The Montego GT was brand-new for 1972. Images: eBay

The Cyclone was one of the most enduring names from the muscle car era. Introduced in 1964 – the same year as Pontiac’s GTO – it was based on the compact Mercury Comet but with a sporty bent. In its 1971 swan song, it was based on the mid-size Montego and came in three flavors: Cyclone, Cyclone GT, and Cyclone Spoiler.

So what’s the deal with this 1972 Cyclone on eBay if the last year for the model was 1971?

Compare the Montego GT with the 1970-71 Cyclone.

Like all manufacturers in 1972, Ford experienced a metamorphosis of lowered compression ratios and a hankering for unleaded fuel. The 429 Cobra Jet was eliminated, leaving big block duties to a “regular” 429 that put out less horsepower  (205 net) than the 351 Cobra Jet (266). In comparison, Chrysler and GM still had big blocks putting out up to 300 horsepower.

To Mercury’s benefit, the Montego was all-new to attract the enthusiasts, with the Montego GT replacing the Cyclone. The gunsight grille was gone, replaced by a luxurious upright grille that foretold the future of 1970s swank. A fastback roofline promoted a performance image in ways that the motor could not.

Dealer handbook info from 1972. Image: mercurymontegogt.net

Hidden in the marketing literature (and, apparently, deleted after the first printing), was the Cyclone option. It upped the specs from the standard low-po 302. For $518.10 you received the 351 CJ with either the four-speed or automatic, while moving up to the 429 cost you $616.60. Interestingly, the Cyclone option was available on any Montego 2-door other than the Brougham, so it was possible to build a Q-ship Cyclone on a base Montego or Montego MX coupe. In the looks department, black or argent lower body paint was complemented by pinstripes.

This blue Montego GT on eBay is one of 30 built with the Cyclone option. Twenty of those came with the N-code 429 like this one, while another 9 were built with the Q-code 351 CJ. And remember that Q-ship mentioned before? One Montego MX coupe was built with the Cyclone option.

Rare plenum for the Cyclone package.