While it isn’t a hard-and-fast rule, classic convertibles will often fall into two very different categories. Some manufacturers produce models with sporting credentials, like British sports cars and pony cars like the Mustang or Camaro. Other manufacturers prefer the luxury approach, allowing owners to waft along without a care in the world. This 1969 Mercury Marquis Convertible undoubtedly falls into the second category, and although it isn’t perfect, it promises a memorable ownership experience for the successful bidder. If you wish to be that person, you will find the Merc listed here on eBay in Sparks, Nevada. The seller opened their No Reserve auction at $15,900 but received no bids. They provide a BIN option of $21,500 for those wishing to bypass the auction process. Barn Finds writer Jonny C demonstrates his versatility, because not only has he produced some wonderful articles, but proves he is a master at spotting fascinating classics by referring this Marquis.
Mercury introduced its Second Generation Marquis in 1969 in five body styles. It shared many of its underpinnings with Ford’s full-size model range, including the chassis and drivetrain configurations. New for this generation was a Convertible derivative that sold in limited numbers. This is one of those cars, and while it is a rock-solid classic, it has cosmetic needs. The seller admits it received a repaint in its original Medium Blue Metallic many years ago, but it has deteriorated to the point where a repeat performance is required. However, the new owner will commence the process from a sound base, with the panels sporting only occasional minor blemishes. There is no evidence of external rust, with the underside shots revealing floors as clean as you could hope to find on a vehicle of this vintage. The White power top is new, although the power mechanism requires work to function correctly. The chrome and glass are in good order, but the taillight cluster has minor damage. This isn’t the end of the world, with the seller including a good secondhand replacement. The seller added chrome wheels and Moon hubcaps, but I’m unconvinced that they suit the car’s character. I approve of the new Coker whitewalls because they further accentuate the car’s luxury credentials.
If considered purely as a survivor, this Mercury’s interior has no pressing needs. The upholstered surfaces look nice, as does the carpet. There is no evidence of neglect or abuse, but there are flaws a meticulous new owner may wish to address. The power window button hangs out of the passenger-side door, and I’m unsure whether the trim is also damaged. Some faux woodgrain is deteriorating, and the dash pad is cracked. Both flaws are signs of UV exposure, and the pad may pose challenges. The relative rarity of these classics means finding new replacements is virtually impossible. The new owner may have three options to consider. They could scour their local pick-a-part for a replacement or throw a $70 cover over it to hide the damage. Restoring the pad is possible, but the DIY approach with a product like Polyvance would be significantly cheaper than employing a professional. Considering the potential value of this car, that would be the approach I’d choose. For buyers seeking luxury, this Marquis delivers. The new owner receives air conditioning, power windows, power front seats, the previously mentioned power top, an AM radio, and an in-dash 8-track player.
At 4,596 lbs, the Marquis Convertible is not what you’d call light. Therefore, it requires something special under the hood if performance is to be considered acceptable. In this case, we find a 429ci V8 that sends 360hp to the rear wheels via a three-speed automatic transmission. Power assistance for the steering and brakes should ensure an effortless driving experience for the new owner. Mercury didn’t market the Marquis as a high-performance model, but its ability to storm the ¼ mile in 16 seconds is by no means shameful. The seller states the car runs and drives quite well, but it has a few shortcomings the new owner may want to address before undertaking long journeys. They rebuilt the carburetor, and while it is okay, they recommend fitting a new replacement for reliability. Otherwise, it sounds like it needs a thorough inspection to identify any further faults or issues. The seller recently changed the oil, plugs, wires, and points. They fitted a high-torque starter, a new starter relay, a battery, and a radiator. The indications are that any further problems should be relatively minor.
Mercury produced 107,002 examples of its Marquis across all derivatives in 1969, but only 2,319 buyers selected the Convertible version. That makes these a relatively rare vehicle, meaning they don’t often come onto the classic market. As is sometimes the case, rarity does not always equate to a high potential value. When these cars make their occasional appearance, a spotless example will struggle to sell for more than $25,000. Recent market trends suggest that this one probably won’t represent a sound long-term investment because values are creeping up well below the market average. However, if someone can secure it around the opening bid price and is willing to be hands-on with the restoration, it should make financial sense. Are you ready to roll the dice and make a play for this Mercury? If you do, I wish you luck and years of enjoyable motoring.
Why do some people think wide whitewalls make a
car more attractive?I never saw ’60’s/’70’s cars with them
that wide back in the day.
Indeed, in late 60’s thru early 70s many cars came with ULTRA thin whitewalls that looked great – even on pintos! – none radials & exceptionally expensive to purchase today, but a dirt cheap upgrade back in the day.
This ’71 vette ad comes to mind – with wheel covers too!
https://vette-vues.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/1971-Chevrolet-Corvette-advertisement-1024×626.jpg
The very short lived whitewall tire option on the ’73 t/a did not look good https://www.facebook.com/That70sPage/photos/a.313280542107156/332183460216864/?type=3
& IMO, the wider whitewalls on Rockford’s later birds with rally II’s dont look all that great either.
Pencil whites they were called.I love em and they look great on muscle cars in red.imo.
last year for wide white walls was 1960 1961 on had thin ww tires
in the 60s all Corvettes came with hub caps and most with white walls had a couple of new stingrays in 60s all hub caps and white walls even my 1966 427
The seller provides an extensive description of mechanical ills still needing fixing. I can visualize the car with a fresh coat of paint and (narrow) whitewalls and stock wheel covers, and it would be a head-turner. Not common to see a big convertible like this, but it would make a cool and different cruiser.
Pimp-walls gotta go first thing.
This big Merc needs lots of work. Price to high should 14,000 or less … Can put in another 15,000 to make it right. And paint job should be fun. People ask too much today for vehicle’s that need plenty of work and this can be a money pit.🤦 Good luck to the seller. 🐻🇺🇸
It’s a sweet looking Merc. I don’t know about $21k worth of sweet, but still a cool car. And I like the baby moons and wide whites, I think they give it just enough of a custom look, and the 429/4V would motivate this big Marq just fine. I personally think $12-$15k is all the money for this classic, considering how much work it still needs.
To ALL the pick up truck lovers , this one has a 6 foot box with a built in tonneau cover ! But has the feature of a folding top like the dodge dakota and Chevrolet ssr
I personally hated these boats and still do
YOLO
Maybe I am out in left field but this car is no 20 plus grander. To me it is a 5,000.00 summertime beater, just like the 72 Impala convertible I use. This one has lots of work needed. As much as I like giant whitewalls, some cars just don’t look good with them, case in point. These cars had beautiful wheel cover options not to mention 15 inch magnums were an option and look great on these Mercurys. Way overpriced imo. Just a nice old car that most car folks will tire of long before it is finished. Then there is the problem of hard parts which are nonexistent as the metal muncher made most a tasty snack in the 80s after the rust worm finished.
Ditto, $5,000 car. A Green Acres “tribute car” would be fun but very expensive. Thin whitewalls, stock wheel covers (if you can find them) or late “70s Lincoln turbine wheels, navy blue metallic, blue convertible top and freshen the interior.
Here is a “70 convertible in very good condition, on ebay. They are asking 44K. I don’t know how people come up with these numbers.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/165964145912?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=gOMfQXb-TJC&sssrc=2349624&ssuid=&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY
That 429 4V with dual exhaust is the same drive train as the ’69 Mercury Marauder X100! Even with the AC on, this will be one fast convertible. The car is an easy restoration and should be a worthwhile one. Of course mileage may struggle to get into the double digits. But for a smooth cloud like ride these cars are the best. Build quality surpassed GM in this era, making this car a little appreciated gem!
Another overpriced car with too many needs for the asking price IMO. Par for the course these days. Reasonable prices and good deals are scarce in today’s market. I really need to stop looking at the ask and just enjoy looking at the pictures and write ups. Then again, I should also stay out of the grocery store. Every time I go I feel like I’m digging deeper than last time.
I’m like a lot of people my age who remember when a decent vehicle could be had for a few hundred dollars. And yes the wide whites gottago.
Nice Convertible, but a tad overpriced. If I were to be a player on this one I would not want to go over $6,000. That would give room to correct any problems that may occur due to its age.
Wide whitewalls on cars that were made during the thin ww period, don’t look good. Thin whitewalls were first offered in 1957, very few people bought them. I have a magazine ad of it. Hopefully this car will end up with someone who’ll put the right tires, wheels, and wheel covers on it, and not decide 22″ low profile tire wheels will make it into a show stopper. More like stomach turner. This car needs to end up with someone who isn’t concerned about whether or not it’s a good investment. And yes, the price needs to come down.
I like being different and I like this car because you will be the only guy at the car show or cruise with a car like this.
You are right about that! I have one of these in dark blue metallic, white top and matching blue interior, just like the featured car’s interior. It’s always a big hit at the car shows and is mistaken for a Lincoln. People who are familiar with the Marquis are surprised at there being a convertible. Everyone also enjoys seeing that big 429 in the engine bay. I agree with all the comments about the correct narrow white walls and either the correct wheel covers (which were very attractive), or maybe the rims used on the later Marquis (the one with the chrome dish used in the mid-70s Marquis.
69/70 were the last really well styled big Mercs good clean lines before they became bloated rococo barges
I do wish they had taken that full width taillight panel and included sequential turn signals to make it a ‘family’ styling queue to go with the Cougar, how cool that would be.
Thank you B-J for making people think their car is a “million dollar car” With all this Marquis needs, along with getting rid of the tires and rims, Maybe, just Maybe $4500.00 The buy it now for almost $20K is like an LSD overload. Hallucination City! A high #3, which this car is not, is about $7 Grand. Low production does not mean rare or high price. With the Big 3 it just means the style was not popular. I think the exception, might be corvette, or Shelbys’ built by Ford.