S22, 2dr, Hardtop, 4spd, 302ci V8, VIDEO

1963 Mercury Comet S22 2dr Hardtop

Frame Off Restoration in 2014/15
Born a 260ci V8, Now a 302ci V8 Restomod
4spd Manual, Posi-Traction Rear End, Custom Exhaust

VIDEO WITH LISTING

VIN: 3J17F516728
3: 1963 Model Year
J: Los Angeles, CA Assembly Plant
17: 2-Door Hardtop
F: 260ci V8 2V
516728: Production Number

Trim Tag Decode:
Body: 2dr S22 Hardtop (63C)
Color: Presidential Black (A)
Trim: Red and Red Vinyl (55)
Date: June 25th (25F)
DSO: Los Angeles, CA (52)
Axle: 3.50:1 Locking (E)
Trans: Dual Range Automatic (4)

The Exterior:
Please see the video along with the listing, as the car is shown in detail. This car was subject to a frame-off restoration just four years ago, and has been garage-kept and responsibly-owned since. The car has covered just 420 miles since being restored, with the odometer having been reset at the time. Unfortunately the restoration was performed under previous ownership, and the reported $100k spent in restoring the car is not perpetuated with receipts. However, the car was very clearly restored to a high standard; it is difficult to find fault. The Presidential Black paint (correct color) shows absolutely no signs of dust, run, bubbling, orange peel, etc. Show-worthy finish. The body is perfectly straight, with no dings. Chrome is all mirror-like and free of oxidation or damage. Glass and light lenses are all clear and crack-free. Polished wheels are free of any oxidation, curb rash, or damage. BFG Radial TAs are in great shape, having been mounted when the car was restored four years ago. Typical age-related items like weatherstripping, light lenses, trim pieces, etc. are all in excellent shape. Panel fitment is spot-on, and doors open and close nicely.

The Interior:
Interior is extremely nice and clean. Bright red offsets the black exterior beautifully. It is the correct interior, red/red vinyl with bucket seats. Seats show absolutely no damage; no burst seams, scuffs, or anything like that. Dash shows very little for wear or signs of age. Gauges are clear and functional (reset odometer), polished pieces within the dash present nicely, the steering wheel is free of cracks (has a small scratch on bottom left – see photo). Dash pad has no cracks, discoloring, warping, or anything of the sort. The radio is reportedly functional, though not hooked up. Red carpeting and Cyclone floormats are in excellent shape throughout, with no stains, tears, or fraying. Headliner is nice and tight. Door panels are in nice shape as well, with no kicked-open markings and a fantastic polished finish. Door sills are as-new as well. Windows track nicely, roll up and down smoothly.

Under the Hood / Under the Car:
Please take a look at the underbody photos, as the car is documented in detail. The underbody is just about perfect. No rust, damage, or anything of the sort. When the car was subject to a frame-off restoration, it is reported that every component was either rebuilt or replaced. There are no worn pieces of rubber, old ugly bolts, or real signs of wear. There is no evidence of any noteworthy leaks. While the car was originally spec'd with a 260ci V8 and Dual Range Automatic, it has since been swapped out for a rebuilt 302ci V8 and 4spd manual transmission (#T27A547186). Holley 600cfm 4bbl carb, Edelbrock intake, custom Flowmaster-style exhaust system, power steering, Comet valve covers. While documentation is limited, the car will come with a correct 63 Comet S22 owner's manual. The car runs and drives extremely well. Truly a very well-sorted car with no observable needs. It starts right up, idles cool and steady, accelerates through the gears nice and smooth, brakes straight and effectively, and tracks nice and straight. With 420 miles since a full restoration, the car is now broken in and ready to be enjoyed by its next owner.

For additional information or to discuss purchasing, please reach out to Jake at 773-267-2684.