Learn about the history, features, and restoration of the 1969 Mercury Cyclone Spoiler II ‘Dan Gurney Special’, one of only 54 known to exist, built in celebration of Dan Gurney’s racing successes for Ford.
Introduction
When it comes to rare and iconic American muscle cars, the 1969 Mercury Cyclone Spoiler II ‘Dan Gurney Special’ is definitely a top contender. Built in limited numbers, this car was designed to celebrate Dan Gurney’s numerous racing successes for Ford. The vehicle’s unique features, including a talladega-style aerodynamic front end and Dan Gurney Special decals, set it apart from other muscle cars of its time. Today, only 54 of these vehicles are known to exist, making it a highly sought-after and valuable classic car.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the 1969 Mercury Cyclone Spoiler II ‘Dan Gurney Special’. We’ll explore its history, features, restoration process, and more.
History
The 1969 Mercury Cyclone Spoiler II ‘Dan Gurney Special’ was a special edition muscle car that was built by the Ford Motor Company. It was designed to celebrate the many racing successes of Dan Gurney, a well-known driver and team owner who had a long and successful career in motorsports.
The car was based on the Mercury Cyclone Spoiler II, which was already a highly-regarded muscle car. However, the ‘Dan Gurney Special’ edition featured several unique design elements that set it apart from other muscle cars of its time. These included a talladega-style aerodynamic front end, Dan Gurney Special decals, and a distinctive color scheme of Wimbledon White with Blue stripes.
In total, only 54 of these cars were ever produced, making them highly sought-after by car collectors and enthusiasts.
Features
The 1969 Mercury Cyclone Spoiler II ‘Dan Gurney Special’ was a powerful and highly capable muscle car. Here are some of its key features:
Engine
The car was powered by a 351 CI Ford Windsor V-8 engine, which was capable of producing 290 horsepower and 385 lb-ft of torque. This engine was paired with a Merc-O-Matic 3-speed FMX automatic transmission.
Exterior
The car’s exterior featured a talladega-style aerodynamic front end, which was designed to reduce drag and improve overall performance. It also had Dan Gurney Special decals, a distinctive color scheme of Wimbledon White with Blue stripes, a hood scoop, and a rear spoiler.
Interior
The car’s interior featured a blue color scheme, a 120 MPH speedometer, deluxe seatbelts, and power steering.
Wheels and Tires
The car came equipped with Firestone Wide Oval White-letter tires and 14-inch Magnum 500 wheels.
Restoration
Restoring a rare and valuable classic car like the 1969 Mercury Cyclone Spoiler II ‘Dan Gurney Special’ requires a great deal of skill, expertise, and attention to detail. The restoration process typically involves a complete nut and bolt restoration, which involves disassembling the car down to its individual components and rebuilding it from the ground up.
During the restoration process, every aspect of the car is carefully inspected and restored or replaced as needed. This includes the engine, transmission, suspension, brakes, and interior components. The goal is to restore the car to its original factory specifications, using as many original or period-correct parts as possible.
FAQs
Here are some common questions about the 1969 Mercury Cyclone Spoiler II ‘Dan Gurney Special’:
How many ‘Dan Gurney Special’ cars were produced?
Only 54 ‘Dan Gurney Special’ cars were ever produced, making them extremely rare and valuable.
What was the purpose of the ‘Dan Gurney Special’ edition?
The ‘Dan Gurney Special’ edition was designed to celebrate the many racing successes of Dan Gurney, a well-known driver and team owner who had a long and successful career in motorsports.
What makes the ‘Dan Gurney Special’ edition unique?
The ‘Dan Gurney Special’ edition featured several unique design elements that set it apart from other muscle cars of its time. These included a talladega-style aerodynamic front end, Dan Gurney Special decals, and a distinctive color scheme of Wimbledon White with Blue stripes.
What engine was used in the ‘Dan Gurney Special’ edition?
The car was powered by a 351 CI Ford Windsor V-8 engine, which was capable of producing 290 horsepower and 385 lb-ft of torque. This engine was paired with a Merc-O-Matic 3-speed FMX automatic transmission.
How valuable is a ‘Dan Gurney Special’ car today?
Due to their rarity and historical significance, ‘Dan Gurney Special’ cars are highly sought-after by car collectors and enthusiasts. Depending on their condition and level of originality, they can be worth hundreds of thousands of dollars or more.
Conclusion
The 1969 Mercury Cyclone Spoiler II ‘Dan Gurney Special’ is a truly unique and special car that holds a special place in the hearts of car enthusiasts and collectors. Its limited production numbers, unique design elements, and historical significance make it a highly sought-after classic car. If you are lucky enough to own one of these rare vehicles, you are the custodian of a piece of automotive history that is sure to be cherished for generations to come.
