1962 Mercury Comet - S-22 Rare Sport Package - NO RESERVE

1962 Mercury Comet S-22 Additional Info:

1962 Mercury Comet S-22
First year of the S-22 Model Sport PackageBucket SeatsCenter Console170 inline 6 cylinder
There are 80 supersized, detailed photos of the car here:
https://erikslemon.smugmug.com/1962-Mercury-Comet/n-RxtJnF/
History:
I have owned the car for 14 months. I purchased it with the intent of restoring the car because my father had a '62 S-22 in the same white color. Unfortunately I have too many projects I am working on and I do not have the time to get started on this one. My loss is your gain. I am a motivated seller. I will be 100% forthcoming with this car as it is a project car. I will highlight all of the known issues and blemishes that I am aware of.
Mechanics:
When I purchased the car a year ago it started and ran well. Initially I drove it locally every day with no real issues. It has been sitting for about 9 1/2 months. Started the car for the first time today. Had to spray starter fluid in the carb, and it started, ran for a minute, and then stalled out. I do not have the time or energy to diagnose the problem, but I will try and post a video of the car turning over. Car has a new exhaust and gas tank (both installed a few weeks before I bought the car -- see pics).
Exterior:
Car is the original Sultana White with "Plasti-dip" rubber spray painted over by previous owner. Black paint can be removed with high-pressure sprayer. Underlying "Sultana White" paint is in good shape. The photos show a completely unwashed car. I was going to remove all of the plasti-dip paint and buff and polish the white paint before I listed the car, but I need the car gone. Chrome is pitting on the bumpers, but they are presentable from 10 feet. The side trimthat runs the length of the car, the window trim, windshield trim, and mirrors are all good shape. Car is missing the antennae. Wiper rubber will need to be replaced. The 6 tail lights will need new red plastic lenses. All of the chrome bezels are intact except for one. Tail lights are not wired correctly and will need new wiring. Front Grill is in decent shape and can be polished to look new. The photos should be able to tell you any other information that you need to know.
Interior:
Interior of the car needs to be completely redone. Upholstery is torn. Headliner is missing. Interior door upholstery panels are warped. All windows go up and down as they should. All levers are intact. Armrest trim is coming off and in some cases the armrests are falling from their mounts. Rear deck lid is missing upholstery and speakers. Steering wheel is separating at the joints, which according to the online forums is not a difficult fix -- S-22 steering wheels are worth a lot of money and are hard to find. Car will need new carpets. Drivers and passenger side floors are rusted through in some spots and have holes (see photos). Rear floors are fine. I took pictures of the undercarriage to illustrate that these seem to be the only spots that have rusted through. Radio is not working / no speakers. Missing gear switch arm and steering column gear select arm assembly is broken (new one included with the car).
Engine / Engine Bay:
Missing air cleaner. As mentioned before the car starts and runs for a very short period and then dies. I do not have the time or energy to diagnose the problem. Towers are in good shape. Oil filter changed a year ago. New plugs installed today. Horn works. Belts in good shape. This 170 ran great when she was being run every day.
Title:
Clear Tennessee title with antique Tennessee plate (exempt in Tennessee from yearly registration)
Vin Tag Decoder (http://www.tpocr.com/lincolnbp2.html):
Body: 62C - 2-Door sedan special S-22Color: M - Sultana WhiteTrim: 54 - BeigeAxle: 5 - 3.500:1 RatioTrans: 3 - Automatic
Vin Decoder (http://www.tpocr.com/lincolnvin2.html):2J17U5XXXXX2: 1962J: Los Angeles Plant17: 2-Door Sedan Special S-22U: 6 cylinder 170 1bb carb5XXXXX: Mercury Serial Number
Miscellaneous:
Tires have good amount of tread on them. Brakes worked as they should when car was parked to sit for 8 months. This car gets a lot of attention everywhere it goes. The beauty of this car is in it's uniqueness. Values have been going up on them consistently over the past couple years. Has a surprising amount of pep for a 170. A good friend of mine dropped a Hi-Po 289 in his and it smokes the tires. Lots of cool things can be done with this very cool little car.
Disclaimer:
Being that this is a project car there may be issues with the car that are not listed here. I have done my best to honestly point out any of the issues I see pertinent to the sale of this vehicle.
Purchasing:
Car transport and pickup will need to be arranged by the purchaser. The cost of shipping will be the sole responsibility of the purchaser. Car is available for local pickup.Deposit due within 24 hours of purchase. Complete payment due within 3 days of auction end.
Please don't hesitate to ask if you have any questions at all. I will try to answer them to the best of my ability.