In our last article we talked about the value of the Ford Aero cars from 1969 and how they fall way below the similar Mopar branded cars. However, we did not mention the differences between the cars within the Ford brand in 1969. Also not discussed was the change in values of the Blue Oval cars over the last 6 to 7 years during the recession.

For statistical data we simply went to one resource, Hagerty Insurance Valuation Tool. Since they are in the business to insure collector cars it only makes good sense that they must stay reasonably current on values of each car.

The cars included in this discussion are the 1969 Ford Talladega, 1969 Mercury Cyclone Spoiler, 1969 Mercury Cyclone Spoiler II, 1969 Mercury Cyclone Cale Yarborough, 1969 Mercury Cyclone Dan Gurney. Please note that for some reason Hagerty has the Yarborough and Gurney editions listed separate from the Spoiler and Spoiler II designations. For the purpose of this discussion we are not considering the Spoiler and Spoiler II values only those for the Yarborough and Gurney editions (these were the higher values).

We can see that the Talladega enjoys approximately a $10,000 premium over the two Mercury signature editions. This probably is due to the Talladega’s 428 CJ engine. All Spoiler IIs and most Spoilers have the 351 Windsor. However, there are 390 and 428 CJ and even the 428 CJ Ram Air in some Spoilers as well as 4 speeds were only available in the Spoiler. Unfortunately for Mercury owners while the Dega has increased in value during this time the Mercury cars have stayed almost flat.

We all know that the big block cars bring more money than the 351s and the Talladega is not well know but is better known to most car folks than the Spoiler and Spoiler II cars. There have been far fewer Spoiler and Spoiler II cars available for sale over the past few years than there Talladegas. There were far fewer Dan Gurney and Cale Yarborough Spoilers and Spoiler IIs built than Talladegas. In our Registry there are but 5 or 6 Dan Gurney Spoilers registered compared to nearly 100 Talladegas.

Here are my questions for you: (please leave your answers in the comment section below)

1. Given the prices listed here would you be more likely to purchase one of the Mercury Aero Cars or a Talladega?
2. Are the price differences justified?
3. If you could only purchase one Mercury Spoiler or Spoiler II would you want a Yarborough or Gurney?
4. Given 4 cars to choose from, all in the exact same condition which one would you purchase?

• Ford Talladega, color of your choice at $52,000.
• Mercury Spoiler 428 CJ (your choice of Yarborough or Gurney) at $50,000.
• Mercury Spoiler 351 (your choice of Yarborough or Gurney) at $35,000.
• Mercury Spoiler II (your choice of Yarborough or Gurney) at $35,000.

The Talladega, Condition 2 value in 2006 was $45,000 and up to $52,000 in 2013.

Here is some of the confusion. I have no idea who they give values to the Spoiler and Spoiler II separate from the Yarborough and Gurney designations. However, the Cale Yarborough Special was valued at $35,000 in 2006 and $36,500 in 2013.

The Dan Gurney Special was $35,000 in 2006 and $36,500 in 2013.

Regardless of values and investment opportunities; which one of the cars listed on this page would you prefer to own, drive and show? (Talladega, what color? Spoiler, engine, Yarborough or Gurney? Spoiler II, Yarborough or Gurney?)

Please add your comments and suggestions below!