Topic: Cobra jet Cyclone

[CCP]

Just like to get some opinions.
 I have a '68 Cyclone Cobra Jet formal hardtop. It's missing the original motor, but the rest of the car is fairly complete.This car is really, and I mean really rusted out. Is it worth trying to save?  It would be a shame to scrap it.
                                    Pete.

[krelboyne]

Someone might save it. For most folks it doesn't pencil out, even if it was free and with free shipping.

[J_Speegle]

Sounds like a parts car for someone. Original parts have to come from somewhere 

[CCP]

The ironic thing is that I bought it as a parts car for my 69 Cobra, then decided to do a little research. According to Kevin Marti, it is one of only 13! And I don't mean the usual Marti breakdown of options, there were only 13 cars built, period. That is why I am reluctant to send it to the crusher.

[WT8095]

Can you post some pics?

[CCP]

I've owned this car for a long time and i'm sure I have some pictures somewhere. Will post when I find them.
 It's an R code, automatic, red on black,deluxe comfortweave buckets with console shift and power windows, brakes and steering, tach. I had no idea when I bought it that the '68 Cyclone was offered in a formal hardtop.
                         Pete.

[J_Speegle]

I've owned this car for a long time and i'm sure I have some pictures somewhere. Will post when I find them.
 It's an R code, automatic, red on black,deluxe comfortweave buckets with console shift and power windows, brakes and steering, tach. I had no idea when I bought it that the '68 Cyclone was offered in a formal hardtop.         

Original power windows on a 68. Don't recall every seeing one. Guess you've gotten a Marti report on the car. Sure its a one of one - not that one of one is the goal

Sounds like a very neat car originally

[CCP]

According to the Marti report, the car was sold new by a dealership in Toronto. I can post the Marti report if anyone is interested. Quite honestly however, the car is a total basket case. Hence my dilemma, and why i have kept it this long.
                        Pete.

[sportyworty]

The windows were a stand alone option and not included in any packages

Power rear window (Wagon)  $ 31.62
Power Windows                   $100.10

[WT8095]

The '75 L-M MPC lists the following Series (Col. 1) and Type (Col. 2) codes for '68 Cyclones. Note, there are a few other years included in this part of the list.

[CCP]

Wow, it seems as if I have started quite an interesting post. As posted earlier, I am from Chatham Ont. the home of the former high performance dealership Sandy Elliott motors. Chatham is also home to Barrie Poole, and John Elliott still works in Chatham ( the 'Border Bandits').
 In the late 60's Sandy Elliott performance center sold a great number of Cobra Jet cars, many of which survive to this day and are still in the area!
  I guess, getting back to my original post question, is this Cyclone worth saving?
                               Pete.

[WT8095]

I guess, getting back to my original post question, is this Cyclone worth saving?

It's not possible to answer that question without determining exactly what you've got, and what it would take to restore it. Photos would be very helpful, as well as door tag information. For example, you've described it as a "Cyclone Cobra Jet", but according to the documents and web sites I've looked at, the only year Ford produced a MODEL specifically named "Cyclone CJ" was in 1969. In 1968 there were Cyclones and Cyclone GTs, some of which apparently received 428 CJ engines.

"Worth" is also very subjective. Worth saving strictly as a monetary investment? From what others have stated, almost certainly not. Worth saving as an uncommon or rare piece of Ford history? Probably. Worth saving because you love it and can't bear to part it out? That's entirely based on how attached you are to it. Also depends on the level of restoration that's done, of course.

First three images are the '68 brochure, last one is '69.

[sportyworty]

even restored the midsize cars struggle over 40K
automatic transmission muscle cars are far less in demand
prior condition history and location are a factor with educated buyers
restoration costs are the only thing that have gone up in the last decade with some exceptions

I sent you a PM Pete

Kerry

[CCP]

Sorry.
 To be more specific,it is a 1968 Mercury Cyclone GT, 2 door formal hardtop, R code 428 Cobra Jet.
 I did buy it as a parts car, and am not that attached to it. I just feel that it would be a shame to crush it. The car is, as I stated earlier, very rusted and would require a TOTAL  restoration. I will post some photos and can post the Marti report if anyone is interested.
                         Pete.

[WT8095]

I just feel that it would be a shame to crush it.

I agree completely - a huge shame. Not an easy decision to make either way.