When Mercury introduced the redesigned Cyclone in 1970, the model reflected a shuffled lineup that targeted different consumers. With the base Cyclone, Cyclone GT, and Cyclone Spoiler, it seemed Mercury had the whole market cornered, but by the end of the year, it was apparent that the market felt differently.
Most notable with the redesign was the gunsight grille, part of a “beak” that had a conventional grille pattern on regular Montegos. The rest of the Cyclone range featured multiple taillights similar to the Comet’s (four for the Cyclone, six for the GT and Spoiler), bulging fenders, and semi-fastback roofline. For a mid-size car, it certainly was big.
And for all that mass, the Cyclone could use all the power it could get. For 1970, the Cyclone had two new engines: the 351 Cleveland and the 429. The former was a completely new motor not related to the previous year’s 351 Windsor, while the 429 was also brand-new (at least for the Cyclone) and available in two flavors: base 429-4v (Ford called it the Thunder Jet) and the 429 Cobra Jet. The latter was available with ram air induction as an option, plus either CJ was available with the Drag Pack, which turned the CJ into a Super CJ via certain heavy-duty parts and digger gears:
- Cyclone: The value-leader of the group, it came standard with the 429-4v and not much else, basically functioning as Mercury’s version of the Plymouth Road Runner but loaded for bear. The 429 CJ was optional.
- Cyclone GT: The style-leader of the group, it was nicely trimmed with buckets, blackened lower body, hidden headlights, and hubcaps with trim rings; standard motor was a tepid 351-2v with a 351-4v, 429-4v, or 429 CJ optional.
- Cyclone Spoiler: When you ordered this, not much else was needed. Stripes, spoiler (natch!), buckets, and a standard 429 CJ with ram air.
You could drive out of your local Mercury dealership with econo-muscle, stylish muscle, or everything-but-the-kitchen-sink muscle, all available with the same engine if you so desired. This 1970 Cyclone GT on on eBay has a 351, but the seller doesn’t specify which one. All the seller has to say is “Arizona car. No rust. Front bench seat needs restore.[sic] Everything pretty damn good,” which is accompanied by two pictures (none which show the interior or engine). Seller wants $10,000 Buy It Now, which suggests a good deal (Cyclones are usually worth less than their Ford brethren). However, with the lack of information, there’s other Cyclones to be found, even though they only made 1,695 base Cyclones, 10,170 Cyclone GTs, and 1,631 Cyclone Spoilers.
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