SuperMerc
Meet 1970 Cyclone Spoiler II: the baddest Mercury never made
by Tom Shaw
photos by Tom Shaw
These were the most dramatic aero designs ever to come out of Dearborn’s styling studios. From the cowl back, the King Cobra and Cyclone Spoiler II were standard intermediate cars, but from there forward they were a wind-cutting, downforce-generating, competition-spanking departure.
It wasn’t just a new shape that this potent pair would bring to the party. The supremely powerful Boss 429 engine, already NASCAR-legal was planned as a production engine option across the Torino and Cyclone lines. Early sales literature printed prior to introduction of the ’70 models shows the big Boss as an option. What a mighty package it would have been.
To the disappointment of Ford enthusiasts everywhere, the end of the program came in August 1969, when deep cuts to the racing budget were announced. As Ford’s assembly plants were in conversion to produce the 1970 models, the King Cobra and Cyclone Spoiler II fell to the cruel swing of the axe. The project was over, leaving only a few prototypes, a handful of related parts, some photographs, and a big question mark about what might have been.
Steve Honell has a passion for Ford’s last-generation aero cars. He owns a King Cobra and through great persistence and dedication, has just completed work on the only Mercury Cyclone Spoiler II in existence. Using the vintage styling studio photos as a pattern, Steve poured his heart and soul into his work, meticulously bringing the legend to life. After years of tedious work it debuted at the Ford 100th Anniversary where, as you might imagine, it drew a lot of attention. It’s loaded with Ford’s Grand Slam driveline: 375hp (the factory’s advertised rating) Boss 429 engine, Top-Loader 4-speed, 9-inch axle.
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