Of the muscle cars to come out of 1970, the upscale Mercury Cyclone GT was often seen as special. Heavily restyled from the 1969 version, the redesigned shape now featured deeply inset and covered headlamps, an extended and squared-off grille center, and a semi-formal roofline. The car here, however, is quite a bit different from what was on the lot back in the day. Starting with a GT model, which was the upscale trim version of the Cyclone that year, this Mercury has been given extensive upgrades, a process that began with a rotisserie-style body restoration using a rust-free car. In place of the GT’s standard 351 CI mill, there is now a full- tilt 427 CI Ford V-8 engine under the hood. Dyno-tested at 520 HP, this V-8 features an aluminum intake, Holley Sniper fuel injection, a billet-type distributor, Ford Racing plug wires, a March pulley accessory drive layout, polished air cleaner and valve covers, an aluminum radiator, headers and a wide-sump oil pan. A trunk-mounted battery and 22-gallon fuel cell complete it. This is all backed up by a Tremec 5-speed transmission, and the undercarriage is detailed beautifully. Reborn to handle, the suspension has been upgraded with coilover shocks and the car has also had 4-wheel Wilwood disc brakes installed. The exterior wears a coat of classic blue paint with black graphics, including the Cyclone lettering, as well as the two-piece front chin and pedestal-mount rear spoiler package. Modern amenities inside include vinyl-covered black bucket seats, a customized dash layout now featuring Dakota Digital instruments, a Vintage Air climate system, an aftermarket steering wheel, upgraded audio equipment, a black ball-knob shifter and a center console. The exterior showcases dual body-color sport mirrors, trio-set tail lamps, hood scoop trim, 427 front fender callout decals and modern 5-spoke wheels in black with chrome trim accenting and BF Goodrich radial tires. Collectors: be advised that while this car’s Marti Report will be included in the sale, this Mercury is not built to just sit in the garage. For those who want something unique that stands out from the crowd and can impress on a road course, this Mercury is it.
