Seldom-seen survivor ’64 Mercury Comet Caliente convertible

Comet was originally the upscale Mercury version of the compact Ford Falcon, and as such, the overwhelming majority of them were basic economy cars with some added flair.  But like the Falcon, there were sport and performance versions of the Comet for those who wanted their compact cars to run with the big boys.

The Pick of the Day, a 1964 Mercury Comet Caliente convertible, is not only in a rare configuration but in exceptionally nice low-mileage condition, according to the Macedonia, Ohio, dealer advertising the car on ClassicCars.com.

Equipped with its original 289 cid V8 and 3-speed C4 automatic transmission, the Comet is a handsome car with one repaint, original interior and top, and driven just 61,000 miles.

“This wonderful little ragtop is almost 100% original, although was repainted once about 10 years ago in its original code D Silver Turquoise,” the dealer says in the extensive ad description. “Of course, all the sheet metal is in fantastic condition and it doesn’t look like this car has ever seen inclement weather, because it’s 100% original bodywork.

“The doors fit well and close with authority, the long stainless side trim lines up evenly, and the paint has a wonderful soft shine that seems quite appropriate, although it’s probably better than new in some ways.

“There’s a handsome ornate grille, those neat gills at the leading edges of the fenders, and the wonderful taillights that use a three-element design to give it a very distinctive look. The bumpers are excellent, particularly for 1964 chrome, and the rest of the trim has a very consistent appearance that works well.”

The original interior is in remarkably good condition, the ad says, with just one minor seat split that has been repaired.

“The 61,573 miles showing on the odometer are authentic and the car does indeed feel like a machine that has been well-maintained and sparingly driven all its life,” the seller says.  “Overhead, the power convertible top appears to be original and it’s extremely nice, with no splits or tears and only some mild discoloration on the plastic rear window.”

The car comes with extensive documentation and service receipts, the dealer notes, along with club publications “and other interesting papers.”

“The transmission was rebuilt just last year, there are newer shocks all around, the brakes were recently serviced, and the exhaust system is only a few years old and sounds great,” the seller adds. “That fantastic ride quality is likely helped by those recent 195/75/14 whitewall radials that look a great deal like vintage bias-plies.”

The Caliente is quick and smooth-running, with a great sound and drivability, the dealer says.

“Turn the key and it fires easily and idles well, offering a nice V8 burble from the twin tailpipes and a bit of a surprising attitude for such a low-key little car. It’s also happy to trundle around town where the power steering makes it a breeze to handle, and it never gets hot or fussy under any condition.”

The asking price for this unusual survivor is $27,900.

To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.