Color Changed: 1968 Mercury Montego MX Convertible

Owners changing paint shades is not a new phenomenon in the classic world and often sparks debate about whether it is appropriate. I prefer originality, but also accept that at the end of the day, the owner paid good money for the vehicle, and it is theirs to do with as they please. Subsequent owners can always reverse the change if they wish, and that is the decision awaiting the buyer once they have this 1968 Mercury Montego MX Convertible parked in their garage. It presents acceptably as a driver-grade vehicle, but would undoubtedly benefit from some TLC. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting the Mercury listed here on eBay in Plainfield, Indiana. The seller set their BIN at $17,900 with the option to make an offer.

Mercury introduced the Montego as an intermediate-size model in 1968. Available in three trim levels and four body styles, the first owner ordered our feature car as the mid-range Montego MX Convertible. The car presents acceptably for a driver-grade classic, but all is not as it seems. The Trim Tag confirms that the Red paint cloaking its exterior isn’t original. This Montego rolled off the line wearing Code 6 Fawn, a more subtle color, which may have motivated the change. The existing paint has chips and imperfections, which may prompt the buyer to perform a cosmetic refresh that could include reinstating the factory color. The Montego will require attention fairly soon because rust is developing in the lower extremities, such as the front fenders and rear quarter panels. The underside shots generally look promising, although this one seems to reveal rust emerging in the driver’s side rear inner fender well. The problem, if it is more than an optical illusion, appears relatively minor. Therefore, addressing it now could save major headaches in the future. The trim and glass are in good condition, while the Tan power top would have perfectly complemented the original paint shade. The 15″ American Racing Torq Thrust wheels and BF Goodrich tires are new, giving the Montego a sense of purpose.

Decoding the VIN confirms that the first owner ordered this Montego with a 302ci V8. They teamed that motor with a three-speed Merc-O-Matic transmission, with the steering and front disc brakes power-assisted. The motor would have produced 210hp and 295 ft/lbs of torque when it was shiny and new, and the listing suggests it is in good mechanical condition. Scrolling through the image gallery seems to reveal a wealth of new parts beyond the wheels and tires. The car features a new aluminum radiator, a new dual Flowmaster exhaust, new front shocks, and what appear to be a new carburetor, master cylinder, and booster. If that is the case, what this Montego shouldn’t need is any mechanical TLC.

While this Montego’s exterior has undergone a dramatic change, its interior retains its correct Parchment vinyl trim. When it comes to appearance, the interior could be this classic’s strong point. The vinyl is in great condition for its age, with no significant wear or marks. The carpet isn’t ripped or torn, while the dash, pad, and woodgrain look comfortably acceptable for a driver-grade classic. The tachometer, floating freely on the transmission tunnel, doesn’t make a great impression and is something I would either fix or remove immediately. The Montego doesn’t feature air conditioning, but the power windows are a nice touch.

This 1968 Mercury Montego MX Convertible demonstrates the relative worth of in-person inspections. The listing images paint a generally positive picture of a classic that presents acceptably as a driver-grade vehicle. However, with rust visible in some lower exterior extremities and a question mark hanging over potential developing underside issues, I would probably want to crawl beneath this classic before handing over my cash. Do you agree, or do you feel that I am being too cautious with that approach? Why not scroll through the seller’s gallery and see what you think?