1963 Mercury Comet Factory 260 4 Speed Survivor

Mercury Comet.
Up for sale is a VERY RARE 1963 Comet Custom born with a 260 V8 and factory 4 speed trans. This car has been in our family since it was new & spent it's entire life in New Mexico. It was my wife's grandmothers car and she stopped driving it in the mid to late 80's. It sat in storage for a number of years & we inherited it after back in 2010. I had big plans to go thru the car and give it a full restoration but unfortunately, I just never got to it. My wife & I have decided to down size our collection & let the car go to someone who will appreciate it and give it the love it deserves. The car is very solid over all but does have some rust around the wheel lips on both rear quarters and some on both front fender aprons, & I did notice one small rust spot on the driver side floor pan by the kick panel, other than that it appears be very solid. The car appears to still be wearing 90% of it's original paint. The body is pretty straight but does have some small dents in it here & there but nothing that is to bad.
The interior is nice and and shows well for its age but the head liner is torn on the left rear sail panel. In my opinion it is nice enough as is to get out and enjoy the car. The dash is very nice and most everything works as it should including the original radio.
When we got the car my father in law told me they had rebuilt the engine back in the early 80's and it still seams to run quite well. i put a new fuel pump on it when we got the car and other than just driving it around the neighbor hood when we first go it, it has just been stored since. I do know the pitman arm is bad & should be replaced before driving the car very far. I just recently drained the old gas out of the tank and put a battery in it with a couple gallons of fresh gas & it fired right up and sounds good. The 4 speed shifts nice aside from a sloppy factory shifter and the rear end seems good. The radiator looks like it has had many leaks over the years and should be replaced but its holds enough for a short drive or to put it off & on a trailer. The brakes work but since its been off the road so long I would go thru them before driving any distance. I would think with a weekends work you could get this rare car back out on the road and enjoy it as is or drive it while you restore it.
You don't see many old Comets on the road or even at shows any more, but when you do they are always little 6cyl sedans, never a 2 door hard top with a factory v8 & 4 speed. You will stand out in a sea of Camaros and Mustangs with this rare car. if you have any questions you can call me at 505 917 2375.
Please only bid if you have your funds in order and can complete the sale.
The car is being sold as is where is with no warranty. I do have a clean & clear New Mexico in my name in hand. If shipping the car, you must set it up and any and all costs are your responsibility, however I will be glad to help your shipper load the car.

A 200 non refundable deposit is due at the time of the sale and the balance is due with in 7 business days in the form of cash or verified funds.. However i will not release the car or the title until all funds have cleared my bank.
Thank you for looking