The muscle car era wasn't just about the GTO or the Mustang, even if those names hog the spotlight at every Saturday morning cars and coffee. Honestly, if you’re looking for the sweet spot of 1960s American iron, you’ve gotta look at the stuff that was just a bit more sophisticated. Enter the 1967 Mercury Cyclone convertible. It was the cooler, slightly more "adult" cousin to the Ford Fairlane, and man, it had presence.
While Ford was busy moving massive volumes of Mustangs, Mercury was trying to find its soul. They wanted to be the "Man’s Car." The 1967 model year was a pivot point. It was the last year of the squared-off, stacked-headlight look before everything went fastback and Coke-bottle shaped in '68. If you see one on the road today, it stops you. It’s long. It’s wide. And in convertible form? It’s basically a parade float with a mean streak.
What Really Makes the 1967 Mercury Cyclone Convertible Different?
Most people think Mercury was just a Ford with extra chrome. That's a mistake. The Cyclone was built on the intermediate chassis, but the styling was way more aggressive than the Fairlane. Check out that twin-cowl dashboard. It feels like a cockpit. In 1967, Mercury simplified the lineup, but they didn't skimp on the power.
You could get these things with a range of engines, but the GT was the one that mattered. The GT package gave you the 390 cubic-inch V8. We’re talking 320 horsepower right out of the box. It wasn't a high-revving screamer; it was a torque monster. You step on it, the back end squats, and the world starts moving backward very quickly. The convertible adds a layer of complexity because, let’s be real, these frames weren’t the stiffest. You’ll feel some cowl shake on a bumpy backroad. That’s just the "charm" of 1960s engineering.
The Production Numbers are Low (And That’s a Problem)
If you're hunting for one of these, bring a flashlight and a lot of patience. Mercury didn't make many. Total Cyclone production for '67 was around 7,000 units, but the convertibles? We are talking tiny numbers. Only 456 Cyclone GT convertibles were produced. Total. That makes it rarer than almost any mainstream Chevelle or GTO you’ll find at a typical auction.
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Because the numbers are so low, finding parts for a 1967 Mercury Cyclone convertible is a nightmare. Sheet metal from the doors back is specific. The trim? Good luck. If you find a project car missing the unique "Cyclone" badges or the specific pot-metal grille pieces, you might be looking at years of scouring eBay and specialized forums like the Mercury Cougar & Cyclone Owners Association.
Engines: From Mild to Wild
The base engine was a 289 two-barrel. It was fine for cruising to the grocery store, I guess. But nobody buys a Cyclone to be "fine." Most enthusiasts want the S-code 390.
- The 289 V8: 200 hp. Smooth, reliable, but kinda boring for a car this heavy.
- The 390 GT V8: 320 hp. This used a four-barrel carb and a more aggressive cam. It’s the heart of the Cyclone legend.
- The 427 Medium Riser: Legend has it a few of these escaped the factory, but they are like unicorns. If you see one, verify the VIN until your eyes bleed.
The 390 was mated to either a "Toploader" four-speed manual or the "Merc-O-Matic" three-speed automatic. Honestly, the automatic fits the character of the convertible better. You want to one-hand the wheel while the wind messes up your hair, right?
The "Stacked Headlight" Aesthetic
1967 was the swan song for the vertical headlight look at Mercury. It gave the car a very tall, formal front end. When you combine that with the hood scoops (which were functional on the GT), the car looks like it’s hunting for something to eat.
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The interior was where Mercury really tried to beat Ford. You got bucket seats as standard in the GT. The upholstery had a heavier, more premium feel than the Fairlane. It was a "gentleman’s muscle car." You could go to the drag strip on Friday and a nice dinner on Saturday without feeling like a teenager in a loud box.
Driving Reality: It’s Not a Miata
Don't expect this car to handle. It weighs nearly 3,600 pounds. The steering is over-assisted and has about as much "feel" as a video game controller from the 90s. But that’s not why you buy a 1967 Mercury Cyclone convertible. You buy it for the way the exhaust rumbles through the floorboards. You buy it for the way people stare because they can't quite figure out what it is.
Maintenance is actually pretty straightforward if you stick to the mechanicals. The Ford FE engine series (the 390) is bulletproof if you keep oil in it. Parts for the engine are everywhere. It’s the Mercury-specific body parts that will break your heart and your wallet.
Why the Market is Spiking
For a long time, the Cyclone was undervalued. Collectors ignored them in favor of the Cougar or the Shelby Mustangs. That’s changing. Gen X and Millennial collectors are looking for "the other" muscle cars—the ones that aren't at every single stoplight.
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Values for a #2 condition (Excellent) GT convertible have climbed significantly over the last five years. According to Hagerty data, these cars are finally catching up to their Ford counterparts. If you find a survivor—a car with original paint and interior—hold onto it. They are increasingly being tucked away in private collections.
Common Pitfalls for Buyers
- Rust in the Torque Boxes: Because it's a convertible, water likes to find its way into the structure. If the torque boxes are rotted, the car loses its structural integrity. It’ll fold like a taco.
- Fake GTs: People love to slap GT badges on base Cyclones. Check the door plate. An actual GT will have specific trim codes and the "S" engine code in the VIN for the 390.
- Power Top Gremlins: The hydraulic pumps for the convertible top are notoriously finicky if they’ve been sitting.
Actionable Steps for the Aspiring Owner
If you’re serious about putting a 1967 Mercury Cyclone convertible in your garage, don't just jump at the first one on Craigslist.
- Join the Registry: Contact the Cyclone Montego Cyclone Registry. They track these cars by VIN and can often tell you if a car has a known history or if it’s a "bitsa" (bits of this, bits of that).
- Inspect the Brightwork: Check every piece of chrome. Re-plating pot metal is obscenely expensive. If the trim is pitted or missing, factor that into your offer.
- Verify the 390: Ensure the engine is a period-correct FE block. Many have been swapped for later 360s or 390s from trucks, which have different internal specs and less performance.
- Look for the "Merc-O-Matic": If it's an automatic, make sure it shifts crisp. These C6 transmissions are tough, but they can get lazy with age.
The 1967 Mercury Cyclone isn't just a car; it's a specific vibe from a year when the muscle car was maturing. It’s rare, it’s loud, and it represents a time when Mercury was actually trying to out-style everyone on the road. Finding one is hard. Keeping one is a labor of love. Driving one? That’s the whole point.