Mercury of course assumed that they would be privy to the 289-271` "K" code HP engine, and was preparing to mate it to a 4-speed with some really attractive rear axel ratios. So for 1964 everything was all approved, the car was done and very slick looking, all that needed to be laid in place were the drive train options. Their S-22 Comets were to be called Cyclones, but Ford division nixed the plan. Mercury already laid claim to the name Cyclone as early as 1962. For 1964, the muscle car era had begun, and the days of the big car big engine were numbered.
The motoring press, all FREE! Their racing accomplishments got them tons of headlines and articles, hence free advertising. This is where all of there advertising was to come from. They had even fielded a team of cars for the Mobil economy run and won convincingly. They gave away parts and cars like candy. NASCAR, USAC, European road ralleys, and of course NHRA/AHRA drag racing. Mercury began entering every type racing that they could compete in. A lot was at stake with the release of the Mustang and it's success, so FoMoCo wanted no mistakes (read that as Edsels). It was all to be funneled to Ford division.
The reason for this was that L/M division was to have virtually no advertising budget for 1963-65. Fran Hernandez was appointed director or performance and given carte blanche. The new fastback Marauders were coming and the rebodied Comet was ready. By late 1962 Mercury division was hot and heavy into motorsports. AlexĪlex Denysenko Co-Administrator and Moderator
If more than 1 or 2 people are interested I'll tell it and explain. Why Mercury coded the engine a "K" code is a long yet interesting story. It is the same engine as a 64.5 Mustang "D" code 289-210 HP except that the Mercury recieved the larger 1.12 600 CFM Autolite carb, as opposed to the Mustangs 1.08 480 CFM Autolite carb. 289 HP was not available from Mercury untill 1965! The car is indeed a "K" code, but in Mercury parlance, that stood for 289-210 HP Challenger V-8. Is it "K" or "D"? I have located a 1964 "K" code Comet Caliente and it does not (and I believe never did) have the HiPo 289 twixt the towers.ĭon't focus on the destination.make the JOURNEY the adventure Think and research before you type, gang. Topic: 1964 Mercury HiPo 289 engine VIN code? Profile | register | preferences | faq | search 1964 Mercury HiPo 289 engine VIN code? - Mustangsandmore Forums