Some classic cars will tick more of the right boxes than others. Potential buyers need to determine where their priorities lie and whether that car meets their needs. This 1973 Mercury Montego GT is such a car. Its overall presentation is impressive, and a previous owner treated it to a frame-off restoration in the 1990s. It spent years as a trailer queen that has been returned to its rightful place on our roads. Its needs are minor, and with its original 351ci Cobra Jet V8 under the hood, it offers impressive performance for a car to emerge from a period when emission regulations were strangling many American vehicles. Located in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, you will find the Montego listed for sale here on eBay. It has received a mere two bids that have pushed the price to $25,200. This figure remains below the reserve, although the buyer offers a BIN option of $40,000 for those who feel this is an automotive must-have.
As you will see when we work through the supplied photos, there is a lot to like about this Montego. Its presentation is well above average for a vehicle of this type and age and seems to support the seller’s claim that a previous owner treated it to a frame-off restoration in the 1990s. It appears that immediately following the work, this GT was treated very much as a trailer queen. It saw little active duty until the seller purchased it seven years ago. He now uses it on a limited basis but has kept it in spotless condition. The paint still shines impressively, with only a few minor chips and marks. The panels are as straight as an arrow, and the only rust that the owner mentions is a couple of bubbles in the lower door corners. When he purchased the car, these were present and have not deteriorated during his ownership. Therefore, it appears they will not require immediate attention. The chrome shines beautifully, as do the Magnum 500 wheels. The tinted glass is flawless, and there’s little doubt that this Mercury could turn heads wherever it goes.
When a seller makes the merest mention of rust bubbles, it can be enough to set some potential buyers twitching uncontrollably. It makes them wonder what hidden nasties may be awaiting them if they hand over their cash for that car. The seller of this GT has taken the time to place it on a lift to get a clear look at its floors and frame. It is about as spotless as you are ever likely to find under a Montego of this age and reveals no signs of any significant surface corrosion or penetrating rust. It appears that potential buyers may be able to view this car with some confidence.
If the exterior presentation is impressive, the interior of this GT serves us more of the same. Upholstered in black vinyl, its presentation is terrific. I’m not sure whether it would be classed as showroom, but it isn’t far off the mark. The upholstered surfaces are excellent, with no wear or other problems. The dash appears perfect, and the crack-prone pad has not succumbed to the sort of deterioration inflicted by advancing years or UV exposure. The carpet is as impressive as the upholstered surfaces, as is the console. The included Marti Report shows that this Montego originally featured an AM radio, but an AM/FM unit now occupies that spot. Otherwise, it appears there have been no other aftermarket additions or changes. The owner believes that the odometer reading of 23,000 miles may be genuine, but it seems that he holds no verifying evidence. However, when you look at the overall condition of the interior, it may support that claim.
If a buyer walked into a Mercury dealership in 1973 intent on buying a Montego GT, the entry-level motor was a 302ci V8 that produced 137hp. For some buyers, that figure was sufficient. For others, they longed for more. The original owner of this car tick the box beside the 351ci Cobra Jet V8 that punches out 245hp. He also selected a four-speed manual transmission, a 3.50 rear end, power steering, and power front disc brakes. While emission regulations were beginning to hamper outright performance, this GT should still be capable of charging through the ¼ mile in 15.6 seconds. For purists, the news that this Montego is numbers-matching represents a great starting point. The engine bay presents superbly, with no evidence of long-term leaks or other problems. The owner says that the vehicle runs and drives as nicely as it looks, suggesting that potential buyers won’t need to splash any cash beyond the purchase price. It seems that this Montego is a turnkey proposition for its new owner.
While Mercury sold a respectable 156,805 examples of the Montego during 1973, a mere 4,464 of those were the GT variant. This car has few needs, and those it has should be easy to address. My only concern revolves around the BIN figure, which is higher than you may expect in a GT of these specifications and condition. However, it could be worth the effort for potential buyers to monitor the auction because bidding may reveal that the reserve is significantly lower than the BIN. If that’s the case, it could make this gem a promising prospect for somebody looking for an above-average Montego.
This is so Cougar without being a Cougar.
Lol. At first glance I thought it was a Cougar.
What a nice car. Sometimes we complain about too many Mustangs or Chevelles or whatever at shows or on Barn Finds, well here’s your chance to have something different. Excellent shape, manual transmission (rare), good performance, has the full instrumentation package, eye-catching color, won’t see yourself at the next show. Yes the small-front-bumpered 1972 looks better, but this isn’t horrible. Lots of fun to be had here.
For forty grand you would hope that they replaced the high school boy glasspack mufflers.
I say keep the glass pax. Nothin subtle about this beauty anyhow!
Ummmmm…no. And, while you’re at it, throw those heinous exhaust tips in the garbage too.
Those 351 Cleveland’s sing a glorious song. I have owned and driven such back in the 70s.
1st thing I noticed when I seen the undercarriage, gotta love them cherry bombs haha.
Ya gotta love yellow.
A 73 set up in such a way! Glad the owner spent some cash saving this rarity. There should be a few buyers that will fight over owning it. Id try and fit a Torino front spoiler on it. Wonder what gauges the factory put in the dash?
From the pictures on eBay it looks like a tach, clock, gas, oil pressure and volts.
Very nice Montego G T. I had a red 72 Montego GT in 74. Loved that car. Wish I still had it !!!
Wow look at those floor boards
WOW, nice car!! Wish it was a Torino Sport equipped like that!!
Why? This is much cooler. But, if it was a Gran Torino Sport, you’d definitely be buying it then…right?
I’ll take “Things that would never happen” for $1200, Alex.
Poor Mercury, always a bridesmaid, never the bride.
Oh, this is way cooler than any ’73 351CJ Torino. So, in this case? Yeah, this is definitely “The Bride”.
Nah! I had one of these for a winter car years ago, it is a cool car but it is the ugly duckling. Yeah, it is rare in comparison, but give me the Torino Sport.
I’m In Love, Not Many Merc’s Left.
Very nice, indeed. Someone is going to get a real head-turner of a car to show off at cars & coffee. I’m already renting two garages (city life is great, except for that), so it won’t be me..
Sweet!! Check out the sellers 71 Torino also.
Once upon a time I bought a beat up 73 Ranchero. It one big asset the motor, 351 c. It had to be rebuilt on the cheap. No matter it was the fastest thing I have ever owned. It had an FMX trans with a shift kit, a good match.
Great write up great car. 👍
https://youtu.be/vHY0YxdswyY
Its a good looking ride that won’t be found passing by you on a two lane road Anywhere, and that makes it unique. No cult following like the secret club of GN owners, or random “wow, another Chevelle…” dog and pony show….just a nice Mercury with cool wheels. Probably loud too so it will get noticed. I know these GT’s are rare but I wonder how many came with 4 speed transmissions…Mercury didn’t build a lot of high performance cars, ever.
Adam, it’s good to see that you’ve calmed down on posting 1/4 mile times on every vehicle. On a car like this it is acceptable and informative. Not all vehicles does that apply to bit it certainly does to some such as this. Keep up the good work.
Nice car. I’d drive it as is and just keep it clean. Probably has a nice rumble. A pair of Flowmasters when the time comes is just about all it needs. There was. 428 SCJ Montego in town back in 80-81, Orange and black with the wild pointed nose front end. Had a automatic I believe, sounded nice to a 16 year old gear head
This is a rare bird. How many 4 speed Montego’s were built in the day? How many can be left? This might literally be the only one. I had no idea you could get a manual in this car.
This would be a lot of fun. Every Cars & Coffee has more Mustangs, Camaros, Road Runners, Challengers, etc. than you can count. When was the last time you saw a Montego? With a 4 speed?
‘Bubbles’ are never a good thing, and probably mean bondo has been shoveled into the car at some point, and will eventually need digging out and replacing with metal. As for the price? Try to find other 4 speed Montegos for comps. It’s worth what someone will pay for it, and will probably sell at the ask.
It’s very nice car. Doesn’t look like he’s gonna get nearer his 40 though. Tough to do for a ’73 on up. My only question is the undercarriage. There is no way it would have come all painted and glossy like that from Ford. It would have been in red primer with yellow overspray probably. So did this thing get a rotisserie? Or did somebody actually go through the trouble to paint the undercarriage?
The ad and the write-up say it had a frame-off restoration in the ’90’s. Very nice and rare, great restoration job! The shifter looks like the round GTO shifters, is that factory? Another car where I wish I had $35k to play with.