#8 – 1969 Mercury Cyclone CJ
Mercury may have had identity issues during its early years, but it found a place when it released the ’69 Cyclone. Offered with the option of a Cobra Jet engine only in ’69, this model and option are the king of the Cyclones. Once again in typical American muscle style, a big block engine was thrust into a midsize car – and boy did it fit just right. The shadow of older brother Ford wasn’t so big anymore. The kit on the CJ included the 428 Cobra Jet engine breathing through dual exhausts, a close-ratio four-speed manual transmission along with the Competition Handling Package.
Quick Fact: This car’s top speed is 116 mph and can go 0-60 in 5.5 seconds.