⛔ Lost GEMS 💣 - The 1950s and 1960s were a golden era for automotive design, producing show cars that left lasting impressions on all who encountered them. These vehicles boasted futuristic designs and advanced features, captivating the imaginations of many. Unfortunately, many of these remarkable machines have since disappeared, either destroyed after their show life or tucked away in private collections of passionate automotive enthusiasts.
The 1964 Mercury Comet Super Cyclone fastback concept conceived by Ford's advanced stylist David L. Ash and his team, was brought to life by Dearborn Steel Tubing (DST). (Picture from: MacMotorCityGarage)
Among these iconic show cars was the Comet Super Cyclone, Mercury's daring fastback from 1964. This vehicle, while never intended for mass production, sparks the curiosity of what might have been. Conceived by Ford's advanced stylist David L. Ash and his team, the Super Cyclone was brought to life by Dearborn Steel Tubing (DST), a local contractor famed for crafting other exotic projects like the Fairlane Thunderbolts and the Thunderbird Italien concept.
The Mercury Comet Super Cyclone fastback concept made the first public appearance at the Chicago Auto Show 1964. (Picture from: CarStyling.ru)
The creation of the Super Cyclone began with Vince Gardner and Paul Shedlik, notable designers working with DST. They took a standard 1964 Comet Cyclone hardtop, powered by a 289 CID V8 engine and a Borg-Warner four-speed transmission, then transformed it. After stripping and away much of the factory sheet metal from the A-pillars back, they crafted a new fiberglass exterior. This redesign featured radiused rear wheel openings, a sharply sloped roofline, and a large wraparound rear window.
Interestingly, the rear window bore a striking resemblance to the 1964 Plymouth Barracuda’s backlight, though this was likely a coincidence. The Super Cyclone also showcased several custom features: an entirely white Naugahyde interior, Astro custom wheels with bolt-on knockoffs, and teardrop racing mirrors. Its front end boasted a bespoke grille with fine vertical teeth and French Cibie headlights, which, despite their popularity on the custom car scene, were not street-legal in the U.S.
The 1964 Mercury Comet Super Cyclone fastback concept equipped with a 289 CID V8 and a Borg-Warner four-speed gearbox. (Picture from: MacMotorCityGarage)
The Super Cyclone debuted publicly at the Chicago Auto Show on February 8-15, 1964, likely causing quite a stir among the Plymouth representatives present. It also made regular appearances in the Lincoln-Mercury Caravan of Stars, a touring exhibition of hot rods, and graced the cover of Rod & Custom magazine's April 1964 issue alongside Ed Roth’s Road Agent.
The Mercury Comet Super Cyclone fastback concept appeared as the cover of Rod & Custom magazine's April 1964 issue alongside Ed Roth’s Road Agent.. (Picture from: CarStyling.ru)
Despite its initial fame, the Super Cyclone has not been seen in decades. It is assumed to have been destroyed after its show career ended, a common fate for many concept cars of the era. This disappearance only adds to the mystique and allure of the Super Cyclone, cementing its place in automotive history as a tantalizing "what if" from the past.😢😢
The Mercury Comet Super Cyclone fastback concept assume is destroyed once its show career was over. (Picture from: MacMotorCityGarage)
The legacy of the Comet Super Cyclone, like many show cars from its time, lies in the innovative spirit it represented. These vehicles pushed the boundaries of design and engineering, capturing the imaginations of car enthusiasts everywhere. While they may no longer be physically present, their influence persists, inspiring new generations of designers and car lovers to dream big and innovate boldly. The stories and memories of these cars continue to fuel our fascination with the automotive world, reminding us of an era when anything seemed possible on four wheels. *** [EKA [02092020] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | MACSMOTORCITYGARAGE | CARSTYLING.RU | STORY-CARS | THELYNXPROJECT.ORG | ]
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Among these iconic show cars was the Comet Super Cyclone, Mercury's daring fastback from 1964. This vehicle, while never intended for mass production, sparks the curiosity of what might have been. Conceived by Ford's advanced stylist David L. Ash and his team, the Super Cyclone was brought to life by Dearborn Steel Tubing (DST), a local contractor famed for crafting other exotic projects like the Fairlane Thunderbolts and the Thunderbird Italien concept.
The legacy of the Comet Super Cyclone, like many show cars from its time, lies in the innovative spirit it represented. These vehicles pushed the boundaries of design and engineering, capturing the imaginations of car enthusiasts everywhere. While they may no longer be physically present, their influence persists, inspiring new generations of designers and car lovers to dream big and innovate boldly. The stories and memories of these cars continue to fuel our fascination with the automotive world, reminding us of an era when anything seemed possible on four wheels. *** [EKA [02092020] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | MACSMOTORCITYGARAGE | CARSTYLING.RU | STORY-CARS | THELYNXPROJECT.ORG | ]
