Sometimes, a car that got away can make us wish things had turned out differently. But not always. Which brings me to another TOTGA – a car that was one of The Ones That Got Away.
I have trouble dating this one, but I think it may have been the summer of 1978. I had just graduated high school and was working for the summer. But more importantly, I was in the process of turning my First Car into my Forever Car. I had bought a 1967 Ford Galaxie 500 convertible in February of 1977. It was a nice car, but carried the scars of being a midwestern car that had seen ten winters of salt spray and everyday use. I knew that if I could fix the blemishes on its otherwise straight body, my life would be perfect and I would have the most beautiful car in the world, and I would hug it and squeeze it and call it (my) Ford forever.
Sadly, the subject of this tale was not as nice as this example . . .
My convertible went to the body shop at the beginning of summer, after I had stripped it of all of its trim. Thus began a difficult summer. I had become accustomed to going where I wanted when I wanted with my own car. Without my own car, this became more of a problem. My mother had a car, but she no longer had a job where she could ride the bus to work as had been the situation when I first got my license. I mostly bummed rides from friends and family, but that got really old really fast. The solution seemed plain to me: All of my problems could be solved by another car.
. . . but at least it was nicer looking than this one.
I know – this other car would only be required for a month or six weeks. But I could always sell it, right? Or drive it and save my perfect convertible. Just as there was Craigslist in the 90’s, the Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette was there to provide a daily dose of “Cars for Sale” in the classifieds. They were helpfully arranged from oldest to newest, which saved time for those of us into something old and interesting. And in truth, I had never really stopped reading them from about the age of fourteen or fifteen. My criteria was something that would be old, practical and cheap. Not necessarily in that order.
When I saw the ad for the 1960 Comet, I was intrigued. It was located not far from my house. I have forgotten the back story, but it was, well, a 1960 Comet and therefore different from a boring Falcon. It was old enough that it had some decidedly classic features like the white steering wheel and the fascinating grille with the wide-set headlights I had never noticed. I think it was a 2-door, but I don’t actually remember.
The cool stuff was that it was black with a surprisingly up-market look to the black and white vinyl interior. And how could anyone not love the cat’s eye taillights? It was a 3-speed, so something with a clutch, and thus simple. The little 144 cid six meant that it would be economical.
It was not perfect, of course – far from it, actually. It was kind of crusty around the lower fenders, including what looked like some very amateur rust repair. There were some torn seams in the seats, though the back seat was in pretty decent shape. Oddly, the trunk would not open. Something was happening when the key turned, but it felt like something in the latch mechanism had broken and was hanging up on something else. And it blew a little oil smoke out of the tailpipe and I don’t think the tires were any too good. I think the guy wanted about $550 for it. I knew what I didn’t know and asked if I could take it somewhere else to let someone look at it.
It was a Saturday in the early afternoon, and earlier asked my car-mentor Howard if he would be home so I could bring a car around. He lived on the other side of Fort Wayne, but a good shake-down drive would have me better prepared for that second opinion I was seeking. I remember the light steering and how fun and nimble the car felt from behind the wheel. After spending time piloting big cars, this felt like a sports car. Yeah, I know. It was fairly quick away from a traffic light with its really low gearing, but once I got past downtown and the speed limits went up, I realized that 144 cubic inches was not a lot.
The weather started to sprinkle some rain, which was when I discovered that the Comet had vacuum windshield wipers. I have always been a windshield wiper geek and loved the idea of vacuum wipers – for the novelty, if nothing else. I had grown up hearing adults reminisce about them (with a laugh, like “can you believe what we used to put up with?”) Oh well, it was a short-term car so I figured I would be fine with them. I was less fine when I started to realize that they were not very helpful at clearing the windshield while trying to get 50 mph out of 144 cubic inches after a traffic light turned green. Vacuum was not in abundance in that circumstance, and neither was a clear windshield. And I was sure I could find a good wiper arm for the passenger side to replace the one with the broken spring that kept it from doing any real work.
Howard was in the driveway when I pulled in. I could see immediately that he was not impressed. It became apparent to me pretty quickly that he and I were looking at two different Comets. I was seeing one like this – the car in the brochures, with my eye and mind filtering out all of the wear and tear of this scruffy example.
Howard was seeing the actual car. “This thing has a lot of blow-by. That engine is tired.” he said as we saw the fumes chuffing from the road draft tube. Things took a bad turn when he learned that the trunk would not open. “I don’t think you can assume that would be an easy fix. I don’t know why you would be interested if you can’t even get into the trunk.”
We got it out on the road. We were maybe 50 yards from his driveway when he pointed out the way the shift lever kind of vibrated up and down in your hand when it was in any gear. “This transmission is worn out. This shift lever should be smooth when your hand is on it, especially in a Ford.” I don’t think he even made it to the end of the street before we turned around.
I was feeling pretty chastened even before Howard dropped the hammer: “I’m really disappointed – I don’t know why you would even bring this thing out here.” At that moment, I would have been perfectly happy if the ground had opened and both the Comet and I were swallowed by the Earth, never to reappear. But the Earth did not open, and with the soreness that comes from a mild tongue-lashing from someone I respected, I gamely drove the Comet back to its owner.
The drive back wasn’t nearly as fun as the drive out, and all of the things Howard had pointed out as problems were now apparent to me, though they should have been earlier. I had to admit that the car just had too many problems to be taken seriously for any price much over $50 or $75, which was the price then of a used car that was six tanks of gas away from the scrapper . The body was a problem (rust and the messed-up trunk latch). The worn/torn interior was a problem. And the running gear was a problem. There really wasn’t anything about this car that made it worth money, other than it being a 1960 Comet. The owner wasn’t happy with me either because I had been gone longer than he had expected. I got in my mother’s Pontiac and drove home after a thoroughly miserable experience.
Well, not thoroughly miserable. I got about 45 minutes of wheel time in a 1960 comet. Not a good 1960 Comet, of course. But I was of the mindset that even experience in a bad Comet is better than no experience in a Comet at all. I could see the car’s appeal – or the appeal it would have had if only it had been an example that had lived an easier life. But I still remember the little car, and how much I liked it. I am quite sure that my life was better for not having owned this one. I wish I could say that this was the last car that I had a hand in buying that should never have been bought. Long ago I discovered one of life’s rules: Nobody ever learned anything by being told something. However, sometimes being told something will jog loose something you already know. Which is how I avoided a thorough cleansing of my wallet by that 1960 Comet.
Note – none of these photos is of the actual car that is the subject of the story.
What a nice story JPC, with a nice subject. I do not think I have ever seen one in real life. That is one of the great things about Curbside Classic, you learn about cars all the time. Love the taillights of this car.
Had to smile about you being a “windshield wiper geek” – I am sure you will love this Panhard’s system: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fxU3KbSHH3o
Funny was also the mention of the Comet being “a little car”. It has a length of 194.5″, which is exactly 20″ more than a car I am familiar with which was called “a big saloon” in its days (1963 Triumph 2000).
Hoping for more TOTGAs to come!
I Love those wipers, Dion!
The extended wheelbase of the Comet was a revelation to me as an adult. I always thought of this car (wrongly, I now know) as a Falcon with a cooler rear end. It is funny that Ford’s early cars in the category we would now call mid-sized always seemed petite to me. Perhaps part (or most) of it is their styling, which disguises the bulk there. I had grown up in a 1964 Oldsmobile Cutlass on a 115 inch wb, and even as I drove this Comet, it seemed an entire size-class down from that Cutlass despite having a wheelbase only 1 inch shorter. Actual size vs. perceived size would be a good topic to explore some time.
While the the wheelbase is close, the Olds is 8 inches longer & 3 inches wider.
Basing car size categories on wheelbase is far from reliable. Some cars have short wheelbases but tall roomy bodies. The 108″ wb Ramblers (1955-1962) had interior space that was comparable to mid-size cars. And this Comet, although it had its rear wheels extended back some, it had the exact same interior dimensions as the Falcon. There was no useful gain form this 7″ longer wheelbase, except for perhaps a somewhat longer trunk.
Even today, at the ripe old age of 67, I am surprised and disappointed when old cars that I have lusted after since my teens turn out to be quite different from what I recall when seeing them in jr high and high school.
I learned, a lonnngggggg time ago, to take someone else with me when checking out old cars.
Perception vs reality…….
” Nobody ever learned anything by being told something.
Yea, experience is a great teacher for most people. But some of us make the same mistake more than once. ‘Nuff said about that!
My memory of an almost identical ’61 Comet (blue/4 door/three speed stick) was that it was a simple, easy to work on little car. Little to me compared to my ’57 Olds, ’53 Chrysler, and my mother-in-law’s ’59 Ford Galaxie.
It did smoke a lot through that road breather/draft tube, and had a loosey-goosey feeling to the steering and front suspension, but compared to my former cars, it had far fewer faults than I was used to experiencing, so it was fine by me.
But my wife (at that time) did not like it, so it was soon to be gone replaced by something bigger, better, and with an automatic transmission.
Oddly enough, the vacuum wipers did not bother me. My Oldsmobile had them too, so maybe I just got used to them or went light on the throttle when I needed to see.
In a way you drove the compact Edsel.
I wonder how many of the original gen Comets (1960-1963) are still left on the roads today? This and the Falcon were neat, simple cars and I’ve always liked them. I see a Falcon once in a while but don’t know that I’ve ever seen an original gen Comet on the streets before.
I never noticed it before, but, man, does it look like Chrysler lifted the grille straight from the 1960 Comet for the 1962 Dodge Custom 880.
As to the vacuum windshield wipers, those actually act somewhat similar to today’s much more sophisticated speed-sensing wipers that slow down when waiting at a stoplight, then speed up to normal wiping speed with the engine running faster than idle, which matches how intense the rain hitting the windshield might be.
Make that the 1964 Custom 880.
How so? I would think that with engine vacuum the most you would have would be at a stop light when the throttle plate is closed (max vacuum) and minimum would be on hard acceleration and driving fast (throttle plate open – min vacuum). Don’t think I ever drove a car with this set up so geniunely curious.
My brother had a 1960 Comet two door. It was black with a red interior 3 speed on the column and that big white steering wheel. He bought it for cheap money around 1971 and was its final owner. I found out in later years that the white steering wheel was an upgrade over the standard black one that was usually seen.
My Mom’s best lady friend had a black one, like above. Also, women who sold my family our first house had an off-white one. I remember the tail lamps, plus we have a picture of her car, when we moved in and she was moving last minute stuff out.
Didn’t know until recent years that there were still Comets in 1968-69, based on Montego body. The base 2 door was shown in Collectible Automobile, but never seen one IRL.
“…a used car that was six tanks of gas away from the scrapper.”
That’s a great turn of phrase that I’m going to have to appropriate sooner or later, thanks. It’s precise, concise, and provides a perfect mental image.
Cars should have two names. Especially Comet. It isn’t Cher. Or Charo.
Always good to get a second opinion. Good on Howard to be straight forward with you as I’ve been in a similar position of providing an opinion on a vehicle. A few times actually.
The Mercury Comet was a hit for the brand and first generation sales helped Mercury big time. My father’s first car was a 62 Comet 4 door sedan with the 170 6 cylinder. I really liked that car and got to drive it a lot years later when I obtained my license at age 16. That was until I put the car into a brick wall one winter afternoon fooling around with some buddies in a shopping centre parking lot. Flattened the front a little, but reparable. Dad said no.
Light blue with a black and white interior cloth/vinyl interior that car took us on many highway trips including two runs to eastern Canada and the US. It was very reliable too. It looked exactly like the picture I’ve attached.
Great story! You certainly have a very entertaining writing style.
There is an exhibit (or at least there used to be) at the Center of Science and Industry Museum (COSI) in Columbus OH that had a Mercury Comet. It was an outside exhibit with the Comet on a balance beam to demonstrate the concept of leverage. Little kids were always in awe that they could lift that Comet by pulling down on a cable.
Here’s a link to the exhibit. https://cosi.org/exhibits/classic-exhibits/big-science-park
Howard is a killjoy curmudgeon! I think you should have followed your dream and gone for it!
The plan was to keep it for just a few months–how bad could it be?
The ’62 Comet I got from my mother in ’84 (170, automatic) had some of the same “maladies” that this ’60 had: blow-by smoke, steering that was somewhat less than precise, fender rust, split seams on the seats (which I sewed back together), etc. Plus other problems like a cracked exhaust manifold. Despite all that, I drove the Comet with very little trouble for 5 years!
I now have this ’58 Ford Custom 300 with a six, power steering, automatic. It’s rather Comet-like in certain details. Now I’m wondering how it drives compared to a 1st gen. Comet. It’s been so long since I drove the ’62 Comet that it’s hard to compare now. I’m thinking the ’58 Ford is a better car than the Comet. But if a nice 60-61 Comet appears for sale in my local area, I just might bite!
One thing I learned–trust your gut and don’t get too swayed by others’ opinions!
I remember the one I had, it looked nice but I lived on a steep hill and it was bog slow .
The problem with being handy at fixing things means you tend to ignore the obvious warning signs, why I rarely pay over scrap value for any vehicle : it’s a given I’m going to tinker it back to full health and nearly always $pend more than it’ll ever be worth .
-Nate
Times two! Only I’ll pay more than scrap value for the car. I hope I get to own a Comet someday; I like all of them from ’60-’65, as I’ve mentioned a million times before.
So true, your point about nobody ever learned something by being told. There are many corollaries to that relate to effective pedagogy and education in general.
I don’t believe I’ve ever seen a Comet of that generation. To me, it seems an odd design where the front seems to be in the 1960s and the rear is bringing along the 1950s. At least from the sideview. Those tail lights are mighty cool.
And that instrument cluster…very nice. The more I drive current cars and see what passes for instrument clusters, the more I think that some manufacturer could do well if they introduced a “retro” design that had actual gauges and something other than a video screen to look at.
Well thank goodness for Howard. You were very lucky to have a car mentor at that age, if I’d had one maybe that would have prevented me from making some costly and embarrassing errors. In fact I could probably use one today as I am constantly temped by cheap projects.
That being said I am a big fan of the early Comet, those cats eye taillights are a fantastic detail.
An aunt and uncle had a Comet with those cat’s eye taillights back in the mid 1960s. They lived out of town so I didn’t get to see it often. The car was a bluish green color. Not quite aqua, but close. I’m sure I’ve seen other ones in the metal, but it’s been a long, long time. A cat’s eye Comet makes occasional appearances in street scenes on The Andy Griffith Show.
Comet and Meteor were some of the best 60s FMC smaller cars. Never had one, but you mentioned a Ford. Once owned 72 LTD convert in great condition when purchased in 82,except for top and front seat. A second car, had top with glass rear window installed and was lucky to have local trim shop (try finding one today) match and replace front seat! Only drove it in summer. After a few years finances and logic convinced me to sell. Just one of multiple stories from me of THE ONE THAT GOT AWAY!
I’m a hockey player, and there was/is a team called the Ft. Wayne Komets, IIRC? Anyhow, nice story, and I’ll get back to it! (=
Comet and Meteor were great smaller cars of the 60S. Never owned one. But once had a 72 LTD convert. Bought it in 84, in great shape except for top and front seat. Had new top (with glass window) installed and local trim shop (try finding one today) matched and installed front seat. Only drove it in summer (MIDWEST) and stored in winter. After a few years, finances and practicality took over and sold to a collector. Hopefully it’s still out there being appreciated 🏆 This is just one of my many stories of THE ONE THAT GOT AWAY! 😔 😥🚗 🚘 😎
Sad that even after 50 plus years of being a car I still get suckered. Recently feel in love with a low miles 2003 Aztek. Perfect paint, body, clean interior, and drove nice. First owner was an engineer at The GM Tech Center in Warren-great backstory.Thought I looked closely enough underneath- nope! Back corners of both of sides of the unibody at the doors were dust. Always up for a challenge, I decided to make the purchase and hone my welding/fabrication skills.Thank goodness my son is in automotive votech and is fixing the head gasket-intake gasket failure that was called out in ad.
Sad that even after 50 plus years of being a car guy I still get suckered. Recently feel in love with a low miles 2003 Aztek. Perfect paint, body, clean interior, and drove nice. First owner was an engineer at The GM Tech Center in Warren-great backstory.Thought I looked closely enough underneath- nope! Back corners of both of sides of the unibody at the doors were dust. Always up for a challenge, I decided to make the purchase and hone my welding/fabrication skills.Thank goodness my son is in automotive votech and is fixing the head gasket-intake gasket failure that was called out in ad.
I enjoyed reading this. I think Howard helped you dodge a bullet, although I guess it was hard for you to see at the time. I remember a guy who was a year older than I was and his first car in 1976 was a ’60 Comet. He was 18 and had a part time job pumping gas a few blocks from my house. His car was easy to spot. The car was white with the words Vomit Comet spray painted in black on both sides. I’m sure there was a story there somewhere but I never found out. The closest I came to a Comet was my older brother’s first car, a barebones ’60 falcon which he ran the crap out of from 1967 to 1969. It withstood lots of punishment and didn’t leave him down
The “Vomit Comet” was the last bus back to the Military base in the 60’s and 70’s .
Weird memories there .
-Nate
I remember tired cars like this all too well. FWIW, the little Falcon 144 six seemed to have worn out a bit faster than average back then, but then it was working harder than average.
Comet and Meteor were great FMC small cars! Never owned one as tastes always went to larger vehicles. But you mentioned Ford convertible. In 84, purchased 72 LTD convert in great shape except for roof and front seat. Local trim shop replaced roof including glass rear window and matched vinyl to replace front seat. Try finding a shop like that TODAY! Loved that car, but drove only in summer. Stored in Midwest winters. After a few years, finances and logic convinced me to sell to a collector! Like to think 🤔 it’s still out there being lovingly appreciated! Just one of my ONE THAT GOT AWAY stories!😔 😢
Ford Falcon was already ugly , Mercury improved and magnified ugliness in this comet
The Falcon was a cute car that was unlike most cars prior to its introduction. It was also significantly lower priced than standard cars. The comment was designed as an Edsel and had tail lights reminiscent of the Edsel wagons. Word “ugly” needs to be qualified based on The time period of these cars. Neither was ugly in 1960 standards.
At least the Falcon and Comet did not get saddled with wraparound windshields.