The Trans-Am racing series has inspired some legendary rivalries - most notably, Boss Mustang versus Chevrolet Camaro Z/28; however the series' most intense battle took place in-house between the Ford and Lincoln-Mercury divisions in 1967.
Carroll Shelby's Mustangs had won the first-ever Trans-Am manufacturer's trophy for Ford in 1966. Eager to promote its new-for-1967 Cougar, Mercury entered the series wîth a team led by NASCAR owner Bud Moore.
Trans-Am cars of this era were much different than their modern counterparts. Series rules required stock dashboard padding, stock inner door panels and working glass windows in the doors. The stock unibody was drilled and lightened but relied mostly on its roll cage for stiffening. In essence, they were actual production cars that went through a series of performance-minded modifications, rather than a purpose-build racer.
The Cougar's 289 V8 received a four-barrel carburetor, a hotter cam, headers and as much porting and polishing of the valves as the rules allowed. Brakes and suspension were left virtually stock.
Moore hired Parnelli Jones, Dan Gurney and Ed Leslie as team drivers. The 1967 season opened wîth a Dodge Dart victory at Daytona, followed by a Mustang victory at Sebring. Then, at Green Valley, Texas, team Cougar finished first and second. This set the stage for a seasaw battle wîth Mustang and Cougar trading the points lead back and forth right through the final race at Kent, Washington. Team Cougar was poised to win the series wîth cars in second and third place when disaster struck: one car failed to restart after a fuel stop and the other lost time after being black-flagged due to a fuel leak. The series ended Ford wîth 64 points, Mercury wîth 62.
This car was restored to period correct condition by its current owners, Ross and Beth Myers of 3 Dog Garage. Originally driven by Dan Gurney, this is a significant car from one of America's most exciting racing eras.
Source - AACA Museum
From 1960 through 1967 Mercury, a division of the Ford Motor Company, produced the Comet. In 1970 there was no Comet but production resumed a year later and continued until 1977. The Comet was initially built atop a Ford Falcon frame that was stretched and became Mercury's intermediate/compact entry vehicle. With a 114 inch wheelbase many thought it would be considered an intermediate, but Mercury classified it as a compact. In comparison to the Ford Falcon, the Mercury had more lavish and upgraded interior trim details.
The Comet was intended to wear Edsel badging but when the brand was eliminated before the 1960 model year, Ford sold the Comet as a separate model through their Lincoln-Mercury dealers. The Comet continued to be its own model in 1961, the same year the S-22 model was introduced. The S-22 were two-door Comets with Moroccan vinyl bucket seats, stainless spoked steering wheel, and a center console. The carpet was upgraded, the wheel covers were stainless steel, and the rear quarter panels were given unique emblems. There were over 14,400 versions of the S-22 produced.
In 1962 the Comet officially became apart of the Mercury line. There was little aesthetic changes in 1962 but as the years progressed, there were more ornamentation and trim adorned on the exterior.
A convertible option was offered on the Comet in 1963, with 13,111 owners opting for the option. The Comet Cyclone with its V8 engine was also offered in 1963. The 260 cubic-inch engine and four-speed floor shift transmission gave the Comet the power many buyers were hoping for.
The 1964 Comets grew in size and became more square. Mercury introduced three new packages but with the same bodystyle and drivetrains. The packages were the Comet Caliente, Comet 202, and Comet 404. The Cyclone continued to be the sportiest of the package offerings. The Caliente was also a sports car option. The 202 version was an economical version while the 404 filled the gap between the offerings.
The headlights became stacked and new finned taillights were added in 1965. A 289 cubic-inch V8 became available offering 225 horsepower. There were a few vehicles that came from the factory with a 289 V8 and over 270 horsepower, thought this was technically not an option offered.
In 1966 the Comet was all new. It now shared a body and chassis with the Ford Fairlane making it a true intermediate with its 116 inch wheelbase. A GT option was offered for an additional $452 which included a 390 cubic-inch V8 with a four-barrel carburetor, dual exhausts, fiberglass hood with non-functional scoops and was capable of producing 335 horsepower. Power was sent to the rear wheels courtesy of a four-speed manual or automatic transmission. The front brakes were discs and a special handling package was offered to help with the extra power. The GT's were distinguished by their extra striping and badging.
For 1967 sales began to drop considerably partly to due with the introduction of the Mercury Cougar. The name of the Comet was only used on the 202. This trend continued in 1968 and 1969 where the Comet name was used on the low-line models.
There was no 1970 Comet but a year later the Comet re-appeared. It was available only as a coupe or a sedan.
By Daniel Vaughan
Source: Internet
