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Unveiling the 1964 Mercury Caliente: A Blend of Style and Performance

The 1964 Mercury Caliente emerged as a beacon of American automotive prowess, a shining example of what happens when style meets performance. Born from the stables of Mercury, a division of the Ford Motor Company, the Caliente was introduced to the world as part of the Comet lineup. It was a time when muscle cars began to capture the hearts of auto enthusiasts, and the Caliente was Mercury's answer to this growing demand. With its sleek lines and robust engine options, it quickly became a symbol of mid-60s cool. A unique fact that car aficionados cherish is that the Caliente nameplate itself, meaning "hot" in Spanish, was a nod to its fiery spirit and performance capabilities.

Design and Innovation: The Artistry of the Caliente

The exterior styling of the 1964 Mercury Caliente was nothing short of striking. It boasted a long hood and short rear deck, a design ethos that exuded speed and elegance. The vehicle's side profile featured crisp lines that flowed seamlessly from front to rear, while chrome accents added a touch of sophistication. Inside, passengers were greeted with an interior that balanced comfort with sportiness. High-quality vinyl upholstery and well-crafted trim pieces spoke volumes about the attention to detail that went into each car. Technologically, it offered features like an optional multi-drive Merc-O-Matic transmission that set it apart from many competitors. Color options ranged from vibrant to subdued, with shades like Peacock Blue and Carnival Red being popular picks among buyers. The Caliente came in various body styles including coupes and convertibles, but it was the two-door hardtop that truly captured the essence of this model's allure.

Historical Significance: The Caliente's Mark on Automotive History

The 1964 Mercury Caliente made an indelible mark on automotive history with its blend of luxury and muscle. It stood out in a crowded market by offering a more upscale alternative to some of its bare-bones rivals. This approach paved the way for future vehicles that would seek to combine these elements, influencing designs for years to come.

Performance and Handling: The Heartbeat of the Caliente

Underneath its hood, the Caliente could come equipped with potent V8 engines that propelled it to impressive speeds for its era. While exact figures varied based on engine configuration, some models could achieve 0-60 mph in under 10 seconds—a commendable feat at the time. Drivers praised the car for its ability to handle various driving conditions with poise, thanks in part to its sturdy suspension system. Behind the wheel, one could expect to hear the satisfying rumble of power while enjoying a ride that was both responsive and smooth.

Ownership Experience: Living with a Legend

Owners of the 1964 Mercury Caliente often used their vehicles as daily drivers or weekend cruisers. Its reliability meant it could handle regular use with ease, though like any classic car, maintenance was key to preserving its condition. Parts were generally accessible due to its shared DNA with other Ford products, making repairs straightforward for those familiar with classic car upkeep.

Fun Facts: The Caliente's Unique Legacy

The Caliente holds several fun facts within its storied past. While not known for breaking speed records, it did break molds in terms of style and luxury in performance cars. Notable personalities were known to drive Comets, adding to their desirability. Criticisms were few but did include desires for even more power options and modern conveniences—features that would become standard in later models.

Collector's Information: The Value of Vintage

Today's collectors might find that locating a 1964 Mercury Caliente can be somewhat challenging due to production numbers that were lower than mass-market vehicles. While exact production figures are elusive, estimates suggest thousands rather than tens of thousands were made. Values vary widely depending on condition and originality but expect well-maintained examples to fetch anywhere from $15,000 to upwards of $30,000 or more at auction or private sale.

Conclusion: Celebrating an Iconic Classic

In summary, the 1964 Mercury Caliente stands as a testament to an era where cars were not just modes of transportation but expressions of personality and style. Its combination of aesthetics and performance has cemented its place in automotive history as a beloved classic worthy of admiration—and perhaps even a spot in your garage.

1964 Mercury Caliente Power Steering Stop Insulator. Die stamped. 1-7/16" O.D-BN 107-APower Steering Stop Insulator. Die stamped. 1-7/16" O.D., 1-1/16" I.D., .808 thick. Each

1964 Mercury Caliente Shock Absorber Grommet. 1-1/4" bottom O.D., 1" high-BN 12Shock Absorber Grommet. 1-1/4" bottom O.D., 1" high., with 3/4" I.D. Each

1964 Mercury Caliente Stabilizer Bar Bushings-BN 32-DStabilizer Bar Bushings. 1-9/16" long X 1-1/2" wide X 1-5/8" high, 15/16" I.D. Pair

1964 Mercury Caliente Hood Bumper. Made with steel core. Held by screw. Each-HF 40Hood Bumper. Made with steel core. Held by screw. Each

1964 Mercury Caliente Generator Boot. Replaces OEM #C1AZ10170B-RP 2-FGenerator Boot. Replaces OEM #C1AZ10170B. Note: Notch may have to be cut by purchaser. Each

1964 Mercury Caliente

1964 Mercury Caliente Door Lock Knob. Black Rubber. Each-RP 306Door Lock Knob. Black Rubber. Each

1964 Mercury Caliente Door Lock Knob. 1-1/2" high. Made of red rubber. Each-RP 306-ADoor Lock Knob. 1-1/2" high. Made of red rubber. Each

1964 Mercury Caliente Door Lock Knob. 1-1/2" high. Made of blue rubber. Each-RP 306-BDoor Lock Knob. 1-1/2" high. Made of blue rubber. Each

1964 Mercury Caliente Door Lock Knob. 1-1/2" high. Made of turquoise rubber-RP 306-CDoor Lock Knob. 1-1/2" high. Made of turquoise rubber. Each

1964 Mercury Caliente Door Lock Knob. 1-1/2" high. Made of beige rubber. Each-RP 306-DDoor Lock Knob. 1-1/2" high. Made of beige rubber. Each

1964 Mercury Caliente Brake Booster Boot. Each-RP 32-AABrake Booster Boot. Each

1964 Mercury Caliente Hood Bumper. Snap-in wire base like original. Each-SB 89-AHood Bumper. Snap-in wire base like original. Each

1964 Mercury Caliente Flexible Sweeper. Made of rubber-WC 23-/FTFlexible Sweeper. Made of rubber. Seal for outside of side window. Sold by the foot

1964 Mercury Caliente Flexible Sweeper. Made of rubber-WC 23-48Flexible Sweeper. Made of rubber. Seal for outside of side window. 48" Piece. Each

1964 Mercury Caliente Flexible Sweeper. Made of rubber-WC 23-96Flexible Sweeper. Made of rubber. Seal for outside of side window. 96" Piece. each