1971 Mercury Cyclone

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, a 1971 Mercury Cyclone GT showing 1,806 miles, but the true miles are unknown due to a title exemption. This one has undergone a full rotisserie restoration and has been upgraded to a 429ci V8 engine and C6 transmission with a consignor stated 375 horsepower. Exterior Competition 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. Flames lick the font quarters and end in the doors, and shiny trimming surrounds the wheel wells, as well as all the glass. Out back, the sloping rear glass leads to a decklid adorned with a color matched spoiler hovering over triple tail lights within a black grilled panel. Another shiny bumper fits snugly into the rear roll panel. 15-inch five spoke American Racing Torque Thrust wheels are on board accentuated by their polished rims. Imperfections are few and include some edge chips on the fender and hood with spider cracks, chip on the fender near wheel opening, and some chin spoiler scrapes.  Interior A swing of the doors and we have pure 70's design with a central black and white houndstooth insert 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, repeating the houndstooth inserts, framed by smooth black vinyl bolsters. The rear bench uses the same materials and design, and all are in great condition. Between the front buckets is a T-shifter within a center console that rolls up to the dash with its horizontal sweep speedometer under a padded black cowl. Deeply Inset gauges are lined up to the right while a wood framed, 3 spoke chromed rally steering wheel fronts the dash. Black carpeting with orange Cyclone stitching is on the mats in front, a nice tight headliner is overhead, and the trunk is clean and lined with a plaid mat.   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 in back. Power throws rearward to a Ford 9 inch axle and 3.55 gears. Power brakes, power steering, and air conditioning are on board.  Undercarriage It is whistle clean underneath with black paint on steel panels, a shiny gas tank and fresh looking dual exhaust through FlowMaster mufflers. 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. This is an exciting car from the inside out and emits a sweet exhaust note. It's also well sorted and all functions operate as intended. While Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were working at the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be working at the time of your purchase. With or without flames, this car is an uncommon standout. But the combination of light orange and black flames makes for an impressive feast for the eyes, capped off by the incredible, undulating grille and crosshair emblem in front. It's one mean muscle car! 1H16H541036 1-1971 H-Lorain, OH Assy