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Click Here to find out how to get 4 dealer training films on DVD!  My 1961 Comet Pages               1960 - 1969 VIN & Dataplate Decode 1959 - 1968 Comet/Lincoln/Mercury Carb Decoder    Comet Stuff                       Other Stuff   Links & Cruise Nights     
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The Story of the Edsel Comet? The Comet was developed as a compact car for the Edsel line. But with the Edsel brand eliminated before the 1960 model year, Ford released the Comet as a seperate model, that was sold by Lincoln-Mercury dealers. The Comet was based on a stretched Falcon frame. The sedan's wheelbase of 114 inches suggested intermediate, but Mercury positioned it as a compact. Robin B Jones, Chief Comet Designer Thanks to Bill Adams of Comet East Car Club for allowing me to use excerpts from his interview with Robin B Jones ......Jones related that his work on the Comet began one day when he was summoned to the office of his boss. He was to design an Edsel version of the Falcon. However, it was to be longer and more stylish. He styled the cat eye taillights to resemble the Edsel's, but not as cantilevered. He said the roofline gave them a problem for a long time until he finally decided to take a cue from the 1960 T-Bird. Thus, the car we all celebrate was born. The first name given to the new compact was "Baby Edsel", but was later christened "Comet" by Ford CEO, Ernest Breech. Jones has owned several Comets, his favorite being a black 1963 S-22 convertible.  Edsel Comet Prototype for 1960 The Comet continued as its own model (not a Mercury) for 1961, but the big news was the introduction in late 1961 of the S-22 model. The S-22s were 2-Door Comets with the addition of Moroccan vinyl bucket seats, a center console, a unique stainless spoked steering wheel with a S-22 center, upgraded carpeting, unique rear quarter panel emblems, undercoating, and special stainless full wheel covers. The standard powertrain was the 170 cubic inch inline six cylinder engine coupled with the two-speed Comet Drive automatic.  Edsel Comet Prototype for 1960 More Edsel Comet Prototype Pictures 1960            The Comet officially became part of the Mercury line in 1962. |