The owner of this 1978 Mercury Marquis Brougham purchased the vehicle in 2017 and has put some time and effort into ensuring it is mechanically healthy. It emerges approximately once a week for a spot of classic motoring but spends its winter stored away to protect it from the ravages of rust. The strategy has worked a treat because this Mercury is as solid as the day it left the factory. The time has come for it to find a new home and an enthusiast with an eye toward the more luxurious things in life. Therefore, the owner has listed this gem exclusively with us at Barn Finds Auctions.
Mercury produced its Second Generation Marquis from 1973 until 1978, with our feature car rolling off the line during the final production year. The original owner ordered it in Antique Cream with a matching vinyl top. The current owner describes the condition as “decent looking,” which seems a fair assessment. The paint retains a healthy shine for a vehicle with forty-five years under its belt. A close inspection reveals the usual assortment of small chips, mainly across the Mercury’s nose. This area is prone to such damage, but treating it to a touch-up would be easy if the winning bidder wishes to lift the overall presentation. However, this is not imperative, and this Marquis would still turn heads as a genuine survivor. The vinyl top is in good order, but the best news is reserved for when we climb underneath this beauty. The owner’s strategy of storing the Mercury during winter has paid dividends because there is no evidence of penetrating rust or other problems that may cause sleepless nights. The chrome and trim look excellent for a vehicle of this age, the headlamp doors work as they should, and the glass is spotless.
The positive vibes continue inside this Mercury, with the interior condition supporting the odometer reading of 56,000 genuine miles. The cloth and vinyl upholstered surfaces show no evidence of wear or abuse, and the carpet is surprisingly clean, considering its light shade. The faux woodgrain hasn’t lifted or faded, and the dash is spotless. The pad is slightly dry, but a high-quality protectant would reduce the chances of splitting. It might be worth investing around $80 on a cover to eliminate further UV exposure, and I can say from experience that it is money well-spent. The interior features an FM converter as the only obvious aftermarket addition, but there are some welcome standard luxury inclusions. The new owner receives air conditioning, power windows, a power front seat, cruise control, a tilt wheel, and a remote driver’s mirror. The owner recently rebuilt the right-rear window motor, but the left rear requires similar attention. Otherwise, everything works as it should.
Powering this Mercury is a 400ci V8, while the three-speed automatic transmission and power assistance for the steering and brakes emphasize the car’s luxury credentials. The motor produces 160hp and 319 ft/lbs of torque, and thanks to the low-end delivery of both, the 4,546 lb Marquis will comfortably cruise all day at highway speed with something in reserve should the driver floor the gas to overtake another vehicle. The owner purchased the car in 2017, and it didn’t make a positive impression on its first outing. It ground to a halt with fuel system failure, and they have worked hard to ensure there will be no repeat performance. The Marquis now sports a new Spectra fuel tank, new fuel filters, and a built carburetor. They discovered that the tires were the wrong size, fitting replacements to address that issue. Other items replaced under their care include all four shocks and springs, the master cylinder, and a new OEM Motorcraft ignition module. Despite its limited use, the oil is changed annually to keep it fresh and clean. This gem runs and drives perfectly and should be considered a turnkey proposition for potential buyers.
The demise of Mercury and the market’s move from large cars to smaller and more fuel-efficient models means we will never see the likes of this 1978 Mercury Marquis Brougham again. That doesn’t mean this car loses its place in the classic world because it is a perfect reminder of a time when fuel was cheap, and buyers craved luxury and a relaxed motoring experience. Preserving vehicles of this type is imperative, if only to provide insight for future generations into an era when disco was king, and the internet was the stuff of science fiction. If you wish to relive those times, submitting a bid on this classic would be an excellent place to start.
- Location: Delevan, New York
- Mileage: 56,812 Shown, TMU
- Engine: 400ci V8
- Transmission: 3-Speed Automatic
- VIN: 8Z64S550922
- Title Status: Clean
Bid On This Auction
- K Elwood bid $3,250.00 2023-07-31 09:57:49
- Widget1 bid $3,000.00 2023-07-31 07:33:21
- i love old 4dr cars and 4dr wagons. bid $2,900.00 2023-07-30 14:33:06
mrgreenjeans bid $2,600.00 2023-07-30 13:41:23- RoadTripRevivals bid $2,500.00 2023-07-30 07:31:50
- mrgreenjeans bid $2,100.00 2023-07-29 00:25:43
- 2manyvettes bid $2,000.00 2023-07-28 15:33:33
- mrgreenjeans bid $1,600.00 2023-07-25 02:58:30
- Wareagle01 bid $500.00 2023-07-24 15:30:45
“Book ’em Dan-o!” Jack Lord as Steve McGarrett popularized this model (in black, of course!) in the later episodes of Hawaii 5-0. Car and Driver mag for years had a running joke that there was no “de Sade” option, LOL!! This looks a very nice car and comfy cruiser! GLWTA!! :-)
No time for de Sade and his literary efforts.
The Mercury marquis spends all his time trying to dodge diplomats.
Technically the second generation Marquis goes from 1969-1978. Don’t know why 73-78 was given. Although that more or less entails this car’s body style.
I know the ‘69 to ‘78s are all grouped together in a generation, but I don’t really know why. Sheet metal and interiors are different, though the chassis and suspensions are the same.
What separates one generation from another?
Does the clock work?
Galen Schmidt
Yes; it says it’s time for you to buy! Cool heavy duty ride.
Thank you.
Galen
Only when it wants to
Clock works when it feels like it.
My parents had one of these in my teenage years, took the driver’s test in the beast and flunked parallel parking portion due to it’s mammoth size hood. It was however the green version. It floated like a cloud and was smooth as butter. If it was closer may relive my childhood.
It’s just 2 hours from me, it would be nice to see more pictures of the interior and perhaps in the trunk and what the driver’s seat looks like under the pillow. I don’t need it, but I want it!
seat under pillow
trunk
more trunk
Where is this car located? It looks just like my 1974 Mercury including the colour. Mine had over 400,000 miles with a 460
In Delevan NY
I own a 1977 2 door coupe of the same model, engine displacement and color scheme as the Merc M.B. being bid on. In fact the coupes are more rare than the 4 door versions. 12K built out of 189K Marquis built in 1977. I consider myself lucky to own one which has 239K original miles and still running strong after 46 years with just a recent ignition system and transmission rebuild. It can use a new interior and paint since 46 California years have taken a toll with rust around the rear window and windshield frames after I removed the original vinyl top. Definitely a work in progress. 👌
Seller drives it like he stole it!! No easy miles here!
Thanks for the memories! I had a 75 Mercury Marquis Colony Park for over 30 years. Life changes and not the way you would hope. Mine was white with the same tan interior, except the carpet and lower interior panels, they were brown. And of course it had genuine OEM Mercury woodgrain paneled sides and tailgate. It was not just a car, it was part of the family. It’s nickname was just “The Wagon ” it had the mighty Ford 460 with a 4 barrel Motorcraft 4300 series carburetor. I drove that car everywhere and never any surprises. Everyone loved The Wagon, I always kept it brand new condition. I restored the exterior paint and woodgrain panels in the early 80s. It was the perfect vacation car, or the car to drive to Home Depot to pick up, well everything. The 70s full-size Ford wagons could easily carry multiple sheets of 4X8 panels or dry wall. It had a very comfortable ride and when I put Bilstine shocks at all four corners, it handled like a big go cart. Even though I no longer have it, I love that wagon to this day. We Americans love our full-size wagons, we always have, we still would if they were still in production, and Ford Motor Company was known as the “Wagonmaster” and for good reason. And the Minivans and SUVs are nice, but they never replaced our long roof wagons and they never will. I keep hoping once EVs begin to take over, Ford will build a full-size EV luxury station wagon. In the meantime, I’m right here waiting. And it can have woodgrain paneled sides or not, just build them now, will discuss the woodgrain paneled sides later. In the mid-70s The Mercury Marquis Colony Park was at the top of it’s game, and everyone knew it, especially GM and the Chrysler Corporation.
William Marceri, I couldn’t agree with you more. Refused to drive a minivan and held on until the bitter end with my GM wagons. The last being my 95 Buick Roadmaster. Had Olds Custom Cruisers, Chevy Caprice Wagons but mostly Roadmasters. Like riding on your LR Sofa.Cant find them used as it’s a feed frenzy and plastic parts are as old as the cars and break when installing them.Ah well. It was great while it lasted. Driving a Subaru wagon now. Sons all grown and only 1 senior dog, Retired and no need to carry all of those sheets of plywood anymore…
$3250?? That seems like an amazing deal.
Someone stole this one. Wish I would’ve seen it before it sold.
I need to have a talk with my boss and tell him my work is interfering with my BF viewing…..