History 64/65 Comets old drag cars lets see pictures

K Wyson;not sure what mercuryjunky did for Lexan but there are a couple of companies that have pre-fit Lexan for 64/65 Falcon hardtops which use the same windows as 64/65 Comet hardtops.Hardtops and sedans use different glass,so be sure that what is available is for which ever body style you have. ROY.

 

I just made them. Bought a 4 x 8 sheet and started cutting, using my glass as templates. 3/16 thickness worked perfect for the rear window with the end curves. Went 136 mph last night 4 times everything still in place.

 

Looked up prices on line and I think I'll try to fab up my own.
Thanks for the info

 

I believe it's Wayne Gapp in the Chargin Cyclone?

 

Myron;it looks like they did a clean job on moving the rearend forward.Didn't Stu Evans had a Ford dealership too?Great photos,I had not seen those before. ROY.

 

Well looks like its time to dig back into the Piggy Bank











DESCRIPTION

In 1965, Lincoln Mercury division commissioned Bill Stroppe Engineering to build a series of special Comet Cyclones for drag racing. These initially were A/FX cars and fitted with the 427 SOHC Cammer engine which was in short supply and only four units were fitted with one of these, the most famous of which was made for “Dyno Don Nicholson”. Several other cars were fitted with the 427 Wedge Engine.
In addition to the A/FX cars, Stroppe made fifteen 289 high performance powered Comets for Mercury to use in competition in the B/FX class. The small block cars came with either a single 4 barrel atop an aluminum High Rise intake induction system or the now famous 4 Weber setup. Weighing in at a slim 2,600 lbs, the small block equipped cars were available race ready through participating Lincoln-Mercury dealers.
This particular example is one of those aforementioned examples and is one of the finest examples known. Raced under the name “Cyanide”, this B/FX Cyclone was sponsored by Spence Ford in Boylerstown, Pennsylvania and was campaigned on local racetracks, most notably at Maple Grove Dragway. Included with this car is period photographs of showing it racing at that track. Subsequently, that car was sold locally and most likely was street raced for a few years after going through a few owners and finally settling with one owner who kept it for nearly four decades until selling it to the current owner a few years ago.


http://www.mecum.com/auctions/lot_detail.cfm?LOT_ID=SC0511-113656


How come all the cool stuff comes up when I have no money. Damn it

 

Ken;I think you need to furtilise that money tree in your backyard!!!!!Not too crazy about the glossy interior,but I could live with it!!!!!I know I have mentioned this before,but every B/FX 65 I've ever seen is red on red. ROY.

 

http://www.mecum.com/auctions/lot_detail.cfm?LOT_ID=SC0511-113646

Lot F206.1 1965 Mercury A/FX Super Cyclone Dyno Don Nicholson
427 CI SOHC, 4-Speed

HIGHLIGHTS


- Original Lincoln Mercury sale agreement Dec. 1, 1964
- Confirmation letter to Nicholson dated Jan. 2, 1965
- Original Lloyd's of London spectator liability insurance policy for Dyno Don Nicholson
- Extensive original documentation from Lincoln Mercury race division of Ford on the build specs for this vehicle
- Feature article in April 1965 Hot Rod Magazine
- Approval letter from Dyno Don to Richard Bridges concerning lettering the car during restoration
- Impeccably restored as delivered to Dyno Don in 1965
- Awarded Meadowbook Concours d'Elegance Aug. 2, 2009
- Lightweight fiberglass fenders, hood, doors, bumpers, trunk lid and bucket seats
- SOHC Cammer 427 CI engine
- Dual quad carburetors, 4-speed transmission
- 9 inch rear end with traction bars and air bags
- Plexiglas windshield and side glass
- Aluminum door hinges
- Sold on Bill of Sale

DESCRIPTION
"Dyno Don” Nicholson began racing on the circle tracks and dry lake beds of California in the 1940s, and first came to prominence as an expert engine tuner. First Chevrolet and then Mercury backed his talents with factory support, and in 1965 he entered the hot new Factory Experimental circuit with this A/FX Mercury Comet Cyclone.

Ford’s new 427 SOHC engine powered the lightweight machine to the tune of 700 horsepower with the benefit of Nicholson’s touch. The car went through numerous changes to both chassis and engine as the year progressed. The FX class soon evolved into the first tube-frame funny cars, and the Comet disappeared for decades until it was located and carefully restored to its original state.

Special features are on display throughout, from the well-finished interior to the massive 427 cammer under the twin-scooped fiberglass hood. Many handmade components are unique to this car, and evidence of Nicholson's craftsmanship.

There is no doubt about this car’s significant historical value. Don Nicholson’s A/FX Comet Cyclone was one of the fastest factory racers of its time and a direct forerunner of the first flip-top funny cars. Its originality and level of finish make it a visual knockout that beautifully recalls a revolutionary time in drag racing.

 

Just a little more progress pics on my '64 . Some before and after pics of the passenger side torque box. Now onto the passenger front floor ,which will be a much easier fix than the boxes.... its on its way !!!!!!... anyone know of a decent running 289 close to pittsburgh PA shoot me a pm this is a budget build for now but seeing a motor on a stand will be alot of motivation.... Jim

 

I tried to buy this car about 4-5 yrs. ago.It had a 4barrel on it then.Was a nice car then
looks like its had a full resto on it now.My big hold up on it then was that in could not find out what dealer that it came from new. The Spence Ford car

 

Jim;nice work on those torque boxes,probably stronger than new!!! I have got to built some as my wagon was a 6,auto,so it never had them.I have already patched the floors,if I had been smart I would have just installed full pans!!!How is the rest of the car? ROY.

 

Forgive me if this picture has been posted,but the fact it has John Hagen with Dyno Don and Arnie B.is pretty cool.Said to have been at Minnesota Dragways.

 

The world's most over restored car ever.....

 

Jody;I agree!!!! ROY.

 

Jody, and Roy.... I agree, but I think I could still find space in my garage for it, too.
At least I'd have a finished car, then!
Eric

 

"Over restored"....meaning not original? Kinda like the M/T T-Bolt?

 

Eric;go harvest some money from Ken's money tree!!! Then you would have a running cammer and a Comet,PERFECT,two birds with one purchase!!!!! Steve;like so many other "restored" original cars!!! ROY.

 

I actually like the "Cyanide" Comet more than the "Dyno" Comet.

 

I really like that Cyanide B/FX Cyclone also.

 

Roy

That tree looks like Dead branch not a leaf on it. Am I suppose to pee on it, like in the worlds fastest indian movie. Which I highly recomend to watch if you havent watched it. awesome movie, even has a 63 merc wagon hauling ass down the salt flats.

 

Roy,
Thanks for the compliment !! rest of the car is pretty good for a PA car i still have the core support to swap out then the very bottoms of the quarters and trunk extensions....Dumb question should i start a build thread on this thing or update it on this one,I dont wanna hijack a thread ...Jim

 

Jim;I think a build thread would be cool.That way other people that may not follow this thread may take a look at a build thread.The picture in your avatar looks like a clean 64,guess looks are deceiving!!! ROY.

 

I believe the Spence Ford B/FX Comet was originaly purchased new by Mayo Motors. Mayo Motors was a Mercury dealership in Trexlertown, PA, just west of Allentown. The car was still sitting in front of the dealership for sale in early '69 when I got out of the service, could have bought it for about $3,000. Couldn't afford it then.

Saw the car run at Vargo Dragway. This is the Comet that made me a Comet fan for life.

I would like to get pictures of my Comet on the website but can't seem to be able to make it work.

I'll try again.

 

To each his own.........

 

Merritt
You have a Priv. message

 

Yup and facts are facts.

 

I have long lost the photos of my old 65 Comet rag top.It ran M/Stock Formula 2 in the old AHRA at Motor City Dragway. I would go to an NHRA track and the same setup it ran E/Gas. AHRA was a little more liberal with their rules.
I agree that those year Comets made good looking race cars. The small fenderwells made slicks hard to fit my J.C. Penny slicks.Remember when Sears and J.C. Penny sold speed equipment?
Mine had a factory 289 hi-po 4 speed.

 

here is a picture of daves bfx comet it is not painted red

 

Over restored is definetly the best description. But I sure am glad someone took the time to do it. It's a great piece of history.