The 1964 Mercury Comet A/FX stands as one of the most significant factory drag racers of its era. This model was purpose-built to dominate the A/Factory Experimental class. Only 22 examples of the Mercury A/FX Comet were produced in 1964. This extreme low-volume production ensures its immense collectibility. The car has been a featured part of the notable Kayo Erwin Collection for more than 25 years. This rare, competition-focused machine is headed for the Kissimmee 2026 auction block.
Lightweight Construction and Exterior
To reduce curb weight for racing, Mercury utilized lightweight panels extensively. This 1964 Mercury Comet A/FX features a fiberglass teardrop hood. Further weight savings come from the fiberglass fenders and doors. The trunk lid and bumper are also constructed from lightweight fiberglass. The car retains its original factory floors for structural integrity. The side windows are made of thin, durable Plexiglas material. This dedication to weight reduction defines the A/FX specification.
Chassis and Suspension Setup
The chassis employs a modified front suspension system. This alteration was necessary to handle the immense torque from the 427 V8. The rear suspension features sturdy traction bars. These bars help minimize wheel hop during hard launches. Rear air bags are also fitted for fine-tuning the ride height and weight transfer. The car rides on BFGoodrich Silvertown front tires. It utilizes specialized Mickey Thompson tires on the rear axle for maximum grip.
Performance-Focused Cockpit
The interior of the Comet A/FX is pure function over comfort. It features lightweight seats designed to hold the driver securely. The dashboard and floor are stripped of non-essential weight. The factory deleted the radio and heater during production. This ensures zero wasted weight inside the cabin. A prominent Hurst shifter provides immediate access to the manual gear changes. The interior finish is executed in a complementary Red color scheme.
Engine, Power, and Drivetrain Specs
Power for this race car comes from a legendary 427 CI V-8 engine. This motor was factory rated at an impressive 425 horsepower. The engine features numerous high-performance components. These upgrades include a Crane camshaft for aggressive valvetrain timing. Air and fuel are fed through a Hi-Rise intake manifold. Dual Holley four-barrel carburetors sit atop the manifold. A special air box and intake hoses manage the flow. Exhaust gases exit through performance Stahl headers.
Transmission and Rear Axle
The potent V8 is coupled to a durable T10 four-speed transmission. This manual gearbox is capable of handling the engine’s massive torque output. Power is routed to a specialized Detroit Locker 4.56 rear end. This aggressive final gear ratio ensures explosive acceleration off the starting line. This combination makes the 1964 Mercury Comet A/FX a serious force in quarter-mile competition.
Summary of the Mercury Comet A/FX
This 1964 Mercury Comet A/FX is an extraordinarily rare piece of factory racing hardware. It is one of just 22 examples built for the 1964 A/FX class. The car features the potent 427 CI V-8 and a T10 four-speed manual transmission. Its lightweight fiberglass body panels contribute to its incredible performance. This is a highly sought-after, documented factory competition car. It represents a significant era of drag racing innovation.
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Source: mecum.com
