For a 20-year stretch in the mid-1960s to the mid-1980s, the Marquis was the top-of-line car offered by the Mercury division of FOMOCO (except for Lincoln). In 1969, just 2,319 Marquis convertibles were built – so with attrition, there can’t be that many of these drop-tops left. The red beauty here looks to be in nice shape with the only known shortcoming being the need for new tires. Thanks for the open-air tip, Mitchell G. Located in Waldorf, Maryland, this Merc is available here on craigslist for $7,500.
The Marquis was the Mercury equivalent of the Ford LTD but on a slightly longer wheelbase. It would be superseded by the Grand Marquis in later years. You may recall that a black 1968 Marquis was driven by Jack Lord on TV’s Hawaii Five-O for several seasons. In 1969, the Marquis was powered by one of two 429 cubic inch V8s, the difference being two vs. four-barrel carburetion. We’re not sure which one is under the hood of this Merc, but the spread was just 40 hp.
We’re told this Marquis has 87,000 miles and – if original – it appears to have held up well. Some mechanical tinkering was done recently, so it could have been idle for a time. But it’s said to be in top running order now. The number of photos is limiting, but the body, red paint, and white top all appear to be quite nice. The interior may be equally as tidy, but only two pics with no close-ups help us there.
The tires need replacing (old?) and the seller suggests the aftermarket rims could use a re-chroming. There is mention of power windows and a battery, but we’re not sure if they need attention or if the seller just indicates their presence.
I didn’t know they made the Battlestar Galatica in Red!
What a great deal! A few rough edges, but it looks to be all there. I have the blue version of this car, and they are fantastic cruisers! Some lucky buyer should snap this one up.
The sticker on the air cleaner indicate the 4 barrel carb.
That’s not the correct sticker for a1969, so I wouldn’t assume it’s a 4 barrel without further proof. The 2 barrel for this year car was the super dependable and very trouble free autolite 2100. Gave better gas mileage while losing none of the low end power. True, at highway speeds, it will lose to the 4 barrel. But these high compression 429s (10.5:1), are not going to be left behind by most cars today!
Any mention of rust?
And just when the glass was half full, somebody says it’s half empty.
…and, the funny thing is, they had zero intention, nor the ability, of buying it anyway. People just want to talk to hear themselves. Keyboard warriors that live in mom’s basement, with no cars, for the most part.
So you and Michael will bid with no regard for rust issues?
Clean, nice car, with power windows and A/C. I wish I could buy it at that price, which is reasonable. I’d then look for original rims and hubcaps. If there’s no rot underneath, this is a very reasonable seller.
Imo this is a BS craigslist listing.This car from what I can see from the few pics is worth a lot more.Caveat emptor imo.
I had the same thought!
Another red flag: The VIN number listed on the ad is NOT for a ’69 Mercury. I don’t know what it fits??
Green acres is the place for me.
Nice convertible cruiser… The Mercury was repainted from what I can see… In the trunk area. The Red paint on this looks off to me . Like a cheap job was done. That my opinion…The right side top is ripped. It probably can be professionally sewn up. 429-4 is a good engine lots of torque to move this heavy vehicle. Great price. I just wish seller’s on Craigslist take more pictures to show us the ride. Good luck to the next owner.. 🐻🇺🇸
Bought one similar to this one new in 1969. Red with black interior and black top. GREAT car should have never traded it in. Had the 429 w/2 barrel carb. Was a real cruiser.
I agree the red paint here seems to be a little off, looks like a repaint to me.
Looking in the trunk, it appears the car was white , so I’d agree on its being repainted
I could not get that VIN to decode. If I change the 6th digit from “O” to zero, then the vin will decode to a 2010 Ford Escape.
But cars in 1969 didn’t have 17-digit VIN numbers, right?
Yes: Should be like: 9Z65K586097
I contacted the seller about the false VIN and this was his reply:
“You do not have to worry about that it SOLD AT A HIGHER PRICE”
However the Craigslist ad is still up! Something is very fishy..
It’s just a used car dealer outside of DC with no real internet advertising skills. It’s likely from another car they listed…but it doesn’t matter, no one commenting is actually interested in it anyway, lol. If they were, they wouldn’t be running their jaws here professing all of the reasons it’s not worth buying or, that it’s surely a scam, they’d be calling the seller, lol!!!
So, we call out a dubious listing on CL, but Mike B. trolls his fellow BF members. Nice. Ooops sorry, he’s not a member…
I agree the ad is BS. VIN isn’t possible in ’69
I am, truly, amazed at the knowledge and expertise displayed by these commenters. I want to applaud each and every one of you.
Sincerely, Bob
Look a vehicle you can actually put six people in and be comfortable. Todays cars especially the German models have gone to 4 seating positions in a coupe or 4 door.
No wonder trucks rule!
Just when you thought all the reasonably priced classics were gone…nice car and great color combo. The 429 will move the big cruiser nicely. Great deal at $7500.
Just to drag this out a bit further: It seems like a legit ad.
There’s a telephone number and when Googled, points to Warren Keith Little, and the seller’s name happens to be Keith.
He is 70 years old and lives in Suitland, MD https://www.truepeoplesearch.com/find/person/px640r202862n240n004
He owns a business in Springfield, VA named Futuristic and W.B.L. Corp., probably where the photos were taken. https://www.buzzfile.com/business/Futuristic-and-W.B.L.-Corp.-571-286-8704
The car has been for sale for since Feb and the price has dropped from 15K. https://forums.aaca.org/topic/392756-for-sale-1969-mercury-marquis-convertible-15000-waldorf-md%C2%A0-not-mine-still-available-major-price-reduction-to-11000-3-12-2023-still-available-major-price-reduction-to-7500-5-31-2023/
So, sounds to me like someone who just wants to get rid of the car.
It’s amazing what 5 minutes on Google will turn up.
But, like everyone before me, it’s just a guess, albeit an educated one.
Good job! It was a real car (at a bargain price) but the seller had more issues than the car! I checked out your links. The AACA one had more pics than the cl one. So the car could be sold, but the seller forgot to take down the ad? (He answered my question about the VIN saying the car was sold.)
Finally a nice older ride at a decent price.