This week's Nice Price or No Dice Cyclone stands out as a rust-free example that keeps its factory engine and stays almost entirely original, per the seller. We will explore what price such a discovery could demand.

In the movie 'Forrest Gump,' the central figure portrayed by the widely admired actor Tom Hanks enjoyed running. This habit secured him a place on his university football squad, aided his safe passage through the Vietnam conflict, and transformed him into a modest public figure after he chose to jog nationwide seeking inner peace. The longer his journey continued, the greater the admiration he attracted.

With 155,000 miles recorded, the 2004 Volvo V70R examined last Thursday drew limited enthusiasm. Many felt those miles exceeded what they sought in an older performance wagon priced at $16,000. Ultimately, despite its appeal, the Volvo received a 70 percent 'No Dice' verdict due to the mileage.

Mercury rising

Pure classic collector vehicles appear infrequently in these pages, since they appeal mainly to a narrow audience. Nevertheless, this 1971 Mercury Cyclone Spoiler proves bold enough and sufficiently well preserved to merit consideration.

The model's background matches the car's striking looks in its eccentricity. Mercury offered the Cyclone across just eight years, yet the name covered five separate generations in that time. Launched in 1964 as the performance variant of the compact Comet, the Cyclone gained independent standing in 1967. Positioned between the pony-car Cougar and the full-size Marquis, it served as Mercury's muscle offering and backed that claim with NASCAR victories.

Like most muscle cars of the period, the Cyclone succumbed to federal rules. The 1971 model year marked its final appearance as an independent line. The next year the name became a performance option on the Montego, after which it vanished.

Ram induction

Finished in Competition Orange (with Competition Blue, Yellow, Green, and Gold also offered), this Cyclone carries the Spoiler package. That shows clearly in the trunk-lid spoiler and front air dam. For anyone still uncertain, a side stripe ends with the Cyclone Spoiler lettering, and a matching decal sits on the trunk lid. Additional Spoiler features include a gauge cluster with a 140-mph speedometer and 8,000-rpm tachometer plus sport bucket seats.

The seller notes the desirable 351 Cleveland V8. While the 250-horsepower unit performs well, it was the standard engine. The optional 429-cubic-inch version would have been even more sought after. On the positive side, the 351C wears a ram-induction air cleaner, remains the original powerplant, and pairs with a four-speed top-loader manual transmission. The ad states that gearbox is not the original unit.

An unspoiled Spoiler

Matching the car's heritage, the seller supplies substantial history. The current owner acquired it several years ago from collector Rich Rodek, described as noted for outstanding survivor cars and dedication to originality.

Photos in the listing support that reputation. The paint appears excellent, as do the stripes and aerodynamic pieces. This Cyclone generation featured the most dramatic styling, with its pronounced nose and gunsight grille. Plain steel wheels with center caps and trim rings support the car and wear raised white-letter BFG tires of unknown age.

Beneath the hood the engine bay shows minor wear yet stays complete and free of unnecessary modifications. The interior, by contrast, looks factory new and includes a Hurst T-handle on the console shifter.

The car lacks air conditioning, yet the brake-pedal graphic confirms power-assisted front discs. It also offers a clean title, a low 74,000 miles, and the original factory build sheet. Only 353 such sheets were issued for this model year, underscoring its scarcity.

Cash to dash?

Given the car's history and condition, it will not suit every buyer. This is not an impulse acquisition for occasional cruise nights. Rather, it targets a collector who values the era or uncommon Mercurys, or both. Such enthusiasts exist. The key question remains whether one would pay the $65,000 asking price. While the sum is modest for a collector such as Jay Leno, 1970s muscle cars rank low on many priority lists. More than most vehicles, this example requires the right owner.

What is your view? Does this Cyclone merit the $65,000 figure and generate strong interest, or will the price limit its appeal?

You decide!

San Francisco Bay Area, California, Craigslist listing.

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