1971 Mercury Cyclone GT

Four generations of the Cyclone were produced, with production ending after the 1971 model year. For the 1972 model year, the Cyclone returned as an option package for the Montego; only 30 examples were produced. Within the Mercury line, the Cyclone was not directly replaced. The Cougar XR7 was repackaged as a personal luxury version of the Montego for 1974.

For consignment, the last year of production of the Cyclone before it became an option on the Montego. This one has undergone a full rotisserie restoration and has been upgraded to a 429ci V8 engine and C6 transmission that the consignor states puts out 375hp although no documentation exists to back this claim up.

Exterior

Grabber Orange paint bathes the steel panels that make up this large muscle car. It sports a black vinyl top, and has black flame decals on the front of the car. A large pronounced square beak leads the way on the grille and it has a central GT badge. These radiate rearward to the horizontal grille that is flanked on either side by dual headlights. A shiny shape matching bumper hangs below and a black chin spoiler is just below. Along with the flames licking rearward, the open scooped hood masked its way back to the windscreen. Flames lick the font quarters and end in the doors, which have well minded gaps. Some shiny trimming surrounds the wheel wells, as well as all the glass. On the back after the sloping gently rear glass, is the trunk deck in solid orange with a spoiler on top. On the back 2 sets of 3 square taillights are within a black panel and these have large overhanging bezels. Another shiny bumper fits snugly into the rear roll panel. 15 inch black 5 spoke Torque Thrust wheels are on and these have polished lips at the edge. All 4 corners have BFG raised who its letter Radial T/A’s. Of note, our consignor has had the entire car ceramic coated prior to the vinyl flame installation so removal of the decals should not mar the paint underneath.

Interior

A swing of the doors and we have pure 70’s design with a central black and white tweed broadcloth panel where the mirror joystick is housed. The remainder of the door is smooth molded vinyl in black looking sleek. Slipping inside sleek simple high back buckets are in front. These have the square houndstooth in black and white, and smooth black vinyl bolsters. The rear bench uses the same materials and design, which is totally gnarly! Between these buckets is a center console which has the shape of a skateboard park half pipe. It swoops from under the dash and leads to the glovebox. Some aluminum accenting mixes with the molded vinyl and a T shifter is housed here. The dash has molded instruments under a driver’s side eyebrow padded black cowl, and as we move our eye across the dash top some inset gauges line up as we are on our way to the passenger’s side. These include a tachometer, and various other monitoring gauges. Mahogany rims the 3 spoked chromed rally steering wheel fronting the dash, black carpeting with orange Cyclone stitching is on the mats in front, and a nice tight headliner, in black is above.

Drivetrain

Under the hood in a restored engine bay and shining brightly is a beautiful 429ci V8. It has a 4 barrel carburetor on top, and a 3 speed C6 automatic on back. Power throws rearward to a Ford 9 inch 3.55 rear axle and magically the wheels spin! A litany of wires and hoses are all over this mill but are all very clean and neatly organized.

Undercarriage

Underneath is either nice pristine black paint on steel panels or shiny gas tank and Flowmaster dual exhaust. No rust within miles of this car. Independent coil springs are upfront, and leaf springs are on back. Power disc braking is on front, and power drums for the back. Nicely done on this full restoration.

Drive-Ability

This car fired right up and on the test track had smooth acceleration, and good braking. I did see the tachometer flutter every now and again, the factory temperature and oil pressure gauges are not working, also the transmission drops out of gear randomly, and it’s slow to engage into reverse.

The last year of the Cyclone which is a big muscle car with plenty of Detroit iron to manage. The car has lots of power, and good handling and is a neat early 70’s design example. Flame on, or off its decals!

1H16H541036

1-1971

H-Lorain, OH Assy Plant

16-Cyclone GT

H-351ci V8 2bbl

541036-Sequential Unit Number

DOOR STICKER

BODY 65H-Cyclone GT

COLOR 8-Light Gold

TRIM 8F-Medium Ginger

AXLE 6-Ford 9″ 3.00 Conventional

TRANS W-C4 Automatic

DSO 52-Los Angeles

Price: Auction

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Seller's other items: classicautomall

Location: Morgantown, Pennsylvania, United States