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1 of 11: Rare 1969 Mercury Montego MX

I can’t remember ever seeing a ’69 Montego convertible. And, for good reason. Only 1,725 Montego ragtops rolled off the assembly line in 1969. And what makes this fine survivor even rarer is the fact that it’s 1 of 11 big-block convertibles and the only one in this color (Dark Ivy Green Metallic) to leave the factory. Equipped with a 390-cubic-inch V8, this stunning mean green machine is located in Torrence, California, and is available here on eBay where bidding is already up to $15,600. A special thanks to Shawn Purkey for sending this tip our way.

Introduced in 1968 (when the rear bumper sticker ticket of Nixon/Agnew won the presidential election), the intermediate-sized Montego, named after the Montego Bay in Jamaica, was the twin of Ford’s Torino line. And although the Montego/Torino didn’t have the more youthful styling of their GM A-Body counterparts, they’re still attractive cars. Not a lot of the car’s history is provided from the seller, but he claims the car “runs and drives fine” and that he “could not find any rust and that it’s very clean and dry underneath.” Based on the photos, no rust is visible and the paint on the Montego’s long body (206.2” overall length) appears to be very good except for one small scratch which the seller shows in a photo. The chrome and trim also appear to be top notch. The seller shares that “the drivers front fender may be from a ’68; not sure, but the marker light aperture looks to be hand cut as opposed to stamped, it’s hard to tell.” There are no photos shown of car with the top up. The seller claims the power top works fine and says, “The convertible top is serviceable but would need replacement if a full restoration is desired.” Other confessions from the seller includes tires that are showing their age and should be replaced and some slight rust on one of the wheels.

The stylish black and woodgrain interior with vinyl bucket seats, a 4-speed shifter, and a sports console appears to be in great shape for a 52-year-old car. No issues are visible with the dash or carpet (or pooch-friendly back seat) either. On the “Needs To Be Fixed” list, the seller shares that the factory Whisper-Aire AC wasn’t working when he bought the car and has been removed, but comes with the bracket and hoses. The radio doesn’t work, the vacuum-driven climate control is not working and needs new vacuum lines, and the driver’s window regulator is described as “sloppy,” but a replacement one comes with the car.

The Montego’s engine bay looks clean and houses a 390-cubic-inch powerplant with a Holley 4-bbl carburetor. The 390 was the second largest engine option for 1969 and cranked out 320 horsepower at 4600 rpm. (The largest engine option was the CJ428 which came standard on the Montego Cyclone CJ fastback.) The mileage is listed as 25,323, but nothing is mentioned if that is original. The seller shares that the “engine runs very good but leaks oil slightly from the rear main, the manifold should be removed and properly fixed or replaced, and one of the exhaust flange studs is broken.” Lastly, the upfront seller states that the car needs a brake job and that new rotors and pads are included along with new wheel bearings and control arms. I’d have to agree with the seller that this is a “low effort project car for someone to take over the finish line and have a beautiful and unique car.” Add in its rarity (1 of only 11 big-block Montego convertibles made in 1969) and this head-turning drop top survivor is even more attractive. Could you be the next owner?

 

 

Comments

  1. Avatar David

    My goodness. This is really a nice car-certainly recognized as such. The lucky winner gets something pretty special here.

    Like 24
  2. Avatar Mitchell Gildea Member

    Drop the top and cruise

    Like 16
  3. Avatar Will Fox

    I bet it’s been over 40 years since I last saw one of these, and even then I’m not so sure I have. Very nice shape!

    Like 12
    • Avatar Gary Spicer

      I ordered a ‘69 Montego in December of ‘68. 390 4speed traction lok bench seat burnt orange/ black int. I’ve been looking for another for 40 yrs and this is the first 390 4speed I have seen. Let mine go in ‘75 with 36k miles. Still regret it!

      Like 1
  4. Avatar Boatman Member

    Welcome Ron! Nice job.

    Like 5
    • Avatar Ron Denny Staff

      Thank you; I appreciate the kind words. My aunt and uncle had a green ’68 Montego that they loved. I’ve always had a soft spot for Montegos..

      Like 4
  5. Avatar Jcs

    Such a refreshing change from the normal BS that we expose ourselves day in and day out.

    An upfront seller that is not afraid to represent his car in an honest way, warts and all.

    This is a very cool Mercury, I wish the seller all the best in this auction and sincerely hope that the priced realized is well beyond the sellers expectations.

    I love the fact that karma works both ways.

    Like 30
    • Avatar Steve R

      That’s probably because it’s being sold by the actual owner who has lived with the car day to day. Compare this ad to the 73 Mustang fastback featured right after this one. One ad is clearly written by an owner, the other by a flipper.

      Steve R

      Like 1
    • Avatar Gerard Frederick

      Are you sure karma works both ways? From your mouth to God´s ear!

      Like 0
  6. Avatar DRV

    This is fantastic all around. A muscle convertible no one else has. The Montego is a slutted upTorino , right? It sure is cool.

    Like 7
  7. Avatar Bob_in_TN Member

    Unique. Very cool. Classy color. Manual transmission. Needs some attention but doesn’t appear to be anything major. The other ten may or may not still exist. Might not be all that expensive. Someone will be happy with it.

    Like 13
  8. Avatar Snotty

    4 spd. Is the marshmallow in the bowl of lucky charms.

    Like 16
    • Avatar Rick Rothermel

      Maybe If Joe MANNIX hadn’t been a MoPar guy he’d’ve had this…

      Like 0
  9. Avatar Joe Sewell

    I’m bummed out when stuff stops working and it’s ignored or removed. Next, ‘the wheels stopped turning so we removed them’…..

    Like 3
  10. Avatar That Guy

    I see a nice one driving past my house pretty often on weekends. I didn’t realize they were so uncommon. The same guy has a beautiful ’55 Bel Air convertible. Often if I’m outside working on my own cars I’ll see him drive both within a few hours. It’s good they get regular exercise.

    Like 2
  11. Avatar Howie Mueler

    This baby will sell, does not say anything about a reserve.

    Like 2
  12. Avatar gaspumpchas

    Should scoot down the road nicely with that 390 4 speed. Rare here in the rust belt. Good luck and happy bidding.
    Cheers
    GPC

    Like 1
  13. Avatar Pat

    Just sold, 17,606.00 was last bid.

    Like 6
    • Avatar MattR

      I feel like I let the ‘big one’ get away.

      Like 1
    • Avatar Paul

      Still a bargain these days

      Like 0
  14. Avatar Steve Bush Member

    Almost bought a 1969 Montego in 1980 when I was living in Portland, OR; although that one was a basic white 2dr ht with a 302 auto w cloth interior and bench seat. It was on the used lot of a new car dealership and it was a Friday afternoon. With almost new Goodyear Eagle GTs w American mags it stood out and I figured I could knock a little off the dealer’s ask of $1300. After going for a test drive, we agreed to $1100 and I gave them a $50 deposit to hold the car until Monday when I’d be able to get a cashier’s check from my bank. Unfortunately, when I arrived on Monday to pick it up, they had switched to the stock tires w wheel covers, having apparently sold the nicer set w a similar car. Needless to say, I was somewhat upset and asked them how much they were willing to reduce the price. When they said to $1000; I offered $700 which they of course refused. So I got my $50 back and ended up buying a 1974 Olds Omega HB for $1900 a couple months later from a private owner.

    Like 1
    • Avatar Joe Sewell

      LOL!!! I would have preferred the car with the correct tires and wheel covers. My family owned a first year 1968 Montego MX Brougham Sedan, and loaded with nearly every option. 302 2bbl was adequate at the time. A great looking car and memorable as my parents owned it long after I left home.

      Like 0
      • Avatar Steve Bush Member

        You have to remember that was 1980, no one cared much about originality and the nicer wheels/tires looked way better. And even so for many years after that, I could have picked up a nice almost new stock set of wheels/tires for under $200.

        Like 0
  15. Avatar Bill McCoskey Member

    The big concern I saw in the description was the manifold needed to be R & R, but they don’t say if it’s intake or exhaust. Plus the exhaust stud broken off, if it’s broken off in the head, with nothing exposed to grab onto, to do the job correctly means pulling the cylinder head. If it’s the other exhaust manifold that needs R & R, chances are good that one will also have at least one stud break off. It’s a good chance this car will need both heads pulled in that case.

    If you do it yourself, it’s not that much of an expense, but if you need to pay a shop to do the job, that can get expensive.

    Replacing the A/C pieces and then changing the flex lines to accept R134a isn’t going to be a cheap & easy job either.

    But all said & done, this was a fair price for all involved.

    Like 1
  16. Avatar ROBERT ANDERSON

    I’m a little late to the party, here…

    This used to be my car. I bought it at the Pomona Car Swap in the early ’90s. I sold it to a ex-military man in Texas around 2007, maybe 2008.

    $17,606.00 is a lot more than I paid for it and a lot more than what I sold it for through eBay, a long time ago…

    The mileage would be 125,323 with very few miles added on since I sold it – I believe I have a photo of the odometer reading 22222.2…

    The original plates on the car when I bought it were CA white plates: “RAREMX”

    Kudos to the new owner!

    Like 0
  17. Avatar Dan

    For anyone interested. I own one of those 11 and may want to sell. Mine is a auto tran (C6). However, was ordered with optional Merc rims making the car a one of one. Marti Report verified. Owned this car 40yrs. Bought from original owner in Denver.
    Any interest?

    Like 0
    • Avatar ROBERT ANDERSON

      Any pictures to share? …mileage? …color combo?

      Like 0

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