1965 Mercury Comet-Cyclone Facts, Figures, and Specifications
Five Fast Facts You May Not Know
1965 Mercury Cyclone Hardtop
1965 Mercury Caliente Convertible
1. 271 HP 289 CID V-8 Special Order
2. Bucket Seats Optional in Caliente
3. 4-Speed Manual only Available with V-8
4. Dashboard Updated for 1965
5. Convertible Only Available on Caliente Line
1965 Comet-Cyclone – Keep a Good Thing Going
The restyled Comet had vertical headlights which differentiated it from its full size sister. Engine choices were changed with the 170 CID I-6 retired and the 260 CID base V-8 replaced with the 289 CID 2-barrel. The Dashboard was revised to be more informative.
1965 Mercury Comet-Cyclone Resources
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1965 Mercury Comet-Cyclone Facts – Shop Manual
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1965 Mercury Comet-Cyclone Facts – Body Paint Color Mix Codes
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1965 Comet-Cyclone
| 5 Ocean Turquoise | |
| 7 Yellow Mist | |
| 8 Jamaican Yellow | |
| A Onyx | |
| C Ivy Gold | |
| D Silver Turquoise | |
| F Tiffany Blue | |
| H Midnight Blue | |
| I Sandrift | |
| J Carnival Red | |
| K Pearl Gray | |
| M Polar White | |
| O Aquamarine | |
| P Pecan Frost | |
| R Olive Mist | |
| T Fawn | |
| V Maize | |
| X Burgundy | |
| Y Blue Ice |
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1965 Mercury Comet-Cyclone Facts and Specifications
General Year Information – 1965 Mercury Comet-Cyclone
Comet and Caliente
For 1965, the Comet received updated front and rear fascia styling including stacked headlights, similar to full-sized Fords, but unlike Mercurys. The base six-cylinder engine was increased from 170 to 200 CID and now produced 120 HP. The base V-8 engine was increased from 260 to 289 CID In 2-barrel carburetor form it produced 200 HP and 225 HP in 4-barrel configuration. The standard transmission continued was a column-shifted, three-speed manual transmission with the V-8 cars receiving an all synchromesh unit. The optional automatic transmission was now the “Merc-O-Matic” three-speed automatic transmission. The 289 CID V-8 high-performance 271 HP from the Ford Mustang was not advertised but could be special ordered, paired with a four-speed manual transmission.
Cyclone
In the 1965 Cyclone models, the base engine was updated to the 225 HP 289 CID V-8. This model had performance options, including a handling package, a special fan, and a “power transfer” rear axle. Special styling features included a black-out, stand-up grille, bucket seats with sewn-through pleats, center console, chrome-plated wheel covers with lug nuts, engine dress up kit, unique insignia, a vinyl roof in black or white. a walnut tone sport steering wheel, and a tachometer. A “Rally Pac” gauge cluster for the instrument panel was optional.
Historical
The 427 CID single-overhead cam engine was specially available in Comet “Boss” lightweight drag cars/funny cars for 1965.
1965 Mercury Comet-Cyclone Factoids
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- 271 HP 289 CID V-8 Special Order
- Convertible Only Available in Caliente Line
- 4-Speed Manual Transmission Available in V-8 Cars Only
While not listed as available, the 189 CID 271 HP (Hi-Po) could be special ordered for V-8 equipped cars.
The convertible model was only available in the Caliente and not in the performance oriented Cyclone.
I-6 equipped cars were fitted with either the 3-speed automatic transmission or the 3-speed manual transmission. V-8 cars had a choice of all three. HiPo 289 cars did not get the 3-speed manual.
1965 Mercury Comet-Cyclone Facts – Models Offered
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Comet 202– The grille had a horizontal bar theme. Side chrome was limited to the roof quarter panel and three thin horizontal pieces on the front fenders. Wraparound rectangular taillights were used on all except the station wagon that used square pieces. Front seat belts, a heater and defroster and front and rear armrests were standard equipment.
The Comet 202 was only available as a 2-door Sedan, 4-door Sedan, and 4-door Station Wagon.
Comet 404 – Full-length body side chrome and side window moldings set the 404 apart from the 202 series. Interiors were upscale cloth & vinyl or all vinyl. The top level Villager Station Wagon had imitation wood paneling and came with a power tailgate window.
The Comet 404 was available as a 4-door sedan, 2-door Sedan, a 4door Station Wagon as well as a 4-door Villager Station Wagon.
Caliente – The most luxurious Comet remained the Caliente. It had a special horizontal chrome bar taillight treatment that blended into the rear deck panel. It also featured a mid-tire level bright molding. Carpeting, a padded dash and door courtesy lights were among the standard items offered on the Caliente. The convertible had a power top.
The Caliente was available as a 2-door hardtop, 4-door sedan, and convertible.
Cyclone– A vinyl roof, chrome wheels, curb moldings, distinctive grille design, two hood scoops, bucket seats with console and a tachometer, carpeting, heavy duty suspension, and 225 HP 289 CID V-8 were standard on the Cyclone. A “Rally Pac” with elapsed time clock and vacuum gauge as well as 4-speed manual or 3-speed automatic transmission were optional.
The Cyclone was available as a 2-door Hardtop only.
1965 Mercury Comet-Cyclone Facts – Engines
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200 CID I-6 – All Transmissions. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Seven main bearings.
Displacement: 200 CID.
Bore and stroke: 3,684″ x 3.13″.
Compression ratio: 9.2:1.
Horsepower: 120 @ 4400 RPM.
Torque: 190 @ 2400 RPM.
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake: 240 degrees, Exhaust: 240 degrees, Overlap: 27 degrees. Lift: (Intake) 0.348″, (Exhaust) 0.348″ .
Carburetor: Ford Autolite one-barrel Emission – (Manual Transmission) Model C5OF-9510-E; (Automatic Transmission) Model C5OF-95l0-F. Non-emission – (Manual Transmission) Model C5OF-9510-N; (Automatic Transmission) Model C5OF-95l0-R.
NOTE: Not available in Cyclone.
289 CID 2-Barrel V-8 – All Transmissions. Overhead Valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 289 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 4.00 x 2.87 inches.
Compression ratio: 9.3:1.
Horsepower: 200 @ 4400 RPM.
Torque: 282 @ 2400 RPM
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake: 266 degrees, Exhaust: 256 degrees, Overlap 40 degrees. Lift: (intake) 0.368″, (exhaust) 0.380″.
Carburetor: Ford Autolite 2-barrel Non emission control (manual transmission) Model C5ZF-9510-G; (automatic transmission) Model C5ZF-9510-H. Emission Control Ford Autolite 2-barrel Model (manual transmission), Model C5ZF-9510-A (automatic transmission) C5ZF-9510-B.
NOTE: Not available in Cyclone.
289 CID 4-Barrel V-8 – All Transmissions. Overhead Valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 289 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 4.00 x 2.87 inches.
Compression ratio: 10.9:1.
Horsepower: 225 @ 4800 RPM.
Torque: 305 @ 3200 RPM
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake: 266 degrees, Exhaust: 256 degrees, Overlap 40 degrees. Lift: (intake) 0.368″, (exhaust) 0.380″.
Carburetor: Ford Autolite 4-barrel Non emission control (manual transmission) Model C5ZF-9510-J; (automatic transmission) Model C5ZF-9510-K. Emission Control Ford Autolite 4-barrel Model (manual transmission), Model C5ZF-9510-C (automatic transmission) C5ZF-9510-D.
NOTE: Available in Cyclone only.
289 CID 271 HP “Hi-Po” V-8. (Code “K”) Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 289 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 4.00 x 2.87 inches.
Compression ratio: 10.9:1.
Horsepower: 271 @ 6000 RPM.
Torque: 312 @ 3400 RPM.
Valve lifters: Mechanical.
Camshaft Duration: Intake: 282 degrees, Exhaust: 282 degrees, Lift: 0.4574″ @ .020″ lash. Overlap 54 degrees.
Carburetor: (Manual Trans Only – Emission) Ford Autolite 4-barrel Model C40F- 9510-AL; (Manual Trans Only – Non-Emission) Ford Autolite 4-barrel Model C40F- 9510-L.
NOTE: Special Order Only.
1965 Mercury Montego-Cyclone Facts – Chassis Features
-
- Wheelbase: 2-door & 4-door Sedans, Hardtops & Convertibles – 114.00 inches – Wagons – 109.5 inches.
- Overall length: 2-door & 4-door Sedans, Hardtops & Convertibles – 195.3 inches; Wagons 191.8 inches
- Overall width: 2-door & 4-door Sedans, Hardtops & Convertibles – 72.9 inches; Wagons 71.6 inches.
- Overall height: 2- and 4-Door Sedans – 55.2 inches; Hardtops – 53.5 inches; Convertibles – 54.1 inches; Wagons – 55.2″.
- Front tread: I-6 – 55.0 inches; V-8 – 55.6 inches.
- Rear tread: 56.0 inches.
- Tires:
- All – 6.95 x 14; Optional – 7.35 x 14.
- 289 CID with Air Conditioning – 7.35 x 14.
- Wheels:
- I-6 – 14.0 x 4.5J
- V-8 – 14.0 x 5.0J
1965 Mercury Comet-Cyclone Facts – Powertrains
- Transmission Ratios
- Three-Speed Manual Transmission (Column Shift – Floor Shift on Cyclone V-8 Models Only):
- I-6: First: 2.76:1, Second: 1.69:1, Third 1:1. Reverse: 3.74:1.
- 289 V-8: First: 2.79:1, Second: 1.70:1, Third 1:1. Reverse: 2.87:1.
- Four-Speed Manual Transmission:
- 289 CID V-8: First: 2.74:1, Second: 2.04:1, Third 1.51:1, Fourth: 1:1. Reverse: 2.81:1.
- 289 CID V-8 HD: First: 2.78:1, Second: 1.94:1, Third: 1.36:1, Fourth: 1:1. Reverse: 2.78:1.
- Three-Speed Automatic Transmission:
- All: Low: 2.46:1, Second: 1.46:1, Direct 1.00:1. Reverse: 2.18:1.
- Three-Speed Manual Transmission (Column Shift – Floor Shift on Cyclone V-8 Models Only):
- Rear Axle Ratios
- I-6:
- Three-speed Manual:
- Sedans & Hardtops: 3.20:1; Optional: 3.50:1.
- Wagons & Convertibles: 3.20:1; Optional: 3.50:1.
- Automatic:
- Sedans & Hardtops: 2.80:1; Optional: 3.20:1.
- Wagons & Convertibles: 3.20:1; Optional: None.
- Three-speed Manual:
- 289 CID 2-barrel V-8:
- Three-speed Manual:
- Sedans, Hardtops & Convertible: 2.80:1; Optional: 3.50:1.
- Wagons 3.25:1; Optional: 3.50:1.
- Four-speed Manual:
- Sedans, Hardtops & Convertible: 2.80:1; Optional: 3.50:1.
- Wagons 3.25:1; Optional: 3.50:1.
- Automatic:
- Sedans, Hardtops & Convertible: 2.80:1; Optional: 3.00:1.
- Wagons 3.00:1; Optional: None.
- Three-speed Manual:
- 289 CID 4-barrel V-8:
- Three-speed Manual:
- Sedans, Hardtops & Convertible: 3.00:1; Optional: 3.50:1.
- Wagons 3.25:1; Optional: 3.50:1.
- Four-speed Manual:
- Sedans, Hardtops & Convertible: 3.00:1; Optional: 3.50:1.
- Wagons 3.25:1; Optional: 3.50:1.
- Automatic:
- Sedans, Hardtops & Convertible: 3.00:1; Optional: None.
- Wagons 3.00:1; Optional: None.
- Three-speed Manual:
- I-6:
1965 Mercury Comet-Cyclone Powertrain Options
- Engines
- 200 cubic inch I-6 standard on all Comet and Caliente models – not available on Cyclone.
- 289 cubic inch 2-barrelV-8 engine optional on all Comet and Caliente – not available on Cyclone.
- 289 cubic inch 4-barrel V-8 engine standard on Cyclone Optional all others.
- 289 cubic inch 271 HP V-8 engine special order Hardtops and Sedans only.
- Transmissions
- Three-Speed Manual Transmission Standard.
- Four-Speed Manual Transmission: Optional. Not Available with I-6 engine.
- Automatic Transmission: Optional.
1965 Mercury Comet-Cyclone Significant Options
-
- Air conditioner ($257.50).
- Back-up lights ($to.70).
- Courtesy light group ($14.80).
- Curb molding ($16.10).
- Elapsed-time clock ($20).
- Emergency flasher ($12.80).
- Front bucket seats in two-door sedan only ($70.80).
- Front bucket seats with console in Caliente hardtop and convertible ($131.30).
- Heavy-duty battery ($7.60).
- Padded dash ($18.40).
- Padded visors ($4.50).
- Performance handling package ($20.80).
- Power booster fan ($16.10).
- Power brakes ($43.20).
- Power steering ($86.30).
- Power transfer axle ($38.00).
- Radio, AM/FM ($129.30).
- Radio, push-button AM ($58.50).
- Rally Pac ($83).
- Rally Pac in Cyclone ($40).
- Remote-control outside rear view mirror ($12).
- Remote-control trunk lid release ($11).
- Retractable front seat belts ($7.10).
- Station wagon luggage rack ($64.35).
- Station wagon power tailgate window ($29.75).
- Tachometer ($43.10) standard Cyclone.
- Tinted glass ($27.80).
- Tinted windshield ($18.10).
- Two-tone paint ($19.40).
- Vacuum gauge ($20).
- Vinyl roof on hardtop ($75.80).
- Wheel covers ($19.20).
- Wheel covers, wire ($64.40).
- Wheel covers, wire on Cyclone ($43.20).
- Whitewall tires size 6.95 x 14.
- Windshield washer and wipers ($21.80).
1965 Mercury Comet-Cyclone Downloads and Images
1965 Mercury Comet-Cyclone Facts – Related Document Downloads
Downloadable files directly related to the Mercury Mid-Size Cars will appear below. Click to Download:
1965 Mercury Mid-Size Car Brochure
1965 Mercury Mid-Size Car Print Advertisements
1965 Mercury Mid-Size Car AMA Specifications Sheets
1965 Mercury Cyclone & Caliente Road Test – Motor Trend Magazine
1965 Don Nicholson Mercury Cyclone SOHC AFX Car – Hot Rod Magazine
1965 Mercury Comet-Cyclone Facts – Related Images
Related Images to the Mercury Mid-Size Car Line will appear below
1965 Mercury Cyclone 2-door Hardtop
The 1965 Mercury Cyclone 2-door Hardtop was the performance Comet in 1965. Nit a Muscle car but quick and great handling, it found 12,347 happy customers.
1965 Mercury Caliente Convertible
The 1965 Mercury Caliente Convertible was the only convertible in the Comet line this year. It could be equipped with either a bench or bucket seats. 6,035 were sold.
1965 Mercury Caliente 2-door Hardtop
The 1965 Mercury Caliente 2-door Hardtop was the luxury mid-size Comet in 1965. It could be had with either a bench or bucket seats. It was the 2nd-best selling Comet with 29,247 leaving the showroom.
1965 Mercury Caliente 4-door Sedan
The 1965 Mercury Caliente 4-door Sedan was the top of the line 4-door. It was a solid seller with 20,337 delivered.
1965 Mercury Comet 404 4-door Sedan
The 1965 Mercury Comet 404 4-door Sedan was the mid-level 4-door. 18,626 were built.
1965 Mercury Comet 404 2-door Sedan
The 1965 Mercury Comet 404 2-door Sedan was the top 2-door sedan in the line this year. 10,900 were produced.
1965 Mercury Villager Station Wagon
The 1965 Mercury Villager Station Wagon was the top tier wagon in the Comet line. Only 1,592 were sold.
1965 Mercury Comet 404 Station Wagon
The 1965 Mercury Comet 404 Station Wagon was the top selling wagon in the line in 1965. 5,226 left the factory.
1965 Mercury Comet 202 4-door Sedan
The 1965 Mercury Comet 202 4-door Sedan was the base 4-door in 1965. 23,501 were produced.
1965 Mercury Comet 202 2-door Sedan
The 1965 Mercury Comet 202 2-door Sedan was the least expensive 3-door in the line. It was the best-selling Comet this year with 32,425 finding customers.
1965 Mercury Comet 202 Station Wagon
The 1965 Mercury Comet 202 Station Wagon was the entry level station wagon in 1965. 4,814 were delivered.