"lil red" 1965 Mercury Comet Caliente

[dmsfrr]

Originally Posted by sugarmaker

dmsrff,
Thanks for the compliments. I am the fourth owner at least? The guys before me need the credit! They cared for it for 58 years! Being 13 in 1965 I was not able to get my first car until 1970 and it was not a Comet. I liked this red car when I first saw it. It has never had a total restoration, just upgrades and improvements.
. . . .
Regards,
Chris and Cheryl

Back in '71 my second car, first new one, was a Comet. Still have a soft spot for them all these years later.
If I'd had something better than a 19 yr old brain at the time I should have bought a low mileage Comet from the mid 60's and saved money on the purchase price. But I already had a cheap used chevy and didn't want another project car that might or might not get me to work if I was inclined to take something apart for a 'cool factor' upgrade.

I didn't buy a Mustang cuz I figured I'd wreck it while driving it like an idiot.
The '71 Cougars were a larger body style I didn't like as much as the late 60's versions, and pricey.
I bought a '71 Comet very similar to this one. It had the factory optional trunk lip spoiler (not shown in these photos) and no large black stripe on the sides.
302 with a 3spd on the floor, and nicer looking than the same vintage Maverick they were based on. Sort of a sporty/performance version of an econo-box(?) about the time emission controls were hitting the market. It survived very well thru a few engine parts upgrades and a transmission change.

It's the one I most regret 'letting get away'. Possibly because it was my first Good fun car.
Sold it after 12-ish years and 130k+ (rust free) miles to buy a full-sized van that would more comfortably pull a trailer with my off-road car, both of which were eventually sold also.
.