I was always more of a Rockford Files fan when I was watching reruns after school in the late ’80s, but I still know that this Monterey gives off some serious Hawaii Five-O vibes. While Jack Lord’s character Steve McGarrett didn’t drive a ’72 Mercury in the series, this Monterey looks appropriate for catching some baddies before riding off into a Honolulu sunset.
Mercury built two Monterey models in 1972: the regular Monterey and this Custom, which included a bit of extra trim and a swankier interior. Both were rare in four-door hardtop form, with only 1,583 Customs being built. On an unrelated note, the new buyer might want to remove that exhaust tip. Up to you, of course.
The standard engine was a 172-horsepower 400 with a two barrel. The 400 was in the same basic engine family as the 351 Cleveland, and was probably a victim of its time. Serving as a bread-and-butter commuter engine for most of the 1970s, it never really had a chance to show its potential. This one has air conditioning and a clean engine compartment, although the braided radiator hose looks a little out of place in such an original environment.
The seller says that this is a mint-condition one-owner car with 13,800 miles. Unfortunately, that is about as specific as the ad gets, although there are some decent pictures. The interior looks good, and the Monterey has dual spotlights to help the new owner really nail the Jack Lord prize at this year’s Halloween parties.
If this is truly an unrestored original, the trunk looks amazing. Not only is it cavernous, but it looks as if the owner has never carried so much as a bag of mulch. Well done.
This is the only picture of the driver’s side in the ad, but it’s as straight as the passenger side (from this angle anyway).
Aside from what appear to be later-1970s LTD wheel covers, this Monterey Custom looks as new as it did in ’72; those might even be the original wheel covers hanging on the wall behind it. It’s currently for sale on Marketplace in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and the last line of the ad is “must sell…best offer.” Thanks to Ted for the tip on this attractive Monterey with low miles – what number would it take to put it in your garage?
Good write-up Aaron. Interesting car. The equivalent LTD’s, we do see; but we don’t see these Montereys very often. Looks to be in great shape, though the oddities Aaron points out are indeed strange (especially the spotlights). Bonus: no 5 mph bumpers. Would make a great cruiser; use it to take another couple out to eat on Saturday night.
Nice looker , engine not so much, but I would ad dual exhausts with better tips, Maybe add fuel injection, to get it going a little better .
Nice. Always a soft touch for the Big bruts of yesteryear. Particularly, since that’s how I was raised. My dad bought a 68 Buick Electra 225 all black on black and black ha ha. One comment of note I have though. I believe it should have chrome wheel lip moldings. To me, it looks rather sparse without them.
who ever is selling this car doesn’t have a clue on how to sell it. Put in in a no reserve auction. never put in the ad must sell.. put it on craigslist or a local auction.
You are right, he doesn’t have a clue.
I think he’s fishing rather that actually trying to sell it. Nearly every time I’ve dealt with a seller that won’t name a price with with an ad like this, a swapmeet, flea market etc., when you make them an offer they reject it and typically come back with something which would be considered at the top of the market. Seller playing this guys game know what price they won’t accept, it’s up to them to come up with a starting point, even if it’s high.
Steve R
At least it doesn’t say “testing the waters” which is always the tipoff of unreal expectations.
Please check my post down the line. We old timers don’t always know how.
Beautiful car!. But, having owned a 1969 LTD with a 429, I’ll pass. Nicer lines and proportions than the 1973-1978 models; but if I want one of these, I’ll go for a 1979-1989 (don’t like air bags!) Grand Marquis. Not as HUGE, but certainly adequate — and, decent gas-mileage for a full-sized rear-wheel-drive V8. (oh… that’s what I HAVE — a 1988 Grand Marquis!)
Whoever designed the location of the spare tire in this car must have had a strong back. Just imagining pulling that tire unsupported across that chasm in the trunk gives me spasms.
Absolutely true. I was a tire jockey back then and worked on many of these mounted in a great spot for trunk layout, not so great for the guy changing the tire.
Braided hose cover is definitely an oddity in this one. Those were popular in the 80s.
Unfortunately that popularity of the fake braided lines carried on well into the early-2000’s around here, only to be replaced by the even tackier chrome corrugated hoses.
Steve R
The hose could be that an OEM pre shaped hose was difficult to find.
The braided hose does look out of place but is functional.
@Walter – a. ctually it’s not functional at all. It’s a braided sleeve that slides over the pre-molded (or universal) rubber hose beneath it. If the rubber hose was rubbing on something the braid might provide some abrasion protection but that’s it.
Walter, as Todd mentioned this is just a covering. A real steel braided radiator hoses you are referring to would not work on this car, you can get one sweeping bend with them, that’s it. The upper hose on this car has two distinct bends going in different directions.
Even if an OE style hose is hard to find. If someone really wanted to put in the effort they can often find something that will work if they know the the sizes of both ends, the general shapes and are willing to put in the time looking through the manufacturer illustration guide. When I worked at an auto parts store we did that quite often.
Steve R
Hmm, I didn’t know that the braiding was just a cosmetic cover. I never did much engine “bling” beyond chrome air cleaners and valve covers. I’d still guess it’s a universal radiator hose. Though now that I look at it again, I see the anodized fitting too.
I guess the owner wants a radiator hose that stands out.
Harold you told me you were going to sell that car so we could renovate the garage and my mother can move in- “I’m trying dear, I’m trying”
The description of the car leaves alot to be desired. . not much information about it.
Nothing looks nicer than a set of turbine hubcaps, unfortunately what’s on this one is not right. What a nice car; I’d wake up that 400, get the exhaust right and enjoy waxing it.
I agree put on dual exhuast and the turbine hubcaps would make it look cooler!
In 1979 we bought a 72 Mercury 4 door, it might of been a Grand Marquis. It had a 429 2 barrel. Found it when we were out looking for junk cars, price was a hundred dollars and we drove it home. It was pretty ratty to say the least. I took the motor out of it and was putting it into a 70 Torino that my brother had and my dad pulled another one of his you ain’t putting that big motor in that little car stunts. Ended up putting the 429 into a 60 ford pickup that was later sold. It was wonderful being 17 and full of energy
“Book ’em, Danno.”
Loving Hawaii Five-0.
My parents bought a green one in ’76. My sister’s hit and killed three deer with it within a year and a half. Only busted out the grill each time. Dad had a difficult time finding replacements by the third time. Named it “deer slayer”.
Very clean 72 Mercury. The braided, radiator hose doesn’t bother me as much as the single exhaust, spotlights and the 2 bbl carb do. My Project this past wknd was removing and replacing the surge, or expansion tank on my 65 Mercury, FE 390. Ordered the tank 2 yrs ago and it took months to get it. PITA setup, but no more leaks and running much cooler now. I guess by 72 and with the 400 engine they upgraded that design.
I may be wrong, but it appears to me that someone inherited Grampa’s Pride and Joy week-end ride. Now trying to turn it into Cash. I Love these big Merc’s, but for Goodness sakes, back it out of the garage and take some good photo’s of it.
That could also explain the no price strategy. They are not car people and have no idea how to price it.
That could work out to a savvy buyer’s advantage.
Has anyone else noticed the walker in the beautiful garage? It looks like the seller is someone who has loved this Magnificent Mercury, but may be facing health issues or perhaps worse. In today’s crazy world, skepticism is rampant. But this looks to be an honest attempt to find a good home for a long loved car. Wishes CAN come true. 🙏 I wish I could buy it, but age and health issues don’t allow. If I’m correct, good luck and prayers 🙏 to the seller!
My fathers first car was a $50 Model A that he bought as a teenager in 1939 ; he was a Ford guy for his whole life and at one point bought a new one every two or three years as he was an electronics salesman . I remember him trading in our 68 Monterey for a pine tree green 71 Monterey 4 door hdtp. We had that one until 1976 when it was stolen and later found stripped out . He had quite a few other cars after over the years ( he made it to 100) , but he would always say that 71 Merc was the car he liked the most
@Rick W
I was going to comment that someone spent a lot of time and money turning this garage into a beautiful room for this beautiful car, you’d think they’d have the time to at least pull the car out enough to take some decent pictures. But as you pointed out, possibly health issues are preventing that.
Land yachts rule. This car is a beauty. At one point, later in the 70s, Mercury’s were even bigger than Lincolns.
Yes Indeedeedeedo! Once saw a garage with slate black and white tiles, windows draped in red velvet and crystal chandeliers. Often wanted to create that. On another post here on Barn Finds someone actually posted an image of similar. I have 2 large receptacles filled with vintage wheel covers, mostly Cadillac and Lincoln, but full sets of 55 DeSoto and Cordoba. PLANS…..? 😔. Anyway LOL to ALL of you Barn Finders Out There In The Dark! BTW, where IS Norma Desmond? 💋 🏰
I’m not sure a rubber radiator hose would have the metal ends that this one does. I think that is something you would find on a real braided hose!
Spectre Performance sold them for decades, it was their bread and butter. You could buy the pieces individually or in kit form. If you search eBay you can still find listings for assorted coverings, clamps and kits.
Steve R
I have no idea what it’s worth but this would be a fairly rare model. Most were pillared hardtops. I can’t remember the last time that I saw one.
This car exudes the term “Brougham” in spades. The epitome of the middle class luxo-barges that wasn’t a Cadillac or a Lincoln.
What is happening with this sale? Hopefully this treasured Mercury has a new home. Better yet maybe the seller has been able to keep it. 🤔 Yes,I am a sentimental senior who likes a happy ending to each story.,
RICK W: The listing is still live on FB Marketplace. Nothing has changed – no asking price is listed.