The Mercury Comet at a Glance ...

The "Mercury" Comet was actually planned to be an Edsel model for 1960, and was referred to as the "baby Edsel". In 1960 and 1961 the car was marketed through Lincoln Mercury dealers, simply as a "Comet." Some of the early prototype models reflected the "Edsel" influence, such as the elliptical tail lights found on the 1960 Edsel models. Other Comet parts such as parking lights, and dashboard knobs were taken directly from the 1959 Edsels. The keys for the 1960/1961 Comets were shaped just like the Edsel key, and by removing the center "leg" of the E, it was made into "C" for Comet. The Comet was a huge success, it sold more units in its first year than the three year run of the Edsel!

The first Comet Cyclone debut year was 1963. The 1964 Mercury Comet line included the Comet Caliente, the Comet Cyclone, Comet 202, and the Comet 404. In 1965 a few Comet cars were produced with the 289 cubic inch, 270 horsepower V8 motor. The Mecury Comet for 1966 offered a GT option, which included a 390 cubic inch motor with 4 barrel carbs, dual exhausts, and a fiberglass hood with air scoops. During 1967,1968, and 1968 the Comets saw a steady decline in sales. In 1970 there were no Mercury Comets produced at all. Through the remaining production years 1971 through 1977, the Mercury Comet was marketed as a low end intermediate or compact car model.

Mercury Comet History Timeline:

• 1960 First Mercury Comet in production
• 1963, First Comet Convertible introduced
• 1966, Cyclone GT Convertible Indy 500 Pace Car
• 1977 Last Mercury Comet produced

Quick Facts about Mercury Comets:

• The name "Comet" was purchased from Comet Coach Company, a funeral coach builder
• The Comet was sold in Canada as the "Frontenac" in 1960
• The first Comet was referred to as the "Baby Edsel"

Mercury Comet Advertising Slogans:

• "Comet, The Better Compact Car"
• "The Lids Off Comet!"
• "Stamp out Dull Driving"
• "Born for Action, and Racy!"

Significant People in the Comets Development:

• Robin B Jones, Designer of the "Baby Edsel"Comet
• Ernest Breech, Ford CEO who first coined the name Comet

Popular Comet Body Styles and Model Names:

• 2 door sedan, 4 door sedan, 2 and 4 door station wagon
• coupe, convertible, hardtop
• Comet S22, Comet Custom, Comet Villager, Comet Voyager
• Cyclone, Cyclone GT, Cyclone GTA, Cyclone Spoiler, CJ
• Caliente
• Comet 404, Comet 202, Comet Capri