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Not long ago Edo unveiled its 996 Turbo conversion kit. A couple of months later, and they’ve realized that that was so … 996. Now it’s time for their 997 Turbo package, called simply, “Shark.” Horsepower goes from 480 to 550, and torque gets twisted up to 460 lb-ft to 583. Top speed is claimed to be around 210 mph. Outside, the package is rather understated, but of course we’re talking about a car that looks half aftermarket when it leaves the factory. An altered front valance and front lip, a revised rear spoiler, and quad pipes are about it. If you don’t include “edo competition” written on the sides, that is. We don’t know how much the upgrade costs, but if you’re spending what we’re sure is “that kind of money,” you could always get 20 more hp and 8 more lb-ft with Rinspeed’s white Turbo number.
[Source: Edo Competition]
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While the demise of Mercury might be a big deal on a slow news day before a holiday weekend, let’s face facts: If people truly cared about the brand, Ford wouldn’t be putting it out to pasture. Those who do have deep emotional attachments to the marque tend to be car collectors, those folks who remember when the Roman god of speed was still featured prominently on the cars. That affection is nothing to sneer at, as enthusiasts have driven the values of some antique Mercury models into the six figures. Here’s a list of the top five, with pricing information sourced from Hagerty’s Cars That Matter.
Photoholic1
Resembling the popular“Woody” station wagons of the time, the Sportsman Convertible was a great idea. But sales were slow, making this rare bird — only 205 sold — the most valuable Mercury extant.
Valued at: $365,000
Jerbec
The first new post-war design, the’49 Merc was loved by contemporary hot-rodders for both its looks and powerful flathead V8. The novelty of a two-door Woody wagon makes it unsurprising that this model is now highly prized.
Valued at: $113,000
Blackhawk Automotive
The Turnpike Cruiser (pictured on the left) was the top-of-the-line Mercury model. Designed to improve the brand’s image, it was loaded with “futuristic” power features including a pushbutton transmission. The convertible was originally designed as the 1957 Indianapolis 500 pace car, and positive public reaction gave Ford reason to put it into production.
Valued at: $112,000
Donut Derelicts
The Comet was just a cheap compact sibling to the Ford Falcon, but when fitted with a V8 engine it became the high-performance Cyclone. Holman Moody was Ford’s racing team, and it built just a handful of drag race cars, which scrapped the standard V8 in favor of Ford’s 427-cubic-inch racing engine.
Valued at: $155,000
Alden Jewell
The Cougar was the“Mercury Mustang,” a larger, plusher pony car. Only two Cougars were built with Ford’s baddest big-block V8, making this among the rarest of muscle cars.
Valued at: $112,700