So, for 1964 Mercuryhad twotypes of cars, the full-size
Monterey/Montclair/Park Lane models, and the Comet that
was by now no longer classedabig compact, but rather a
small intermediate. Therefore, the Comet now had power
andluxur yadded to temptinpotential buyers of mid-sized
cars who might otherwise be looking at the slightly larger
Chevrolet Chevelle or PontiacTempest. It seems odd now,but
buyers previously loyal to one brand could easily be swayed by
the longer wheelbase or wider grille ofarival.
The Comet’snew squarer lines were shared with the Falcon,
but distinguished byanew Lincoln Continental style grille.
New series designations for Comet presentedarevised line of
11 models with the top cars being the performance Cyclone
and luxuryCaliente.Meanwhile, the mid-range 404 and
base level 202 series replaced the previous Custom and base
models. The 404, like the 202, consisted of two- and four-
door sedans, plusastation wagon. There were five different
interior trim options for sedans and four for wagons, in vinyl
and ‘jet-stream’ cloth, or,ataslight extra cost, all vinyl.
Underneath were various chassis improvements including
torque boxes for extra rigidity−as previously only used on
1963 V8 Comets. Rear tread was 1.5-inches wider and rear
springs were longer,wider andthicker.Stronger spring towers
and bracing, along with sturdier fender aprons, stiffened the
front end while upgraded steering and shocks provided better
handling.A20-gallon fuel tank replaced the 14-gallon unit.
1965 Comets received updated styling, which included
the new trend of stacked headlights, an idea probably
‘copied’ from Pontiac, but used on everything from Galaxies
to Cadillacs. The base six-cylinder engine was increased
from 170 up to 200cu in, but still produced 120bhp. Also
helping to provide reliable power was Mercury’sfirst use of
afacto ry supplied transistor ignition; advanced engineering
for the time. Options mimicked larger cars and included
air conditioning, AM/FM radio, power-steering and -brakes
and limited-slip rear axle. Safety items such as retractable
seat belts, four-way emergency flashers, and remote control
mirrors were also available.“IT’S QUITE SUBTLE AND THE TWO-TONE ONLYREALLY
SHOWS UP IN THE SUNSHINE.ILOVE THE STYLING AND
THEWAYTHE CAR DRIVES.I’M FROM THE OLD DAYS OF
CUSTOMISING AND I’MASELF-TAUGHT ENGINEER... IN ANIDEAL WORLD I’D LOVETO DROPA427CU IN SOHC ENGINE
INTOTHE COMET AND MAKE ITADRAG CAR.”
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