Mercury Cyclone Spoiler II
The Mercury Cyclone Spoiler II was Ford's answer to Dodge's Charger Daytona in the NASCAR aero wars of 1969-1970. To qualify for NASCAR's Grand National series, manufacturers had to produce at least 500 street versions. Mercury responded with the Spoiler II, featuring radical aerodynamic modifications including a flush-mounted rear window, extended front nose, and distinctive rear wing.
Two special editions honored NASCAR drivers: the Dan Gurney Special in Bright Blue with dark blue reflective stripes, and the Cale Yarborough Special in Wimbledon White with red reflective stripes. Both featured special graphics and signatures on the rear wing. The extended nose improved high-speed stability, while the flush rear window and wing reduced drag and added downforce.
Under the hood, most Spoiler IIs came with the 428 Cobra Jet engine, though the 429 was also available. The Cobra Jet featured a hydraulic-lifter cam, 735-cfm Holley carburetor, and low-restriction exhaust. The aerodynamic improvements gave Mercury's NASCAR teams a competitive edge, and Cale Yarborough went on to win several races in race-prepared Cyclones.
With only 519 Spoiler IIs built (353 Dan Gurney editions, 166 Cale Yarborough editions), these cars are exceptionally rare. The radical styling wasn't to everyone's taste in 1969, hurting sales, but today collectors prize them as the ultimate expression of the aero war era. The Spoiler II represents a brief moment when NASCAR homologation requirements led to some of the wildest street cars ever produced.
Verify authenticity through Marti Report and original documentation. Check for correct aerodynamic nose, flush rear window, and wing mounting. Original paint and graphics are critical to value. Dan Gurney editions slightly more valuable due to higher production. Watch for rust in quarter panels and trunk. Many had hard lives and were damaged or modified. Nose and wing parts are reproduced but expensive. Original drivetrain documentation essential.
Total production: 519 units. 353 Dan Gurney Specials (Bright Blue), 166 Cale Yarborough Specials (Wimbledon White). All were SportsRoof body style with special aerodynamic modifications.