We got into a pretty good discussion about station wagons with a gearhead buddy this past weekend. He was claiming that the wagon “thing” was over and they were now in the overdone category. We of course called him an idiot, and will gladly wave this totally kick ass 1971 Mercury “Cyclone” Wagon that sports a 351 Cleveland motor and a 4-gear. Overdone our ass.

Obvioulsy the car has been built to be a “one of none” type theme, and that can swing either way. In this case it works to perfection. There is no Foose-ian paint work, it isn’t laying on its frame, there isn’t a goofy graphic or wheel tub in sight. It looks like a factory stock or super stock package that was never offered.

Cars that are brilliant and relatively simple like this one really rank high on our list of favorites. Put a strong motor (a mild 351 Cleveland in this case) in the front, back it with a decent crash box (a Toploader), feed it all into a good third member (3.89 geared, Ford 9-inch, with a Detroit Locker), and make some subtle exterior changes (factory scoop, air dam, dummy high beams to feed the motor, and a roof rack!), and you’re got a killer piece. The formula works, and here’s and example.

We’d commit a crime to own this thing (and we’d have to commit a crime to own this thing).

Source — RacingJunk.com Muscle Car Section — 1971 Mercury “Cyclone” Wagon