This 1974 Mercury Montego MX Brougham could be ideal for enthusiasts with a growing family. It combines spotless presentation with acres of interior space and the practicality of four doors. However, with only 10,000 genuine miles on its odometer, its overall presentation is consistent with the seller’s statement that it is a museum-quality survivor. It is set to find a new home, with the seller listing the Montego here on eBay in Saugatuck, Michigan. They set their BIN at $17,900 with the option to make an offer.
The Montego badge first appeared in Mercury’s range as a standalone model for the 1968 model year. A Second Generation graced showrooms from 1972 until 1976, with this Montego MX Brougham rolling off the line in 1974. It makes a striking visual statement, courtesy of its premium Gold Glamour Metallic paint and the matching vinyl top. The seller claims that this Mercury has a genuine 10,000 miles showing on its odometer, and the car’s overall condition seems to support that. The paint is free from significant deterioration and defects, while the panels are laser-straight. The vinyl has withstood the passage of time without splitting, and the first owner’s decision to apply Polyguard Rustproofing when it was new has allowed this classic to remain rock-solid. I have always found the larger bumpers required during this period due to legislative requirements quite cumbersome. However, it is fair to say that vehicles within this market segment carry them better than smaller models. The remaining trim is in good order, and the tinted glass is clear.
The 1974 Montego MX range was V8-only territory, with buyers offered a choice of five motors. The undoubted king was the 460ci V8, which joined the range for this model year. This car’s first owners struck a compromise, ignoring the entry-level 302ci powerplant in favor of the 351-2V. This engine should generate 163hp and 278 ft/lbs of torque, with shifting duties falling to a three-speed automatic transmission. The original Window Sticker included in the sale confirms that they also splashed extra cash on power assistance for the steering and the front disc brakes. The seller purchased this classic from the original owner after it had spent many years in storage. That makes the claimed odometer reading of 10,000 miles sound plausible in the possible absence of verifying evidence. Its revival included a complete fluid change, servicing the fuel system, along with replacing the tank and pump. One item that remains unchanged is the tires, which are said to be original. That’s a nice touch, but I would probably source a second set of wheels and tires for regular use, because rubber with that many years behind it may be prone to failure.
The seller doesn’t mention verifying evidence for their mileage claim, but this Montego’s Saddle vinyl interior appears to support it. There is almost undetectable carpet wear under the driver’s feet, and that is as bad as it gets. The upholstered surfaces are spotless, the dash and pad appear faultless, and the image gallery in the listing confirms that nobody has used the lighter or ashtray. It isn’t heavily optioned, even by the standards of the period. However, the first owner equipped this Brougham with air conditioning, a rear defroster, an electric clock, a driver’s side remote exterior mirror, and an AM radio. There are no aftermarket additions, and no mention of functional issues beyond the fact that the untouched A/C only blows cool.
This 1974 Mercury Montego MX Brougham is a wonderful survivor, although its condition and the low odometer reading haven’t translated into strong interest if the listing statistics are an accurate guide. It is worth noting that an online search confirms that this is the seventh time they have offered the Mercury for sale since the start of August, and the price has remained unchanged throughout that process. I won’t say that the seller is desperate, but that fact may mean that they are more receptive to respectable offers than they may have been a few months ago. It is always worth asking the question, because what is the worst that they can say?
That’s my kind of car. Great write-up as always, Adam! I wish it had the fantastic Montego brocade seat fabric (not in green but a matching color), but otherwise, this is a gem.
Your choice for interior is also mine. Scotty. Nice write-up, too, Adam.
It does need new whitewall tires for safety and appearance .
Good job Adam. And Scotty, that seat fabric is indeed cool.
I figure very few people will find this car interesting, much less desirable. But taken in context, this Montego is a great example of the early days of the Malaise Era (big bumpers, emissions-choked engines, etc.– the Wikipedia article is actually quite good and includes the history of the term). It looks almost unused, so I figure the low mileage is legit. Loud, period-correct paint. I doubted the tire story, but they do match the window sticker specs (wonder why whitewalls were not spec’d, they would look much better).
Great to see an almost-new example of a regular car of its day. Not cheap, and realistically, the market for this car is unfortunately quite thin.
I echo Bob’s comment about the whitewall tires. The original owner paid for black-wall radial tires as an option. Also, the wiper motor is not parking the wipers in the hidden position which is a common issue for Montego’s and Torino’s from this era.
I said the same thing when I saw the black walls …this car begs for period correct white walls. My guess is this car is being sold by a young relative of a deceased grandparent or family member. Black walls and black rims are all this current generation knows or remembers. Still a damn fine looking example of 70’s colors and culture.
All I can say is wow about the condition. Its very clean. I was thinking the same thing ( as apparently everyone else too about the whitewalls). Strange it was ordered that way. But there you have it. ( Id still put on a set anyways). Scottys interior looks really great, but the clean original brown vinyl compliments the exterior nicely on this one. Someones getting a great clean Mercury here for sure. Nice to see the optional 351 too.
” Nicest one left “
When I was a kid, my parents had one, same year, same interior, but the outside color was called gold but it was a metallic milk-chocolate brown, and a tan vinyl top and the weak 302 2bbl. They got it from a neighbor, who had parked it for a year or two after he was t-boned. MY father found a pillar and two white doors at a junkyard, and that became the family car. A milk chocolate brown 74 Mercury Montego with two white passenger doors.
It was ugly back then, and it’s ugly now.
“Let’s see, how can I make an ugly car uglier? I got it! I’ll put black wall tires and really ugly wheel covers on it.”
original tires are toast so put a set of w/w tires on with some factory wire caps or 500s at least give it some snap. looks like an FBI car. got to find the guy that wants this and not going to be easy
I said the same thing when I saw the black walls …this car begs for period correct white walls. My guess is this car is being sold by a young relative of a deceased grandparent or family member. Black walls and black rims are all this current generation knows or remembers. Still a damn fine looking example of 70’s colors and culture.
Too many doors, But otherwise intriguing. It almost looks like a Thunderbird of that era. What was the Ford version, the Elite? I’m going to be the contrarian and say the black walls look fine, especially with those wheel covers, are they?
Man, that’s an ugly car…
What’s up with the wipers? I’m pretty sure FoMoCo used this dashboard in about 75% of the cars it built in the 70s. Grooving on these 70’s colors.