Ram Air Hood/Nice Chrome/Like New Interior/302ci Blueprinted Crate Engine

1965 Mercury Comet Caliente

The Mercury Comet is an automobile that was produced by Mercury from 1960–1969 and 1971–1977 variously as either a compact or an intermediate car. In its first two years, it was marketed as the "Comet" and from 1962 as the "Mercury Comet". The Comet was initially based on the compact Ford Falcon, then on the intermediate Ford Fairlane, and finally on the compact Ford Maverick. As a Mercury, early Comets received better-grade interior trim than concurrent Falcons, and a slightly longer wheelbase.

For consignment, a 1965 version of the Mercury Comet in Caliente trim. This version has been modified with a 2019 302ci Blueprint engine, a Tremec T-5 transmission, and plenty of extra mods that have this car going fast and furious.

Exterior
With a 20 year old respray of Polar White, which is still holding its shine, this steel paneled no rust car is showing nicely. Leading the way are Pontiac inspired stacked headlights a thin front grille, (which is a rare Cyclone grille), is between the wrap around hood and bumper below. The front quarters have 3 faux vents above the wheel well, and a trim bar made of stainless steel just above the rockers. Gaps are fairly straight, and all window glass trimmings are looking shiny. On back the long sleek rear deck with a horizontal chrome ribbed trimming housing the tail lighting and backup lighting. A larger shiny bumper is below. 15-inch Cragar 5 spoke wheels are on all 4 corners, and a shout out to the Crites ram air hood which is sporting dual openings on the front of the hood.

Interior
When we enter this car we can throw around some brand names of add ons that were put in. Names like a Shelby steering wheel, a Sun super tach, Hurst shifter, and factory vinyl for the seats. Speaking of which front low back buckets which have some stitched panels for the inserts flank a center console which has a storage area, which doubles as an armrest. The Hurst shifter can be seen just in front of this console, and in the middle of the hump. The original dash uses wood appliqué, satin aluminum, and padded black vinyl for the top. A lineup of round gauges stretches across in front of the Shelby steering wheel. In the middle we see the factory AM radio, and in front of the passenger is a C O M E T badged glovebox. Below the dash are a trio of aftermarket gauges and on top of the dash is a Sun Pro Tachometer. Nice clean black carpeting covers all the floors, and above is a tight white headliner.

Drivetrain
Under the hood which has been completely restored for the engine bay, which houses a 302ci Blueprint crate engine. This mill has a dyno proven 243hp. On top is a 4-barrel Holley carb, and on back is the T5 5 speed manual transmission. To spin the rear wheels a Ford 8-inch 3.55 gear ratio rear axle is installed. Headers and a Flowmaster exhaust are on for the exhale. Our consignor states that less than 2000 miles have been put on this engine since its install in 2019.

Undercarriage
Underneath is looking very clean with not even road splash or dirt, no rust and a shiny H pipe exhaust. Independent coil springs are up front, and leaf springs are on the back. Disc braking for the front, and drums for the rear. Also noted is a Shelby 1-1/8 inch diameter front sway bar, and a heavy duty Shelby engine brace.

Drive-Ability
This Caliente Mercury right up and after a brief warm up it was off to the test track. Here it had snappy acceleration, good handling and was a smooth cruiser too. All functions were working and there are a ton of receipts for this build so you can scrutinize all aspects of the rebuild.

A very buttoned up sporty redux, 20 year old rust free paint, and a very clean interior with some 5 spoke Cragar wheels. What more could you want?

VIN DECODE
5T23C530222
5-1965
T-Metuchen, NJ Assy Plant
23-2 Door Hardtop Caliente
C-289ci V8 2bbl
530222-Sequential Unit Number

WARRANTY TAG
BODY 63D-2 Door Hardtop Caliente Bench Seat
COLOR M-Wimbledon White
TRIM 66A-Black Vinyl Bench
DATE 18G-July 18th Build
AXLE 6-Ford 8" 2.80 Gears
TRANS 6-Cruise-O-Matic