1968 Mercury Mid-Size Car Facts, Figures, and Specifications
Five Fast Facts You May Not Know
1968 Mercury Cyclone GT
1. "Tame" 427 CID V-8 Offered But Not Fitted
2. No Convertible Available in Cyclone Line
3. Cyclone Fastback Outsells Coupe by 10 to 1
4. 302 CID V-8 Replaces 289 CID
5. Cyclone is the Choice of Many NASCAR Racers
1968 Mercury Mid-Size Car –
Great New Styling!
The 1968 restyle was so far away from the previous Comets and Cyclones. The motoring public was pleasantly surprised – but not put off – with an increase in sales of over 44 percent! Another issue was the introduction of the Montego as the mid-line replacing the upscale Comet Capri.
1968 Mercury Mid-Size Car Resources
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1968 Mercury Mid-Size Car Facts – Shop Manual
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1968 Mercury Mid-Size Car Facts – Body Paint Color Mix Codes
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1968 Comet – Montego – Cyclone
| 3 Calypso Coral | |
| 6 Fawn | |
| A Onyx | |
| B Black Cherry | |
| D Nordic Blue | |
| F Madras Blue | |
| I Lime Frost | |
| M Polar White | |
| N Diamond Blue | |
| O Seafoam Green | |
| Q Glacier Blue | |
| R Augusta Green | |
| T Cardinal Red | |
| U Caribbean Blue | |
| W Saxony | |
| X Wellington Blue | |
| Y Grecian Gold |
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1968 Mercury Mid-Size Car Facts and Specifications
General Year Information – 1968 Mercury Mid-Size Car
NOTE: The Mercury Comet was part of this series. It was only available as a 2-door hardtop – body style 65-A. See “Models Offered” for more information.
For 1968, Mercury introduced the Montego as part of its intermediate Mercury Comet product line. While the high-performance Comet Cyclone became the distinct Mercury Cyclone, the Montego replaced the Comet Capri and Comet Caliente under a single nameplate. As the Comet became the Mercury counterpart of the Ford Fairlane for 1966, the introduction of the Montego paired it with the Ford Torino.
This year, Mercury’s mid-sized models again received new sheet metal and styling that resembled the full-sized Mercury models. All mid-size Mercurys shared their unit-body chassis with Ford’s mid-sized Fairlane and Torino models. A 302 CID V-8 engine using a two-barrel carburetor and generating 210 HP replaced the previous 289 CID V-8. A 4-barrel version generated 230 HP.
Now the line consisted of Comet, Montego and Cyclone. The base model was the Comet. It was available only as a two-door coupe. The Capri model name was replaced by the Montego nameplate, and the Caliente by the Montego MX. There was also a more luxurious Montego MX Brougham model, however it was truly only an option package for the Montego MX. The top-of-the-line models continued to use the Cyclone and Cyclone GT names.
The Cyclone line received a lower belt line level body stripe. The Cyclone GT’s exteriors received an additional upper level body stripe. Inside, Cyclone GTs had bucket seats. Outside they received wide-oval whitewall tires, special wheels, and an all vinyl interior. Also included was a special handling package.
Historical
Mercurys won seven NASCAR Grand National races in 1968.
1968 Mercury Mid-Size Car Factoids
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- No Convertible in the Cyclone Line
- 390 HP 427 CID V-8 Advertised But Not Fitted
- Cyclone Fastback the Choice of NASCAR Racers
For whatever reason, the Cyclone line dropped the convertible. leaving only the Montego line with a drop top. This resulted in only 3,248 convertible mid-size Mercurys available in 1968.
The hydraulic lifter 427 CID 390 HP (versus the awesome 425 version) was advertised, albeit with only automatic transmission available, but it was never produced. Some 100 versions were fitted to Mercury Cougar models this year.
The excellent aerodynamics of the Mercury Cyclone fastback made it the choice of many race teams in this year. Seven Grand National (high speed) races were won by Mercury in 1968.
1968 Mercury Mid-Size Car Facts – Models Offered
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Comet – The Comet had a horizontal grille, rocker panel molding, side marker lights and chrome-encased, vertical taillights. Among the-standard features were an energy absorbing steering column and steering wheel; front and rear seat belts; shoulder belts; padded dash; padded sun visors; dual brakes with warning light; and two-speed windshield wipers and washers.
The Comet was only available as a 2-door Coupe.
Montego – The Montego looked much like the Comet, with horizontal grille, rocker panel molding, side marker lights and chrome-encased, vertical taillights. Among the-standard features were an energy absorbing steering column and steering wheel; front and rear seat belts; shoulder belts; padded dash; padded sun visors; dual brakes with warning light; and two-speed windshield wipers and washers, plus curb moldings, cigar lighter and glove box lock.
The Montego was available as a 4-door sedan and 2-door hardtop.
Montego MX – The MX was the upscale Montego. In addition to the standard features of the energy absorbing steering column and steering wheel; front and rear seat belts; shoulder belts; padded dash; padded sun visors; dual brakes with warning light; and two-speed windshield wipers and washers, plus curb moldings, cigar lighter and glove box lock, it received full-length upper and lower body trim, chrome wheel well trim and a vinyl top. It also had bright metal upper door frames, simulated wood inserts in the lower body molding, wood-grain door trim panels inserts and carpeting.
The MX was available as a 2-door hardtop, 4-door sedan, convertible, and station wagon.
Montego MX Brougham – The MX Brougham was the upscale Montego MX. In addition to the standard features of the energy absorbing steering column and steering wheel; front and rear seat belts; shoulder belts; padded dash; padded sun visors; dual brakes with warning light; and two-speed windshield wipers and washers, plus curb moldings, cigar lighter and glove box lock, it received full-length upper and lower body trim, chrome wheel well trim and a vinyl top. It also had bright metal upper door frames, simulated wood inserts in the lower body molding, wood-grain door trim panels inserts and carpeting. The difference was a much more upscale interior trim. Standard engine was a 302 CID 210 HP V-8.
The MX Brougham was available as a 2-door hardtop, and 4-door sedan.
Cyclone – Cyclone models had a mid-tire level body tape stripe.. Those with the GT option had an upper body level racing stripe, bucket seats, wide tread whitewalls, special wheel covers, all-vinyl interior, and special handling package.
The Cyclone had all the features of the regular Montego MX – an energy absorbing steering column and steering wheel, front and rear seat belts, shoulder belts, padded dash, padded sun visors, dual master brake cylinder with warning light, two-speed windshield wipers and washers, plus curb moldings, cigar lighter and glove box lock. Cyclone models received full-length upper and lower body trim, chrome wheel well trim, bright metal upper door frames, and carpeting. Standard engine was a 302 CID 210 HP V-8.
The Cyclone and Cyclone GT were available as a 2-door hardtop and a 2-door fastback coupe. There was no convertible in the line.
1968 Mercury Mid-Size Car Facts – Engines
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- 115 HP 200 CID I-6
- 210 HP 302 CID V-8
- 230 HP 302 CID V-8
- 265 HP 390 CID V-8
- 335 HP 390 CID GT V-8
- 335 HP 428 CID CJ V-8
- 390 HP 427 CID V-8*
200 CID I-6. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Seven main bearings.
Displacement: 200 CID.
Bore and stroke: 3,684″ x 3.13″.
Compression ratio: 8.8:1.
Horsepower: 115 @ 3800 RPM.
Torque: 190 @ 2200 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake: 240 degrees, Exhaust: 240 degrees, Overlap: 27 degrees. Lift: 0.348″. .
Carburetor: Ford Autolite one-barrel (manual transmission) Model C8DF-9510-E; (automatic transmission) Model C8DF-95l0-F. Emission Control Ford Autolite 1-barrel Model (manual transmission) C8OF-9510A, (automatic transmission) Autolite 1-barrel, Model C8OF-9510B.
302 CID 2-Barrel V-8. Standard on Montego MX Brougham & Cyclone. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 302 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 4.00 x 3.00 inches.
Compression ratio: 9.0:1.
Horsepower: 210 @ 4600 RPM.
Torque: 300 @ 2600 RPM
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake: 256 degrees, Exhaust: 254 degrees, Overlap 34 degrees. Lift: (intake) 0.426″, (exhaust) 0.425″. .
Carburetor: (manual transmission) Ford Autolite 2-barrel Model C8AF-9510-AF; (automatic transmission) Ford Autolite 2-barrel Model C8OF-9510-S. Emission Control Ford Autolite 2-barrel (manual transmission) Model C8AF-9510AK, Holley 2-barrel (Automatic transmission) Model C8ZF-9510G.
302 CID 4-Barrel V-8. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 302 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 4.00 x 3.00 inches.
Compression ratio: 10.0:1.
Horsepower: 230 @ 4800 RPM.
Torque: 310 @ 2800 RPM
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake: 256 degrees, Exhaust: 254 degrees, Lift: (intake) 0.426″, (exhaust) 0.425″. Overlap 34 degrees.
Carburetor: (manual transmission) Ford Autolite 4-barrel Model C8ZF-9510-A; (automatic transmission) Ford Autolite 2-barrel Model C8ZF-9510-B. Emission Control: Ford Autolite 4-barrel Model (manual transmission) C8ZF-9510AC , Holley 4-barrel Model (automatic transmission) C8ZF-9510D.
390 CID 2-Barrel V-8. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 390 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 4.05 x 3.78 inches.
Compression ratio: 9.5:1.
Horsepower: 265 @ 4400 RPM.
Torque: 390 @ 2600 RPM
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake: 256 degrees, Exhaust: 266 degrees, Overlap 36 degrees. Lift: (Intake) 0.427″ (Exhaust) 0.430″.
Carburetor: Ford Autolite 2-barrel (manual transmission) Model C8AF-9510-AH, (automatic transmission) Model C8OF-9510-T. Emission Control (manual transmission) Ford 2-barrel Model C8AF-9510M , (automatic transmission) Ford 2-barrel Model C8OF-9510U
NOTE 2: Not Available on Cyclone GT
390 CID 4-Barrel GT V-8. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 390 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 4.05 x 3.78 inches.
Compression ratio: 10.5:1.
Horsepower: 335 @ 4800 RPM.
Torque: 427 @ 3200 RPM
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake: 270 degrees, Exhaust: 290 degrees, Overlap 46 degrees. Lift: (intake) 0.4809″ (exhaust) 0.4900″.
Carburetor: Ford Holley 4-barrel Model C7OF-9510A (manual transmission), Holley 4-barrel Model C7OF-9510B (automatic transmission). Emission Control Ford Holley 4-barrel Model C8OF-9510C (manual transmission), Holley 4-barrel Model C8OF-9510D (automatic transmission).
NOTE: Only available in GT models.
Displacement: 428 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 4.13 x 3.98 inches.
Compression ratio: 10.7:1.
Horsepower: 335 @ 5600 RPM.
Torque: 445 @ 3400 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: (intake) 270 degrees, (exhaust) 290 degrees, Lift: (intake) 0.481″, (exhaust) 0.489″ Overlap 46 degrees.
Carburetor: Holley 4-barrel Model C8AF-951M (manual) Holley 4-barrel Model C8OF-951H (automatic).
427 CID 4-Barrel V-8. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 427 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 4.23 x 3.78 inches.
Compression ratio: 10.9:1.
Horsepower: 390 @ 5600 RPM.
Torque: 460 @ 3200 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake: 270 degrees, Exhaust: 290 degrees, Lift: (intake) 0.481″ (exhaust) 0.490″, Overlap 46 degrees.
Carburetor: (automatic transmission only) Holley 4-barrel Model C8AF-9510 AD.
NOTE 1: Listed as only available on 2-door hardtops, NOT available on Montego Brougham models.
NOTE 2: Listed as available, never fitted on mid-size cars.
1968 Mercury Mid-Size Car Facts – Chassis Features
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- Wheelbase: 116.00″ – Wagons 113.0″.
- Overall length: 2- and 4-Door 206.1″ – Wagons 203.1″.
- Overall height: 2-Door 53.5″ 4-Door 55.0″ – Fastback 53.5″ – Convertible 54.5″ – Wagons 56.0″.
- Overall width: 76.0″.
- Weight: Varies – See 1968 Mercury AMA Specifications Sheet pg 24 HERE.
- Front tread: 58.83″.
- Rear tread: 58.53″.
- Tires:
- Sedans, Hardtops & wagons: 7.75 x 14 four-ply tubeless black wall.
- GT Models: F70 x 14.
- Optional: FR70 x 14.
- Details: See 1968 Mercury AMA Specifications Sheet pg 18 HERE.
1968 Mercury Mid-Size Car Facts – Powertrains
- Transmission Ratios
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- Three-Speed Manual Transmission (Floor Shift on GT Models Only):
- I-6 & 302 V-8: First: 2.99:1, Second: 1.75:1, Third 1:1. Reverse: 3.17:1.
- 390 V-8: First: 2.42:1, Second: 1.61:1, Third 1:1. Reverse: 2.33:1.
- Four-Speed Manual Transmission:
- 302 CID V-8: First: 2.78:1, Second: 1.93:1, Third 1.36:1, Fourth: 1:1. Reverse: 2.78:1 (N/A Station Wagons).
- 390 CID 2-barrel V-8: First: 2.32:1, Second: 1.69:1, Third: 1.29:1, Fourth: 1:1. Reverse: 2.32:1.
- 390 CID 4-barrel V-8: First: 2.78:1, Second: 1.93:1, Third: 1.36:1, Fourth: 1:1. Reverse: 2.78:1.
- Three-Speed Automatic Transmission:
- Low: 2.46:1, Second: 1.46:1, Direct 1.00:1. Reverse: 2.20:1.
- Three-Speed Manual Transmission (Floor Shift on GT Models Only):
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- Rear Axle Ratios
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- I-6:
- Three Speed Manual: Sedans: 3.20:1, Hardtops & Wagons: 3.25:1.
- Automatic: 2.83:1, Convertibles &Wagons 3.25:1.
- 302 V-8s:
- Three Speed Manual: 2.79:1, Wagons 3.00:1.
- Four-speed: 3.00:1.
- Automatic: 2.79:1, Wagons 3.00:1.
- 390 V-8:
- Three Speed: 3.25:1.
- Four-speed: 3.25:1.
- Automatic: 3.25:1.
- 427 V-8 – Automatic only: 3.50:1, w/Equa-lock 3.60:1.
- Optional Rear Axle Ratios: See 1968 Mercury AMA Specifications Sheet page 4 HERE.
- I-6:
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1968 Mercury Mid-Size Car Powertrain Options
- Engines
-
- 302 cubic inch V-8 engine (standard on GTs, optional all others).
- 390 cubic inch 2-barrel V-8 engine (optional Comet, all Montego, all Cyclone including GT).
- 390 cubic inch 4-barrel V-8 engine (optional Comet, all Montego, all Cyclone including GT).
- 427 cubic inch 4-barrel 390 HP V-8 engine (optional all Comet, all Montego, all Cyclone Hardtops including GT).
- Transmissions
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- Three-Speed Manual Transmission Standard.
- Four-Speed Manual Transmission: Optional.
- Automatic Transmission: Optional.
1968 Mercury Mid-Size Car Significant Options
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- Appearance protection group. Includes vinyl twin front and rear floor mats, door edge guards and license plate frames, for two-doors, ($25.28); for four-doors ($29.17).
- Appearance special equipment group. Includes Deluxe wheel covers; whitewall tires; courtesy light group; Comfort Stream ventilation ($64.85).
- Bench seat, Comfort weave vinyl ($24.47).
- Brougham interior option. Includes exterior ‘C’ pillar ornament, unique seat and door trim, Brougham script on instrument panel.
- Deluxe steering wheel for Montego MX four-door Sedans and two-door hardtop ($77.80).
- Bucket seats ($110.15).
- Decor group. Includes wheel lip moldings: right upper door frames for four-door only; unique lower back panel applique; Deluxe wheel covers for hardtop only, for hardtop with special appearance equipment group ($42.11); for hardtop without ($60.95); for Sedans ($54.45).
- Deluxe steering wheel ($13.90).
- Dual rear seat speakers ($26).
- Dual-action tailgate, station wagons only ($45.40).
- Electric clock sports console ($50).
- Four-Way power bench seat ($62.45).
- Four-Way power bucket seats ($62.45).
- Head rests ($42.75).
- Heavy-duty battery ($7.44).
- Light group. Includes two instrument panel lights; glovebox light; ashtray light; luggage compartment light; cargo light on wagons; rear door jamb switches for four-door models ($19.50).
- Luggage carrier for station wagons only ($62.99).
- Oxford (vinyl) roof on two-door hardtop ($94.55); on four-door Sedans ($94.55).
- Power disc front brakes
- Power rear windows for station wagons ($31.62).
- Power steering ($95).
- Power windows ($100.10).
- Radio, AM with antenna ($61.40). AM/FM radio stereo with antenna ($184.95).
- Rear window defogger ($21.25).
- Reflective tape stripe ($16.85).
- Remote control left-hand mirror ($9.60).
- Seat belts, deluxe and seat belt reminder light. Includes: Deluxe front seat shoulder belts and color-keyed webbing with black webbing on Convertible ($29.61).
- Seat shoulder belts.
- Tachometer ($48).
- Third seat in station wagons only ($51.31).
- Tinted glass ($35.05).
- Tinted windshield ($21.09).
- Two-tone paint ($30.96).
- Ventilation system ($15.60).
- Visual check group. Includes: low fuel, parking brake and door ajar warning lights ($32.45).
- Wheel covers, deluxe ($21.29).
- Wheel covers, deluxe with spinners ($20.10).
- Wheel covers, standard ($41.40).
- Wheel covers, wire with GT group or Hardtop group ($50.75); without ($72.05).
- Wheels, Styled steel with GT or Hardtop group ($96.36); others ($117.65).
- Windshield wipers, 2-speed interval selector ($14.19).
1968 Mercury Mid-Size Car Downloads and Images
1968 Mercury Mid-Size Car Facts – Related Document Downloads
Downloadable files directly related to the 1968 Mercury Comet, Montego and Cyclone will appear below. Click to Download:
1968 Mercury All Lines Small Brochure
1968 Mercury All Lines Prestige Brochure
1968 Mercury Mid-Size Car Print Advertisements
1968 Mercury Mid-Size Car AMA Specifications Sheets
1968 Mercury Cyclone CJ-428 Road Test – Car Life Magazine
1968 Mercury Cyclone CJ-428 Road Test – Motor Trend Magazine
1968 Mercury Mid-Size Car Facts – Related Images
Related Images to the 1968 Mercury Comet, Montego and Cyclone Line will appear below
1968 Mercury Montego Convertible
The 1968 Mercury Montego MX Convertible was the only convertible offered this year in the mid-size line. 3,248 were sold.
1968 Mercury MX Brougham 4-door Sedan
The 1968 Mercury MX Brougham 4-door Sedan was the top line 4-door in the mid-size line. Production figures were included with the regular MX as the car was considered an option this year, though advertised separately.
1968 Mercury MX Brougham 2-door Hardtop
The 1968 Mercury MX Brougham 2-door Hardtop was the top line 2-door this year excluding the Cyclone GT. Production figures for the car were included with that of the standard MX.
1968 Mercury Cyclone GT Fastback
The 1968 Mercury Cyclone GT Fastback was the performance version of the of the Cyclone. Initially it was only available with the 390 CID V-8, but mid–year the 428 CIS Cobra Jet became available.
1968 Mercury Cyclone GT 2-door Hardtop
The 1968 Mercury Cyclone GT 2-door Hardtop was the non-fastback version of the performance Cyclone. Like the fastback, it was equipped with the 390 CID V-8 standard and would later be available with the 428 CID Cobra Jet V-8.
1968 Mercury Montego MX 4-door Sedan
1968 Mercury Montego MX 4-door Sedan sat between the Brougham and the standard Montego. 25,827 were delivered, making it the most popular mid-size Mercury.
1968 Mercury Montego MX 2-door Hardtop
The 1968 Mercury Montego MX 2-door Hardtop was an upgrade from the standard Montego. 15,264, including the Brougham, were sold.
1968 Mercury Montego 4-door Sedan
The 1968 Mercury Montego 4-door Sedan was the entry level mid-size Mercury. It was trimmed in a more spartan manner. 18,492 were built.
1968 Mercury Cyclone 2-door Fastback
The 1968 Mercury Cyclone 2-door Fastback was to most popular Cyclone and held the role of the “sporty” mid-size Mercury. It was popular with 12,260 sold.
1968 Mercury Cyclone 2-door Hardtop
The 1968 Mercury Cyclone 2-door Hardtop was the no-fastback version of the Cyclone with the roof line being the only major difference. Only 1368 total hardtops were sold.
1968 Mercury Montego MX Station Wagon
The 1968 Mercury Montego MX Station Wagon was the top line mid-size wagon this year, with the standard Montego version merely a lower trim level. All station wagons sat on a 113 inch wheelbase. 9,328 wagons were produced.
1968 Mercury Comet 2-door Hardtop
The 1968 Mercury Comet 2-door Hardtop was the only Comet in the line and served as the entry-level 2-door. 16,693 left the factory this year.