[Redstreblo]

I am in the phase where I know I want to restore a classic car from the 60s-70s but I do not know what car to build. I was thinking seriously about choosing a 1964 Mercury Comet to restore and customize to my liking. I made that choice because I like the quad headlights, the rear end is not wings and the engine compartment can fit a couple of different engines in it (289,302 or 351W for example) and parts are cheaper because it shares parts with other Fords.

These are the qualities that I am looking for:
Affordable to restore with about $15,000 (buying the car and restoring it) (this budget may go up depending on finances)
 body style I like (I need to learn about what cars are available in this price range that I like so that I can pick one) I Like Chrome!!
Versatility is a plus (share parts with other cars makes it cheaper and easier)

However several members of my family have said that the Mercury Comet is ugly or hideous depending on who you asked and they have said that I should stay away from cheap builds or builds that will sell for less than I spend to restore it. I didn't think about the car as a restoration project to sell it and make a profit, I am looking for something to restore and build to drive around occasionally as a classic car that I would keep for myself. (I like to keep my cars and give them love).

I would appreciate other opinions on this subject and suggestions on a car to build. I like the mustangs of that era, but there are many restoration projects of those and I would like something a little more out there. Thank you in advance for your help!

[Titan]

Just looked up what you're talking about. I think it looks pretty sweet. Reminds me of an old Impala.

I'm working on getting an old Vespa from our neighbours down the street to fix up over the summer.

[Sololop]

Find an old Corvette C2. Though it's probably impossible.

As for the Mercury Comet, I kinda like that.

[LHN91]

I have a distinctive soft spot for the mid/early 70's Mercury Comets/Ford Mavericks, tbh. Doesn't help that my aunt used to own a '75 four door with the 302 V8, but anyways. The initial purchase nowadays is relatively cheap, if i recall from the last time i looked it up, and it was essentially the poor man's mustang of the time. Only complaint i can think of is that it does have a 70's vibe to the styling, which may put some people off.

[StarSlayer]

I was always kinda partial to the 66 GTO and the 68 Charger (yay Bullitt)

[Redstreblo]

Good to hear that I am not the only one that likes the Comet . I like the 1964 version better than any other. Plus a 1964 year vehicle is exempt from California Smog ! The only thing that is required is a PCV valve, so I can do any engine swaps or exhaust system I want.

The GTO and the Charger are both great, but are going to be out of my price range I think.

Corvettes aren't really my thing, but the 60s models aren't that bad. They aren't that cheap though.

I had gotten to the point where I have come up with things to do with the Comet:
Paint it black all over (makes the chrome or polished aluminum stick out more)
Do a 302 or 351W engine swap
Put true dual X pipe exhaust with FloMaster Mufflers
Restore the interior and other things to make it look GOOD!!

[Sololop]

Give it flames.

Tint the windows black.

Give it red leather interior.

And spinning rims.

And a giant spoiler.

Do not do any of the above please.

[StarSlayer]

Actually I was always curious how a muscle car would look with a flat black/satin finish but then have some sort of subtle gloss black design tracing throughout.

[headdie]

Give it flames.

Tint the windows black.

Give it red leather interior.

And spinning rims.

And a giant spoiler.

Do not do any of the above please.

I dont know, i like red interiors, so long as the rest of the car's look worked with it, but for the rest i would have to agree

[T-LoW]

I always wanted to restore a old Opel GT - kinda like this car

[Nuclear1]

My dream car, '69 Cadillac Deville convertible top.

If you really like Chrome though...go for Chrysler.  Imperials especially.

[StarSlayer]

Nuclear you gonna give her the Door Test?

[Nuclear1]

  I totally forgot about that scene.  It's the exact same car too.

[Mongoose]

Someone who used to post on the Descent Bulletin Board had put a ton of work into a '67 (I think) Mustang fastback.  It was an absolutely gorgeous project...though unfortunately, the guy lived in Michigan, so he couldn't drive the car for six months out of the year due to fears of road salt.

[NGTM-1R]

If you hadn't given a timeframe I'd say "Model T" simply because it'd be amusing to see how far we've come in terms of engineering.

[chief1983]

How about a VW Beetle sleeper?  Yeah, lots of people put an oversized engine in the back so that they can't even use the compartment cover, but you can actually get quite a few custom engines that will fit, that tucks nicely into it, and you wouldn't notice it at the stop light that it could blow your **** away.  There's lots of VW enthusiasts out there too.

[StarSlayer]

How about a VW Beetle sleeper?  Yeah, lots of people put an oversized engine in the back so that they can't even use the compartment cover, but you can actually get quite a few custom engines that will fit, that tucks nicely into it, and you wouldn't notice it at the stop light that it could blow your **** away.  There's lots of VW enthusiasts out there too.

Reminds me of an article about a feller stuffing a 911 Turbo into a 64 Porsche 356

[Redstreblo]

A 310 Horsepower '64 Porsche? I can one up that. If money was no object you can get 600 horsepower out of the Comet, but it would cost you an arm and a leg.

Technically if money was no object you can do anything you want, modify any car to fit any engine if you don't mind sitting in the back seat....

[StarSlayer]

The 65 Comet looks like a bit of a beast, certainly better than the Falcon.

[Nohiki]