1963 Mercury Comet S-22 Convertible

Description

“Now Comet gives you the moon.” In 1960 Ford released its popular Falcon compact while Mercury introduced its own version, the Comet. More upscale than the economy-minded Falcon, the Comet received a nicer interior and a flashier exterior design reflective of other Mercury models. Then in 1962 they announced the S-22, a sportier version with more six-cylinder power and front bucket seats. 1963 would be the final year for the Falcon-based Comet, and Mercury added a stylish convertible to Custom and S-22 models. In S-22 trim the convertible received the 170 cu-in six with 101 hp, giving surprisingly spritely performance in the lightweight Comet. Starting at $2,710 in 1963 the S-22 was almost as popular as the coupe, and 5,757 were built.

This Comet S-22 convertible was optioned in popular Code J Carnival Red with a matching Code 55 Red Crush Grain Vinyl interior with white top, and is equipped with the Merc-O-Matic transmission. Built on 14 November 1962 and delivered to the Buffalo, New York area, this is a shining example of Mercury’s star gazing compact.

Highlights 

• 170 cu-in 101 horsepower inline six  

• Optional two-speed Merc-O-Matic automatic transmission 

• Functional AM radio 

• The chassis number (3H18U517757) for this 1963 Mercury Comet S-22 Convertible decodes as:  

  • 3 – 1963 

  • H – Manufactured at Lorain, Ohio plant 

  • 18 – Comet Special S-22 two door convertible 

  • U – 170 cu-in six with one barrel carburetor 

  • 517757 – Production Sequence starting with 500000 

• The body trim tag for this 1963 Mercury Comet S-22 Convertible decodes as: 

  • 76B – 2-door S-22 Convertible 

  • J – Carnival Red paint 

  • 55 – Red Crush Grain Vinyl trim 

  • 14L – Built 14 November 1962 

  • 31 – Buffalo, New York, zone 

  • 5 – 3.50:1 rear axle 

  • 3 – Automatic (2-Speed) transmission 

• This 1963 Mercury Comet S-22 Convertible is offered with 97,229 miles; however, the true mileage is unknown  

Features   

• Functional heater 

• Functional power-operated soft top 

• Features specific to the S-22 models include: 

• Bucket seats with center console  

• S-22 badging inside and out 

• S-22 stainless steel body trim 

• Chrome gills on the quarter panels 

• S-22 wheel covers 

• Larger 6.50 x 13 tires 

• Six rear taillights 

Known Imperfections   

• Signs of use consistent with the age of the vehicle 

 Included 

• 1963 Comet owner’s manual 

• 1963 Comet brochure 

• 1963 Comet advertisements  

• 1963 Falcon/Comet interior assembly manual 

Ownership History

Built on 14 November 1962 and delivered to the Buffalo, New York area. Most recently, it is noted by the consigning specialist to be in good running and driving order and still located in Upstate New York where it remains today.

Additional Notes

A Broad Arrow Group Consignment Specialist is working as an agent on behalf of the owner of this Vehicle.

Contact: William Cooper Phone: 469.463.4542 email: wcooper@hagerty.com