1970 Mercury Cyclone Spoiler

 

1970 Mercury Cyclone Spoiler – "The car that raced against the wind."

"It is not just a car, it is the roar of rebellion, the speed that whispers freedom. When you drive a Mercury Cyclone Spoiler, you are not just on the road; you are racing against the wind."

For those who remember the golden age of American muscle, the 1970 Mercury Cyclone Spoiler remains a standout—a rare gem in the sea of fast cars. Built for the thrill of high-speed racing and engineered to dominate both track and street, this car symbolized a bold era. The Cyclone Spoiler is more than just a powerful machine; it is a story of speed, style, and an uncompromising pursuit of performance.

The 1970 Cyclone Spoiler was Mercury's way of pushing the limits. It was built to compete against the likes of Ford, Chevrolet, and Dodge, with a sleek, aerodynamic design that made it seem like it was cutting through the wind even when standing still. But do not be fooled, this car was not all beautiful. Under the hood, it packed a thunderous V8 engine capable of delivering awe-inspiring speed, ready to crush the competition in NASCAR and on drag strips across America.

A Need for Speed: The Birth of a Legend

Mercury created the Cyclone Spoiler to meet the growing demand for high-performance muscle cars, aiming to attract a younger generation of drivers looking for a combination of speed and design. Designer Larry Shinoda, the genius behind the famous Boss 302 Mustang, lent his touch to the Cyclone Spoiler, crafting a car that not only performed but also looked the part. This car was built for the bold, the brave, and the rebellious.

Its racing pedigree was obvious—the Cyclone Spoiler was named after Mercury's NASCAR racing program, reflecting its capability to hit high speeds with ease. The NASCAR version, driven by racing legends like Cale Yarborough, took to the track and immediately made its mark, ensuring that the Cyclone Spoiler was not just a streetcar but a legitimate track contender.

Performance That Talks (and Sometimes Laughs)

If there was ever a car that did not take itself too seriously, it was the Cyclone Spoiler. As one enthusiast joked, "It wasn't just racing against the wind, it was trying to outrun its own shadow!" With a 429 cubic-inch V8 engine, it was not far off. The Cyclone Spoiler could pump out up to 375 horsepower, a number that would make any gearhead’s heart race. The engine was not just about brute force—it was paired with a functional Ram Air hood scoop, helping to feed cold air directly into the powerplant for maximum performance.

But what made this car special was not just its power, it was how it handled that power. With a wide stance and balanced weight distribution, it felt steady and responsive, even at high speeds. Mercury engineers had designed it not only to dominate straightaways but also to tackle curves with grace. The Cyclone Spoiler was a well-rounded muscle car—a rarity in a segment often dominated by straight-line sprinters.

A Secret Success Story

A lesser-known fact about the 1970 Mercury Cyclone Spoiler is that it was originally envisioned as a limited production model. However, thanks to its success in NASCAR and the overwhelming demand from muscle car enthusiasts, Mercury extended production to more units than anticipated. Still, with only around 1,631 built, this car remains one of the rarest muscle cars of its era, making it a prized possession for collectors today.

In terms of pricing, the Cyclone Spoiler was initially marketed as an affordable alternative to its pricier rivals. It sold for around $3,700 when it first rolled off the assembly line. Fast forward to today, a well-maintained example in solid condition can fetch anywhere from $50,000 to over $100,000, depending on rarity and restoration.

Year	Original Price	Current Price (Solid Condition)
1970	$3,700	$50,000 - $100,000

The Glory Days of Racing

The Cyclone Spoiler did not just look fast; it was fast. Cale Yarborough piloted the car to several notable victories in the NASCAR circuit. One of the most famous moments in its history came at the Daytona 500, where the Cyclone battled fiercely against rivals like the Plymouth Superbird and Dodge Charger Daytona. These epic duels cemented the Cyclone's place in the hearts of race fans, ensuring its legacy would live on long after it left the showroom.

The year 1970 proved to be the high watermark for Cyclone Spoiler in terms of sales and performance. That year, Mercury sold thousands of units, capitalizing on its growing reputation as a serious contender in the muscle car market. Unfortunately, the rise of stricter emissions regulations and a shifting automotive market meant that the Cyclone’s reign was short-lived.

Colors of the Wind

Available in a handful of colors, the Cyclone Spoiler came dressed in shades that made it impossible to miss on the road. Standout choices included Competition Yellow, Competition Blue, and Competition Orange. However, Competition Blue quickly became the most iconic, embodying the car's aggressive yet sleek nature. The bold blue contrasted perfectly with the Cyclone's muscular lines, making it a head-turner at every corner.

Models Over the Years: 1960-1970

Model	Year	Production Number
Mercury Cyclone	1964	12,982
Mercury Cyclone GT	1966	16,500
Mercury Cyclone Spoiler	1969	1,617
Mercury Cyclone Spoiler II	1970	1,631

Engine Specifications

Type	Size	Carb	Horsepower	Torque
V8	429 ci	4-barrel	375 hp	450 lb.-ft

Performance Stats

0-60 mph	Quarter Mile	Engine	Engine Source
6.2 seconds	13.9 seconds	429 ci V8	Ford

Conclusion: A Legend in Metal

The Mercury Cyclone Spoiler stands as a testament to what American automakers were capable of during the muscle car era. It was a blend of bold design, thrilling performance, and a rebellious spirit. As enthusiasts look back, this car was more than just a vehicle, it was an icon. And as one might say, "To own a Cyclone Spoiler is to hold a piece of wind-chasing history in your hands."