Pace cars are somewhat of a curiosity. There was a time when manufacturers did not exploit the honor, but during the mid-1960s, they started to take pace cars seriously and use their status as a selling point. Our AutoHunter Spotlight, this Mercury Cyclone GT Indianapolis Pace Car convertible, is one of the first pace cars marketed to the public. Like all Cyclone GTs, this one is powered by an S-code 390, which is connected to a Merc-O-Matic automatic with “Sport Shift.” Other features on this Cardinal Red ragtop include a matching white power top and vinyl interior, fiberglass hood, Styled Steel wheels, an AM radio, and more. Documentation and a clear title will be included as part of the sale.
Only 2,158 Cyclone GTs were built in 1966; pace cars were painted in Cardinal Red with white trim such as the GT stripes, pinstriping, and convertible top. The non-functional twin-scooped hood was unusual for its time because it was fiberglass, so perhaps Mercury could be considered an early adopter in this case. Other features include a driver-side mirror and Cyclone badges with racing flags. Wheels are the very stylish 14-inch Styled Steel wheels wrapped in F70 Firestone Redline radials.
The cabin features white vinyl seats with buckets up front, complemented by red components. The console houses the Sport Shift mechanism that allows you to hold a gear, much like Hurst’s His and Hers shifter. Other features include a woodgrain steering wheel, power steering, and an AM radio.
Instrumentation includes a 120-mph speedometer and gauges for the temperature, amperage, and fuel. The odometer reads 51,763 miles, though the mileage is not indicated on the title.
The 390 V8 offers 335 horsepower with a four-barrel carburetor and 10.5:1 compression. It is paired with a Merc-O-Matic three-speed automatic transmission.
The underside consists of four-wheel drum brakes, 3.25 single-traction gears, and dual exhaust outlets.
This 1966 Mercury Cyclone GT Indianapolis Pace Car convertible reflects everything that was great about the Ford Motor Company during the early days of “Total Performance.” Open-air driving and a Formula 1 connection are characteristics that never go out of style. Combine those with big-block power and you have the makings of a very sweet collectible. Be sure to place your bid on AutoHunter right away because the auction ends on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. (PDT).
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