While it may not be perfect, this 1965 Mercury Park Lane Marauder is an original and unmolested survivor whose condition is well above average. It has only had two owners throughout its lifetime, and the time has come for it to find its way to a third owner. If you think you could be that person, you will find the Marauder located in Ogden, Utah, and listed for sale here on Craigslist. You could drive away in this classic for $15,000, although it appears that the owner will entertain offers. A big thank you has to go to Barn Finder MattR for referring this remarkable survivor to us.

The current owner purchased the Mercury earlier this year. Until then, it had remained under the care of its original owner. It seems that this person was pretty devoted to the Marauder because it is remarkably well preserved. The Tiffany Blue paint shines beautifully, although it does sport s a few minor nicks and marks. However, if the buyer wants to retain it as an original survivor, there would be no shame in following that path. It features a Dark Blue vinyl top, and if anything, this is in better condition than the paint. The panels are straight and adding to this classic’s appeal, all of the steel is claimed to be original. There have never been any repairs of any description, and the fact that the Marauder has always been garage-kept has helped it remain completely rust-free. The chrome and trim, including the original hubcaps, is in good condition, while there are no flaws or marks on the glass.

Turning our attention to the Marauder’s interior, we find an aspect of the vehicle that presents even better than the exterior. The original owner ordered it trimmed in Medium Blue Naugahyde vinyl, and this remains free from any form of damage. I would go as far as to say that the back seat looks like it has never been used. There is some very minor wrinkling on the door trims, but an experienced upholsterer might be able to stretch this back to shape with no problems. There is also a tiny amount of wear on the driver’s side carpet, but this isn’t bad enough to justify replacement. Beyond that, the dash and pad look faultless, as does the timber trim and the headliner. The owner admits that the Mercury will need a new heater core, but he has sourced one and includes it in the sale. The dash still houses its factory pushbutton radio, and life on the road should be made more enjoyable by the inclusion of air conditioning.

It seems that the original owner knew what he wanted when he ordered this Marauder. We find the engine bay occupied by a 390ci V8, while a 3-speed automatic transmission, power steering, and power brakes are all part of the package. With 300hp under the right foot, this Mercury should be a spritely performer for a vehicle that tips the scales at 4,092lbs. The journey down the ¼ mile would take a neat 16 seconds, while keeping the foot to the floor offers the chance of hitting 124mph. The current owner has spent a few dollars on this classic since he purchased it, and it all adds up to a vehicle that runs and drives well. He replaced the master cylinder, all of the wheel cylinders, and the brake shoes. You can add a complete service and fluid flush to the equation, along with new tires, plugs, points, wires, filters, and a new dual exhaust. That leaves the buyer with nothing to do but slip behind the wheel and enjoy the classic motoring experience.

There’s no doubt that a light cosmetic restoration would have this 1965 Park Lane Marauder presenting in as-new condition, and if the buyer chooses to tread that path, I could understand that. There would also be no shame in leaving it untouched because it is a car that would still turn heads wherever it goes. Finding an example that is as original and unmolested as this one is a rare treat, and its lack of rust helps increase its desirability. When you consider all of these factors, the asking price looks extremely competitive. Of course, if you could negotiate something slightly lower, that would be the icing on the cake. I hope that the person who buys it continues to treat it with the care and respect it has received for the past 56-years. You never know, but if they do, it could still be plying our roads in another 56-years. That would be quite something, wouldn’t it?