This Ford Falcon got away, but there are more like it here.
This 1961 Comet is a stand-alone model marketed through Lincoln-Mercury dealers in the wake of the dissolution of the Edsel brand. Like the later Mercury Comet, the car was based on the Ford Falcon, albeit with a longer wheelbase and a more upright roofline. This example is powered by a 170ci inline-six with a three-speed column-shifted manual transmission, and it is finished in pale blue over a two-tone turquoise interior. The car received a new starter, a new exhaust manifold, and an oil change since the seller acquired it three years ago. This Comet is now offered at no reserve with a clean California title in the seller’s name.
Originally slated to be part of the Edsel lineup, the Comet was sold through Lincoln-Mercury dealers, although it carried only Comet badging. The cars featured a more upright formal rear window not used on the Falcon, and this example was repainted in pale blue under prior ownership.
The Comet featured a wheelbase 4.5″ longer than that of the contemporary Falcon and unique rear-end styling due to its Edsel roots. The grille was restyled for the 1961 model year. The 13″ steel wheels are fitted with full wheel covers and are mounted with older tires that show cracking.
The cabin features two-tone turquoise vinyl upholstery with matching carpets. Wear and discoloration are noted on the seats and interior panels. A plastic console has been added to the center tunnel. The AM radio is said to be inoperable.
Instrumentation includes a 100-mph speedometer flanked by fuel and temperature gauges. Approximately 12k miles are shown, 500 of which were added by the seller.
The 170ci inline-six is paired with a column-shifted three-speed manual transmission. The seller reports that the transmission was rebuilt under prior ownership, and the seller has installed a new exhaust manifold and a new starter in addition to changing the engine oil.
The seller reports that the brakes and exhaust system were replaced under previous ownership. More photos of the underside are provided in the gallery below.
The car’s serial number reveals that it is a 1961 Comet four-door sedan built in San Jose, California with a 170ci inline-six under the hood. Further decoding the patent plate provides the following production information:
- Body 54A – Comet four-door sedan
- Color D – Blue Haze exterior finish
- Trim 12 – Blue cloth and vinyl interior
- Date 10K – Manufactured on October 10
- Trans 1 – Manual transmission
- Axle 5 – 3.20:1 rear end
The narrated video above includes footage of the exterior, interior, underside, and engine bay, as well as driving clips.
Video Gallery
Photo Gallery
Auction Result
| Winning Bid | USD $4,800 by autodespa |
| Auction Ended | November 4, 2019 at 1:03PM PT |
| Bids | 23 |
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BaT Essentials
Seller: Daveclark5
Location: Cardiff-by-the-Sea, California 92007
Listing Details
- Chassis: 1R12U804082
- 12k Miles Shown, TMU
- 170ci Inline-Six
- 3-Speed Column-Shifted Manual Gearbox
- Repaint in Blue
- Turquoise Interior
- Recent Services
Private Party or Dealer: Private Party
Lot #24720
BaT History (1)
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