1968.
Both body styles appeared larger, though the wheelbase remained at 116 inches. The notchback was actually three inches longer than the fastback. The 1968 Mercury Cyclone GT started at $2,936, nearly $100 cheaper than the 1967 GT hardtop.
Under the hood, both base and GT Cyclones were powered by a 302-cid V-8 producing 210 horsepower, paired with a three-speed manual transmission. Optional engines included a more powerful 302 (230 bhp) and a Marauder 390 with a four-barrel carburetor and 10.5:1 compression, delivering 325 bhp. A two-barrel 390 with 9.5:1 compression offered 265 horsepower. These engines could be paired with a Select-Shift Merc-O-Matic or a four-speed manual transmission.
The top-tier engine was a 427-cid V-8, tuned down to 390 horsepower. Also featured in the Cougar GT-E, the 427 came exclusively with Merc-O-Matic and heavy-duty cooling. However, Mercury later removed the 427 as a Cyclone option. Instead, the Cobra Jet 428, with 335 horsepower, became a popular alternative.
The 1968 Mercury Cyclone GT featured bucket seats covered in Comfort-Weave vinyl, designed to allow airflow. The GT package included stiffer springs, upgraded shocks, and a thicker stabilizer bar for enhanced performance and handling. Turbine-style wheel covers and a minimalist black-out grille with three horizontal bars added to its muscular, sporty appearance.
For a small additional cost, buyers could opt for a tachometer to monitor engine performance. Further upgrades included an AM radio with Stereo-Sonic tape playback or a Whisper-Aire air conditioning system. Styled steel wheels were available for $96, though wire wheel covers were soon discontinued.
1969 Mercury Cyclone GT
A NASCAR-inspired Cyclone Spoiler was available in a red-on-white 'Cale Yarborough Special' edition.
©2007 Publications International, Ltd.For the 1969 Mercury Cyclone GT, the GT trim was downgraded from a standalone model to an appearance package. The striking fastback design was offered in base and CJ trims, marking a shift in the lineup.
The CJ, closely linked to Ford's high-performance Cobra, was two inches longer. It featured a blacked-out version of the updated Cyclone grille, with a protruding center section and a thin silver center bar.
The real excitement was under the hood: a standard 428-cid V-8 engine producing 335 horsepower, ready to launch the CJ effortlessly. For $138.60, buyers could add Ram-Air induction, which included a hood scoop for improved airflow to the four-barrel carburetor and hood lock pins. A four-speed manual transmission came standard, with Select-Shift as an option. Bucket seats and a tachometer were available at an additional cost.
Did the CJ live up to its bold appearance? Absolutely! Car and Driver recorded a 0-60 mph time of just 5.5 seconds and a quarter-mile sprint in 13.9 seconds, impressive even by 1969 standards.
Its predecessor was no slouch either. In 1968, Motor Trend achieved a 0-60 mph time of 6.1 seconds with an automatic-equipped Cyclone, matching the quarter-mile time of 13.9 seconds.
Cyclones excelled not only on drag strips but also on NASCAR tracks, highlighted by Cale Yarborough's victory at the 1968 Daytona 500 with an average speed of 143.25 mph. Despite Mercury's efforts, the Cyclone struggled to attract buyers. Production increased in 1970 but dropped significantly in 1971, marking the end of this underappreciated American muscle car.
The Cyclone Spoiler II stands as the rarest of the series, essential to mention before concluding the Cyclone legacy. Only 519 units were produced to meet NASCAR homologation requirements, featuring flat front ends similar to Ford's Talladegas.
1968-1969 Mercury Cyclone GT Specifications
Another NASCAR-inspired model for 1969 was the Cyclone Spoiler, available in a blue-on-white 'Dan Gurney Special' edition.
©2007 Publications International, Ltd.The redesigned 1968-1969 Mercury Cyclone GT models saw minimal changes, with the GT transitioning to an optional package in 1969, while the CJ took over as the performance-focused variant.
Specifications
Engines: all ohv V-8; 1968 GT: 302 cid (4.00 x 3.00), 210/230 bhp; 390 cid (4.05 x 3.78), 265/325 bhp; 427 cid (4.23 x 3.78), 390 bhp; 428 cid (4.13 x 3.98), 335 bhp 1969 Cyclone: 302 cid, 220 bhp; 351 cid (4.00 x 0), 250/290 bhp; 390 cid, 320 bhp; 428 cid, 335 bhp 1969 CJ: 428 cid, 335 bhp
Transmissions: 3-speed manual; 4-speed manual and 3-speed Select-Shift Merc-O-Matic optional
Suspension front: upper A-arms, strut-stabilized lower arms, coil springs, anti-sway bar
Suspension rear: live axle, leaf springs
Brakes: front/rear drums (front discs optional)
Wheelbase (in.): 116.0
Weight (lbs.): 3,273-3,634
Top speed (mph): GT (V8-302): 112; CJ 428: 116
0-60 mph (sec): CJ 428: 5.5-6.1
