Sometimes, you see an advertisement for an old car that seems almost too good to be true. And then you hope that it is true, because, well, it’s the internet. This ’69 Mercury Marquis has all the hallmarks of a really good deal, and I’d better write quickly because it might be gone before I’ve entered the last period. Here we go!
I hope I’m not exaggerating, because this Arizona Mercury has the following things going for it according to the ad: 1) The seller is the original owner. 2) It has 21,321 miles. 3) It’s priced at $7,500 obo.
That seems like a great price for 2024, and for a car that’s Arizona rust-free. Under the hood is some of that Arizona dust covering a 429 cubic-inch V8 that might be topped by, wait for it, an Autolite two barrel. Yes, the Marquis’s standard engine was a 320-horsepower 429 two barrel, but a 360-horsepower four-barrel 429 was optional. The seller doesn’t say which one is pictured here.
The interior looks immaculate, perhaps excepting the “custom” shifter boot and classic wrapped steering wheel cover. The upholstery, those door panels…it sure looks like a low-mileage original from here. The Marquis came standard with “burled-walnut vinyl paneling,” according to my Standard Catalog of Ford: 1903-1998. This is also an air-conditioned car, although the seller doesn’t mention if it is currently operational.
The interior is so nice that I’m inclined to include one extra picture; this is an exciting find if you like big ’60s luxury cars.
Yes, the paint, body, and roof are all in “great condition.” If I’ve convinced you to pursue this Marquis, please note that it’s so long that it won’t fit into the picture above. It is 224.3 inches long, in fact, and while that’s not the longest factory showboat ever created, it’s long enough to check the length of your garage.
It might be worth checking. If this Marquis is as clean as it looks, it might be the buy of the day, but nothing in life is perfect. The headlight doors appear to be stuck in the retracted position, and while I’m not certain how difficult a repair that will be, it might be worth overlooking considering the general condition of the car itself. When will you find another? It’s currently on Craigslist in Phoenix, AZ, so let us know if you’re the lucky one to snap up this big, handsome cruiser.
Great looking car. Should last long at this price. Good way to get into a classic car for not much money.
Steve R
Even before Mercury put the GRAND in GRAND MARQUIS, this beauty replaced Park Lane as the top of the line. This one is definitely a time capsule and Bon Marche. I’m sure it will be gone very soon, hopefully to Someone who will give it the TLC it deserves.
Around 1980 I purchased a’69 Lincoln sedan, suicide doors, same exact colors in and out. Paint was extremely chalky but with about 30 hours of detailing in and out it looked brand new! Just loved fuel…
I live 200 miles from this car, and it just happens that I’m heading to Phoenix for a couple days
Definitely going to check this one out.
Sold!
Unfortunately I missed it by a couple hours
Good luck to the new owner…
Thanks for the update. It’s not surprising it wasn’t on the market for long.
Steve R
Had same year, 4 door in 76, my Mom used to let me drive on Country roads in upstate NY. It had the 4 barrel setup. Man, that thing flew when you floored it, took off like a jet after getting it up to 50mph.
Probably 129 k after looking at the motor it looks like many heat cycles & then perfect conditions inside a garage but still a great survivor!
This is a beautiful Mercury. The first thing I thought of when I saw the way the roofline, rear windows, and quarter panels are designed and come together is that its very Lincoln like. And thats a good thing in my book. Lincoln / Mercury had some handsome cars during this time period. Im not sure about the mileage claim. It may be legit, lots of people pay attention to the interior and exterior and dont bother much with the trunk or under the hood. The interior and exterior sure look low mileage to me.
That is one big car. Not any bigger than the pickup trucks that clog our highways though. Love that it’s a coupe too. I had a late friend who lived in the area who got into flipping cars when he retired. I can see why now with examples like this.rdminds me of the running joke of Car and Driver whenever they reviewed a Grand Marquis, where is the Grand Marquis de Sade edition?
Love the joke! 👍 ALMOST as much as I love Lincolns and Mercurys. Mine have been 78 and 87 GRAND MARQUIS and 78 Town Coupe, 89 Signature Series, and current 07 low mileage Town Car Signature Limited. Of course there have been some Cadillacs and two 80s RWD Fifth Avenues. I recall a 60s advertisement for Lincoln-Mercury with Marilyn Maye singing…Will everyone here 🎵 kindly step to the rear 🎵 and let a winner lead the way! Unfortunately Mercury is long gone and Lincoln has lost its way 😔. Thankfully my Town Car will last as long as I can drive. BTW in the late 70s Thunderbird offered faux leather straps and buckles on the rear deck. Those were frequently referred to as Bondage Birds. I’m waiting for other members of The GREAT AMERICAN LAND YACHT SOCIETY to weigh in on this BIG Boat 🚢. 👋
If you zoom in the air cleaner says 4V so it is the 4 barrel.
Clean it up, put period correct mags, charge Air, fix vacuum in door lights, sit back in comfy seats and cruise with that big V8.
The front filler panel between the hood and grill is made of white metal and usually was the first thing to go in a front end fender bender…
Great looking car, being the two door. 228″ is 19 ft. So less than that. This is a good deal. I already have one of these, so I know. I love mine.
Tried contacting seller on Craigslist. Nothing
bought one in 1982 for 75.00 bucks and that car drove great but man it could suck down gas. good old days