The Marquis nameplate was new at Mercury in 1967. It would be a fixture for two decades, standing for luxury (and sometimes performance). In 1967, it was only offered as a 2-door hardtop with a formal roofline. The seller is/was no doubt a fan as he/she has three of them offered as a package deal. One driver, one project, and one parts car. Located in Clemmons, North Carolina, this assortment is priced at $6,900 OBO here on craigslist. Kudos to Jack M. for this “threefer” tip!
Already a step up from Ford, Mercury went a step further with the Marquis as a well-heeled alternative to the Ford LTD. Gradually, the lineup would be expanded beyond a 2-door hardtop. Fans of the old Hawaii Five-0 TV show from the 1960s may recall that Jack Lord (as Steve McGarrett) drove a black-on-black 2-door Marquis for a few shows before switching to a 4-door from 1968. The early Marquis rode on a wheelbase that was four inches longer than that of the LTD. It also used a 410 cubic inch V8, which was specific to Mercury.
The seller has three copies of the same cars, of which 6,510 copies were produced in 1967. The first is a “daily driver” which may only have 66,000 miles and uses a C6 automatic transmission. Nothing else is said about the car, but it looks quite good from the few photos provided. It has the 410 V8, as does the project car.
We’re told the project car is in the midst of a frame-off restoration (so transporting it will be a challenge). The 410 has been rebuilt, as has the C6 tranny. A lot of detail work has been done, such as powder coating the chassis. Presumably, everything is there to put Humpty Dumpty together as a restored, running vehicle. If not, the parts car (already on a trailer) could serve as the donor, and though the project doesn’t need one, no engine is part of that car. Buy one, get two for free!
I always thought the Marquis in two-door form made for a good-looking big 60’s cruiser. The contrasting vinyl roof on the fastback roofline was attractive. This driver example doesn’t look bad. I spy: cruise control?
Interesting way to market these: I guess the seller is just “getting completely out of the business.” Maybe approach it that you are paying for a driver car plus getting a project and a parts car for free. But it does seem that this approach reduces the potential buyer pool; maybe I want only the driver?
Thanks Russ.
I do recall the Steve McGarrett character driving these in black during the early filming of the series. My Dad never missed an episode. This is a great opportunity to get a solid driver and an opportunity to create another in whatever theme you choose. Why not create a triple black replica of the car Mr Lord began his iconic series in?
“Book em Danno”
Came here to say the same! :-)
Wow… Nice deal, considering some of the crazy asking prices out there.
What a deal! If I was 10 years younger and had the garage space…
Just shy of 45 years for that model name, if we include the later Grand Marquis. And yet, not once did they think to offer a de Sade option package (as Car and Driver often noted in their reviews).
Correct! But for 77? THUNDERBIRD offered a special trim option, complete with faux leather straps and buckles on the rear deck. One magazine christened it *BONDAGE BIRD *
My cousin had one of those. He bought it new and drove to a family reunion when it had less than 1,000 miles on it. It caused quite a stir at the time as my family was poor and most of us drove 10+ year old cars and/or bare bones pickup trucks.
One of the 10+ year old cars we drove was my mom’s then 1969 Ford Marquis. It was by far the most luxurious car in my immediate family during my childhood.
@SubGothius
Probably because they didn’t want to get sued or boycotted by some religious group(s). Remember the Dodge Demon? Big flack over that by religious groups over the name. Dodge changed it two years later.
Yes and the many songs that were frowned on, Rod Stewart “You’re in my heart” John Mellencamp “Hurts so good” I remember my Dad throwing my sister’s “Crimson & Clover” single in the trash!
If they could only see wat’s going on now…I don’t think I would want them to.
I have some great ideas for a deSADE TRIM PACKAGE. Start with covering everything inside in BLACK LEATHER Have as many things in and out chromed chain. Have some leather whips to go along .For a sound system make it ear splitting loud. Make sure it includes a best of heavy metal cd or mp3 file?
Here is my idea for a deSADE Edition. Start with covering the interior in BLACK LEATHER, HAVE SOME MATCHING WHIPS. HAVE LOTS OF CHROME CHAIN INSIDE AND OUT. HAVE AN EAR SPLITING SOUND SYSTEM THAT INCLUDES A CD OR? OF THE BEST OF HEAVY METAL.
The 410,whilst not as powerful as the 428.Was the smoothest engine made in the 60’s,you could balance a nickel on it’s side on top of it as it ran.If you want a luxury Mercury you def want the 410.
I’d be interested in the driver car only, it’s beyond most people’s grasp to get all three. I’ve heard the 1-2 yr only 410s were great engines, but have only had the 390s. I’m hoping the rebuilt version is in the driver, and not the project.
Man! This is one of those times I wish my piggy bank would do me some good. O would absolutely love to have this collection. The two best cars would get plenty of love from a 60s kid, and be maintained and driven and enjoyed. The parts car would sacrifice a few items for the long term and what’s left off to a fellow Ford Lincoln Mercury enthusiast! GLWTS
I had a 67 that was a convertible with a 410 4 speed I do miss that car
Interesting and odd combination
nice
Those cornering/park lamps in the front fenders are HUGE! Really takes away from the otherwise nice lines.
@Wademo
Actually they are non functional vents
Angel look closely at the pictures. The featured car DOES have the cornering/park lamps( I seen one three years ago rare mercury option) the car on the trailer has the much more common non functioning vent insert.
Good deal for Ford enthusiast with shop space and tome
I’d buy the driver version in a minute stand alone, but I don’t have any space required for the other two. I’m thinking that this would be a problem for most people. It’s a shame when seller is just trying to get rid of his extra inventory.
I mean that’s tempting and I’m not even a Ford guy.
A teacher at my Jr high had this car in the s55 version. Loved the white with black vinyl…!!!
you’re getting a lot for the money. you could sell off the other 2 and get your money back
I agree whit you
If you couldn’t make one outstanding cars with these 3 for that price, its time to find a new pastime. Granted it would take a lot of effort and some special circumstances to do it. If you could you should!