When American manufacturers included station wagons within their model range, many buyers purchased them as a matter of necessity. It often meant foregoing performance and luxury in the name of practicality. However, there were exceptions to this general rule, and this 1991 Mercury Grand Marquis LS Colony Park demonstrates that. While its V8 isn’t the most powerful on the planet, its interior is loaded with luxury touches that make life on the road a pleasant experience. It also presents well as a survivor, needing nothing but a new home. The Mercury is listed here on eBay in Westport, Massachusetts. Bidding sits below the reserve at $7,100, but there is a BIN option of $17,990.

Mercury introduced its Sixth Generation Colony Park in 1979, with this one coming from the final production year. The writing was on the wall by the mid-1980s as sales plunged dramatically. From a high of 17,421 vehicles in 1984, the tally dropped to a mere 3,104 by the shortened 1991 production year. The company decided to ax the range entirely, retiring a badge that had graced showroom floors since 1957. This one presents well for its age, with its White paint shining nicely and its faux woodgrain showing no evidence of deterioration. The panels are as straight as an arrow, with tight and consistent gaps. The trim is excellent, as is the glass. The news has so far been positive, but this wagon isn’t perfect. The seller admits there is minor rust in the bottoms of the front fenders and wheel wells but supplies no photos of the area so potential buyers can assess the problem. They describe the issue as light, suggesting rectification should be straightforward. The seller is approachable and willing to supply videos to interested parties by request. These might paint a clearer picture of what is required to return this classic to a rust-free state.

Assessing this Mercury’s interior confirms that it has few cosmetic issues and only a few functional problems. The cargo area mat is gone, leaving the floor exposed. During a brief online search, I had no success locating this item separate from a complete carpet set, but more persistence could produce positive results. Otherwise, the remaining Dark Blue carpet is excellent. The same applies to the matching leather seatcovers, with no evidence of abuse. The remaining upholstered surfaces are spotless, as are the dash and pad. The interior pampers occupants with air conditioning, power windows, power locks, a six-way power driver’s seat, cruise control, a tilt wheel, an AM/FM radio/cassette player, and the versatility of third-row seating. Operational issues include one passenger and the rear window that sometimes requires help, the fuel gauge isn’t working, and the power locks are occasionally finicky. Addressing these issues shouldn’t be complicated and might be satisfying tasks for the buyer to undertake in their home workshop.

Powering this Colony Park is Ford’s fuel-injected 5.0-liter V8 that sends 160hp and 280 ft/lbs of torque to the rear wheels via a four-speed AOD automatic transmission. Power assistance for the steering and brakes help to reinforce the vehicle’s luxury leanings. For a vehicle of this type, the curb weight of 4,023 lbs is surprisingly modest. It means that the Colony Park is a spritely family hauler capable of covering the ¼-mile in 17.6 seconds. That figure might not sound startling by modern standards, but buyers considered it respectable in 1991. The seller indicates the 32,169 miles showing on the odometer are original, although they don’t mention verifying evidence. However, the vehicle’s overall condition makes the claim plausible. For those considering flying in and driving home, that is a viable alternative. The wagon runs and drives perfectly, with no issues or vices.

There is no indication that domestic manufacturers plan to reintroduce station wagons into their future model line-up. The buying public has largely forsaken these vehicles in favor of vans and SUVs. That leaves it to classics like this 1991 Mercury Colony Park to carry the torch for those seeking a family wagon. I can think of many worse vehicles to perform that role because this survivor offers so much to potential buyers. It will never be the fastest vehicle on the planet, but it ticks the right boxes as an alternative to carry the entire clan in style and comfort. If a classic of this type is on your Wish List, are you tempted to pursue this Mercury further?