6 Of The Most Underappreciated Mercury Muscle Cars

While the limelight often falls on more celebrated models from competing manufacturers, the Mercury brand (a subsidiary of Ford) quietly produced a lineup of muscle cars that, despite their abilities, remain underappreciated in the broader narrative of high-performance vehicles.

We'll be delving into some Mercury muscle cars that, for various reasons, have not received the recognition they arguably deserve. These models emerged when automakers were engaged in a horsepower arms race, crafting machines that embodied the spirit of speed and power. Sharing platforms with their Ford counterparts, they also offered unique features, performance capabilities, and distinctive styling that set them apart in the 1960s and 1970s.

As we get to the specifications, histories, and characteristics of each model, we aim to provide a fair review of what makes these Mercury muscle cars noteworthy and the factors that may have contributed to their relative obscurity — so here are six of what we think are the most underappreciated Mercury muscle cars.

This car is another noteworthy but underappreciated member of the muscle car fraternity, especially considering how Mercury's Cougar rode the Mustang wave and exceeded expectations. Its noteworthiness, however, has a lot to do with its power plant, the 427 FE side oiler engine.

Rooted in Ford's development of the FE engine family in the late 1950s, the 427 FE side oiler earned a significant reputation, powering a range of high-performance vehicles — it became a symbol of power and speed. The engine's evolution saw applications in various Ford models, from the drag racing success of the 390 to the dominating 427-powered Galaxies in NASCAR.

In the case of the 1968 Cougar GT-E, the 427 FE side oiler engine delivered a potent 390 horsepower, contributing to the model's performance-oriented character. The GT-E package, a bona fide performance offering, included features such as a special high-rpm hydraulic cam, heavy-duty valve springs, and a Super Competition Handling Package with stiffer springs, a larger-diameter sway bar, and heavy-duty shocks.

Despite its impressive specifications and historical significance, the GT-E remains relatively obscure, especially the 427-equipped variants. Once again, limited production seems to be the culprit, with only 357 of the 1968 Cougars fitted with the 427 FE side oiler. The exclusive nature of this engine option, coupled with its discontinuation in June 1968, also adds a layer of uniqueness to the GT-E.

The Mercury Marauder X-100, an attempt to inject higher performance into the Marauder lineup, was introduced with a focus on cosmetic enhancements. Available with a few seat options and featuring a floor console housing a U-shaped automatic transmission shift handle, the X-100 sought to provide a more luxurious driving experience. You can also find aesthetic touches like Kelsey-Hayes road wheels and rear fender skirts, contributing to its distinctive appearance.

Priced at just over $4,000 in its time (equivalent to more than $31,500 in 2023 dollars), the Marauder X-100 managed to sell about 9,000 units. However, its limited lifespan in Mercury showrooms, spanning only a few years, is most likely due to lukewarm interest from the brand's traditional customer base. Sales in the second year constituted roughly a third of Marauder's sales in its first year due to price bumps.

By 1970, Mercury faced a decline in Marauder sales, according to Driving Line, selling 10,000 fewer units compared to 1969. The brand's shift towards more significant styling and increased focus on creature comforts, coupled with a departure from performance-oriented models, positioned the X-100 as an outlier. The reconfiguration of Mercury's lineup in 1971, which came later, aimed at targeting buyers priced out of a Lincoln, further marginalized the X-100.

The Mercury Cyclone GT or the Comet Cyclone GT, essentially the same high-performance model of the Cyclone line at different points in its history, is not an unpopular muscle car, but it is underappreciated. The Cyclone GT made its mark during the 1960s and sought to deliver performance and style within the compact car segment. Equipped with various engine options, the Cyclone GT offered powertrains ranging from the base 289 cubic-inch V8 to the more powerful 390 cubic-inch V8, which was great for buyers who wanted a tailored Mercury experience. Performance-wise, the Cyclone GT offered a balance between everyday usability and sportiness. While not as powerful as some of its larger counterparts, it provided a spirited driving experience within the compact car category.

Stylistically, the Cyclone GT featured characteristic design elements of the era, including a distinctive grille, badging, and a sportier stance compared to standard Comet models. The GT model also included notable features such as bucket seats and a center console, contributing to its sporty interior.

The Cyclone GT emerged during a time when American automakers were increasingly introducing compact cars with performance-oriented variants, which was both a blessing and a curse for the GT. This shift might have been good news for GT sales initially. However, changing consumer preferences and the desire for even smaller, even more agile vehicles that still delivered on power and speed probably left the Cyclone in the dust.