Charley Lillard 1970 Mercury Cyclone Spoiler

Charley Lillard’s 1970 Mercury Cyclone Spoiler

Charley Lillard wasn’t looking for another restoration project when he bought this 1970 Mercury Cyclone Spoiler. “It wasn’t even on my radar,” Charley says, “and then somebody pointed it out. It looked like a great survivor.”

Charley recognized the Super Cobra Jet-powered machine as an exceptionally rare and complete example of Mercury’s stylish muscle car when his friend brought the online ad to his attention. Charley figured it might be a good candidate for a simple paint job refresh before enjoying on the road.

“It appeared to be a really good survivor,” Charley says. “It wasn’t, but all the good parts were there. I ended up doing a full-blown restoration.”

Charley turned to Randy Archer in Phoenix for the restoration work – the same guy who had restored Charley’s ’66 Pontiac Bonneville, which was a Muscle Car of the Year finalist in 2018. “I just wanted to paint it and clean it up a little,” Charley says. “And then things got carried away and Randy did what Randy does – because he’s never satisfied.”

Charley Lillard 1970 Mercury Cyclone Spoiler

The restoration did include new Competition Blue paint – a rare color for a Cyclone Spoiler – plus a fresh white vinyl top and striping. Charley says that with an unusual car like this, it’s the little things that can hang you up – like damaged wheel opening moldings, which are not available in reproduction form. “I managed to find a set and restore them,” Charley says.


The rare 429c.i. Super Cobra Jet engine was in good shape – clean enough that Charley and Randy believe the 53,000 miles on the car’s odometer are original. Fresh gaskets, paint, and detailing were all that was needed to get the engine back to showroom condition. It’s fed by a Ram Air hood and four-barrel carb, breathes through dual exhaust, and is backed by a Toploader four-speed transmission sending power to a 3.91-geared Traction-Lok rearend. Charley located NOS hubcaps and trim rings and correct sport wheels, wrapping them in reproduction Firestone Wide Oval G70-14 tires. The original spare tire in the trunk has never been used.

Charley Lillard 1970 Mercury Cyclone Spoiler

Charley Lillard 1970 Mercury Cyclone Spoiler

The white vinyl upholstery on the high-back bucket seats is a nice contrast to the bright blue body. A console, Hurst shifter, and woodgrain wheel add to the sporty appearance, with a dash-mounted tach and other gauges keeping Charley informed on what’s happening under the hood.

Charley Lillard 1970 Mercury Cyclone Spoiler

 

Though it was an unintentional restoration journey, Charley is understandably happy with the outcome. “It’s probably the nicest one on the planet,” he quips. Not bad for a car that was only supposed to get a quick paint job.

Charley Lillard 1970 Mercury Cyclone Spoiler

Photos by John Jackson

Editor, Goodguys Gazette

Damon Lee began snapping photos at car shows when he was 10, tagging along with his father to events throughout the Midwest. He has combined his passion for cars and knack for writing and imagery into a 20-year career in the automotive aftermarket, writing for titles like Super Chevy and Rod & Custom and, more recently, working for respected industry leaders Speedway Motors and Goodguys Rod & Custom Association.