1965 Mercury B/FX Comet Cyclone 289 CI, 4-Speed

• I had the 289/271 in my '65 fastback.
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• After the 427 High Riser Comets mowed down the A/FX competition in 1964, Lincoln-Mercury returned with even more resolve in 1965, broadening its assault with small-block powered Comets targeting the B/FX class. Bill Stroppe Engineering was contracted to build 15 lightweight Comet Cyclones with blueprinted 289 high performance engines and the proven L-M formula for saving weight: fiberglass hood, doors, fenders and bumpers, lightweight plexiglass windows, rudimentary bucket seats and radio, heater and soundproofing deletes. The heart of these cars was the Cobra-proven 289/271 HP small block which, when fitted with optional Weber downdraft carburetion, generated almost 400 horses at 7000 RPM, enough to trailer most competitors and thrill the fans who flocked to watch the FX cars.

  Formerly of the prestigious Pat McGroder Factory Muscle Car Collection, this rare 1964 Mercury Comet B/FX factory drag racer is one of the 15 originally built by Stroppe, and one of only 9 now known extant. It is presented in its original configuration, including Borg Warner T10 4-speed, tube headers, traction bars and full racing rubber, in this case mounted on period-correct Cragar SS wheels, an exceptionally rare and valuable artifact from drag racing’s golden Factory Experimental era.