A Brief Look at the Mercury Cyclone
The automotive industry is filled with a plethora of storied brands, each with their respective histories and legacies. While none of these stories can be said to be boring, some are more interesting than others. One such story is that of the Mercury Cyclone – a model that played an important role in the United States’ muscle car scene. This article delves into the history and evolution of the Mercury Cyclone vehicle, exploring all its generations and notable variations.
The First Generation, 1964-1965
The Mercury Cyclone made its debut in 1964, and it was designed to compete in the intermediate muscle car segment. It was built on the Ford Falcon platform, and it initially came in two forms: hardtop and convertible. The car was powered by a 4.7-liter V8 engine, which produced 210 horsepower. In 1965, a higher-performance variant, the Cyclone GT, was introduced. It was equipped with a 4.9-liter V8 engine, which produced 225 horsepower.
The Second Generation, 1966-1967
In 1966, the Cyclone underwent a facelift, featuring a new grille, revised taillights, and a new dash. More significantly, the Cyclone GT received a serious bump in performance. The Cyclone GT was now powered by a 6.4-liter V8 engine, which produced a whopping 335 horsepower. Another notable addition to the lineup was the Cyclone GT Convertible, which came with the 4.9-liter V8 engine producing the same 225 horsepower.
In 1967, the Cyclone received its most significant revamp yet. The car was given a new body style, which was longer and wider than its predecessor. The redesign was meant to give the Cyclone a more muscular look, and it helped the car stand out in the muscle car segment. The Cyclone GT received an updated engine lineup, with a 6.4-liter V8 and a 7.0-liter V8 being offered. The larger engine produced 410 horsepower, making it one of the most powerful engines available at the time.
The Third Generation, 1968-1969
In 1968, the Cyclone became even more powerful. The car was now available with a 7.0-liter V8 engine, which produced 360 horsepower. This engine was only available in the Cyclone GT, which also received additional exterior updates. These included a new grille, body stripes, and revised side scoops. The Cyclone GT also received a handling package, which included stiffer springs and shocks, a larger front anti-roll bar, and quicker steering. This helped improve the car’s handling, making it more competitive on the track.
In 1969, the Cyclone received some minor updates, including a revised grille and taillights. However, the biggest news was the introduction of the Cyclone Spoiler and Super Spoiler models. These cars were designed to compete in NASCAR, and they featured a unique front end, a rear spoiler, and a hood scoop. The Cyclone Spoiler was powered by a 7.0-liter V8 engine, while the Super Spoiler had a 7.0-liter V8 with a ram air induction system. These models were produced in limited numbers and are highly collectible today.
The Fourth Generation, 1970-1971
In 1970, the Cyclone received another facelift, featuring a new grille and revised taillights. The car was now available with a 5.8-liter V8 engine, which produced 290 horsepower. However, the most notable addition to the Cyclone lineup was the Cyclone Spoiler II. This car featured a sleek, aerodynamic body, which was designed to improve the car’s speed and handling. The Spoiler II was powered by a 7.0-liter V8 engine, which produced 370 horsepower.
In 1971, the Cyclone was given another facelift, which included a new grille and revised taillights. The Cyclone Spoiler II was discontinued, but a new model, the Cyclone GT, was introduced. The GT was available with a 5.8-liter V8 engine, which produced 285 horsepower. However, this would be the last year of the Cyclone, as Mercury discontinued the model at the end of the year.
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The Mercury Cyclone may not be as well known as some of its more famous counterparts, but it played an important role in the muscle car scene of the 1960s and 1970s. The car underwent several changes during its four generations, with each iteration becoming more powerful and more competitive. While the Cyclone may no longer be in production, it remains a beloved model among collectors, who seek to preserve the car’s legacy for future generations.