Mercury : Comet Caliente Rare 1965 California Comet Caliente Convertible
Learn more about this Mercury for sale in Palm Springs,, CA below. If you are interested in the vehicle sign in to place a bid in this online car auction or email the seller for more information.
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| Current Bid: |
$6,850.00 |
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| Buy It Now: |
$24,500.00 |
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| End Time: |
Jul-13-08 19:12:08 |
| Shipping: |
Buyer responsible for vehicle pick-up or shipping.
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| Sells To: |
Worldwide |
| Item Location: |
Palm Springs,, CA |
| History: |
8 Bids |
| High Bidder: |
m***i (138) |
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| Specifications |
| Item Specifics - Mercury |
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Comet |
| Miles: |
91,000 |
Doors: |
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| Transmission: |
Automatic |
Interior: |
Red |
| Engine: |
8 - Cyl. |
Year: |
1965 |
| Warranty: |
Vehicle does NOT have an existing warranty |
VIN Number: |
5H25A514229 |
| Title: |
Clear (most titles) |
Exterior: |
White |
| Condition: |
Used |
Inspection: |
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| Fuel Type: |
Gasoline |
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Vehicle Description
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This is a rare, excellent condition 1965 California Comet Caliente convertible with mild upgrades creating an attractive practical to drive car. All modifications have been to enhance safety and comfort and the car is regularly driven long distances, including to Hot August Nights in Reno, and several other events in Northern and Southern California. It has proven absolutely reliable.
Highlights:
Originally sold through the Oakland, CA DSO, I bought the car as an amateur restoration several years ago. The car has since been professionally repainted to eliminate the amateur preparation and body work mistakes. All trim was removed and the car completely blocked sanded and aligned, and then painted, color sanded and polished. All trim was polished and reinstalled and the bumpers were show chrome triple plated. It still looks great after 3 years of use.
Upgrades;
Most visible are the 16 inch American Racing Torq Thrust II wheels with 205/55/16 Pirelli tires, with less than 10000 miles of use. The wheel centers are chrome, not polished, to simplify maintenance and the fit is perfect in place of the stock 14 inch wheels and tires with no rubbing or interference problems.
Granada disc brakes have been installed with a Dearborn Classics power booster, master cylinder and adjustable proportioning valve. The car stops like a modern car and infinitely superior to the 1965 drum brake system.
To eliminate the Mustang/Falcon/Comet nose in the air attitude, the car has been lowered approximately 1” in the front. Several spring combinations were tried, and the final combination was V8 springs with 1 coil removed and soft shocks. The ride is stock like, without the harshness typical of a lowered car.
A “Perfect Fit” Classic Auto Air system has been installed replacing the factory heater system retaining the original factory controls.
To compensate for the increased load of the air conditioner, a Mattson dual pass (cross flow) aluminum radiator and “Side Winder” electric fan has been installed.
The custom convertible top is made of Mercedes fabric with a Mustang glass rear window. The top looks great and is quieter than the original and the glass will not yellow or scratch.
The car has been completely reupholstered including new seat foam using the factory correct vinyl materials from SMS duplicating the original interior.
The factory radio has been converted to solid state AM/FM stereo capability by Tayman Electric. It features auxiliary RCA jacks and an IPod adapter is installed. The combination works and sounds great with kick panel speakers augmenting the dual cone stereo dash speaker.
Full length ceramic coated headers and a 2 1/4 stainless exhaust with polished stainless Magnaflow mufflers are installed. A high torque starter compensates for header heat and spins much faster than stock.
Miscellaneous improvements include a Pertronix electronic module replacing the mechanical point system, K&N air filter, shock tower brace, aluminum valve covers, and extensive detailing.
Miscellaneous:
The original 289 engine was rebuilt by the previous owner and runs fine, but there are oil leaks. I have tried to have it resealed several times, but the leaks return. I am told the problem is the rear seal on the early small block Fords, and the only real solution is a later engine with a one piece rear seal. The car runs very well, so I see no reason to change factory correct engine and a drip pan solves my problem. I will have the gaskets changed once more for the successful buyer, but cannot guarantee that the leaks will not reoccur.
The side windows alignment could be improved and the regulators need lubrication. Since the car is kept in the garage with the windows and top down most of the year, it has been an easy problem to ignore. Everything works, but not as easily as it should. The shop manual is included with instructions on window adjusting and lubrication.
At some time, the car was repainted red. The previous owner stripped the car and repainted it the correct Wimbledon White, but there are some minor traces—see door tag photo.
The car is undercoated, probably dealer installed many years ago. I have avoided trying to remove the undercoating and detail the undercarriage, but it is in good, solid condition as evidenced by the photos.
Reason for Sale:
I turn 65 soon and plan to retire. With 8 cars and a motor home, I am out of space and will soon adjust to reduced income. Something has to go and the Comet is more expendable than my wife’s Jaguar—at least that is her view. If interested, I will also soon be selling a 61 Thunderbird Coupe, and a first year short/wide 1958 Chevy Apache.
Pricing:
The NADA guide for this car, as equipped is a High Retail value of $34,980 and the Average Retail Value is $21,120. The car condition matches the High Retail definition and the reserve is set lower and fairly for a successful sale. If you want a good looking, functional and rare mid 60s convertible that you can drive anywhere confidently and comfortably, you will be hard pressed to find a better convertible for less than the reserve price.
Inspection:
The car is in Palm Springs, CA, a short distance from the airport. I previously bought a grossly misrepresented ‘61 Thunderbird on EBay, and know that there is no recourse available through EBay unless the car is stolen. Therefore, I recommend that you inspect, or have the car inspected before bidding. I have tried to be as accurate as I can and welcome all requests for inspection, or any other questions.
VIN is 5H25A514229—5 =1965, H=Lorain, OH plant, 25=convertible, A=289/4V/225hp and remaining numbers are the production sequence. Transmission code is 6, for C-4 and DSO (District Sales Office) is 53 for Oakland, CA.
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