Mercury Cyclone

The Mercury Cyclone began as a performance trim for the Comet in 1964 before becoming a standalone model in 1968. Sharing its platform with the Ford Torino, the Cyclone was Mercury's weapon in the muscle car era, offering powerful engines like the 390, 427, and the legendary 428 and 429 Cobra Jet. Its blend of luxury and performance positioned it as a slightly more upscale alternative to its Ford cousin.

Collectors prize the high-output versions, particularly the Cobra Jet cars and the special homologation models. The 1969 Cyclone Spoiler II, built for NASCAR aero supremacy, is a top-tier collectible with its extended nose and unique trim. These cars offer a less common path into big-block muscle car ownership, standing out from the herds of Chevelles and GTOs at any show.

The market for Cyclones is thinner than for its mainstream rivals, which creates a wide value spread. Base models and projects are still very affordable. However, verified Spoiler II and Cobra Jet cars, especially those with 4-speeds and Drag Pak options, command prices that reflect their rarity and performance pedigree.

Prices range from around $5,000 for project cars to over $91,000 for documented, high-performance variants.