When the Comet first debuted in 1960 as sister to the Ford Falcon, Mercury was experiencing Multiple Personality Disorder. This began with the space-age styling of the 1957 Mercurys, followed by the utter practicality of the Comet, which was at odds with a brand that was solidly in the medium-priced field. By 1961, even full-size Mercurys were simply badge-engineered Fords.

But starting in 1962, Mercury started to get its mojo back. The face-lifted Comet offered a dash of sportiness, and the new S-22 model offered even more with its bucket seat interior. Mercury's big cars started garnering notice in NASCAR, and by 1964 the A/FX Comet was assaulting all comers in sanctioned NHRA competition. Perhaps most familiar was the Comet's success in the Mobilgas Economy Run. And with the introduction of the 289 Hi-Po engine, Mercury had a fledgling muscle car in the Comet Cyclone.

After Ford's experience in Europe with Falcon and Comet rally cars, six 1964 Comet Calient