While I guess this car could technically be called a “Woody Wagon” it is a far cry from its 1940s and 50s cousins. There are some nice wood accents down the side which give it a nostalgic feel, but the wood certainly isn’t part of the structure or the soul of the car. The seller says this 1965 Mercury wears original paint and it looks like a pretty nice car. It can be found for sale here on Craigslist with an asking price of $10,500. Located in the Northern California town of Santa Rosa, I’m sure this car looks great cruising down the Pacific Coast Highway! Take a closer look at this survivor and thanks to Matt R. for the tip on this wonderful woody!
The deep red interior goes really well with the white body. The seller says the carpet is new along with the front seat being reupholstered. Overall though, it is original besides those two parts. If you know wagons of this era, the rear cargo area/kid compartment is huge and was a great way to haul a family during road trips. On this model, the rear seat folds down flat and makes a seamless floor along with the cargo area.
The engine measures 390 cubic inches which is a solid performer to power this heavy car. The engine has been rebuilt although the seller doesn’t say how long ago. It is mated to a C4 automatic transmission and also features power brakes and power steering. The car also has air conditioning but it does not currently work.
This car has great styling with jet-age rear fins and lights. The wood and stainless trim add a great touch of nostalgia along with the California “black plates.” Overall, this looks like a great cruiser that will hopefully entertain the new owner for years to come. What do you think of this one? Do you have memories of riding in a big wagon like this?
Nice looking wagon. The black plates are new, not vintage, they aren’t evidence the car has spent its life in California.
Steve R
Yes Steve, you can get black vanity plates in Cali, which I feel are a slap in the face to those who have original black plates. The new black plates should be only for cars that have earned the distinction of these. IMO.
When the new black plates were released by the state I assumed they would only be available for older cars. If I had an old car and wanted black plates I’d buy an original set and have them refurbished. The presence of new black plates often make it seem like the owner is trying too hard to impress.
Steve R
In my mind, the most famous old black plate California license number is OFP857, which goes to Herbie the love bug.
Hey Mercury Experts: were all full size wagons “Colony Park” or is that a trim level?
I’m no Mercury expert, but I do know that there were two full-sized Mercury wagons: Commuter and Colony Park. The Colony Park was the upper trim level.
That is an awesome looing wagon , don’t see to many of those.
Awesome looking wagon, don’t see to many Mercs
In 1965 I was 8 years old and my dad had a brand new “Country Sedan” with a special ordered squire interior, 289, but typical no A/C or power anything except steering. My uncle (who was in the “civil service”) came to visit one day, with cousins in tow, in a loaded to the gills “Colony Park” just like this one. I remember feeling really bad for dad.
We had one just like this in Aqua Marine Blue. My dad bought it used in 1972 and it needed a new Transmission all for $375.00. I remember picking it up. It was way more modern than our 1947 Chrysler. (My Dad was an Inner City Minister and never had much income.) It was also a rocket ship comparably. My Dad loved that car and wagons in general. From that point on he only had Ford Products. Rust killed the old Mercury eventually. He then had a 1969 LTD 4DR Hardtop 302 Automatic, the car I learned to drive on followed by a 1981 Fairmont Wagon 4CYL 4SP , 1988 Taurus Wagon and his last car 1997 Taurus Wagon. Before the Mercury he had GM and Chrysler Products.I would buy that Mercury in a minute if I had the funds.
A 390 wagon with a C-4? I dont remember that at all?
That’s exactly what I was thinking.
It’s Matt Helm’s ride in the movie “The Silencers”
And Matt Helm’s wagon, had the mandatory bar compartment in the rear.
I can’t decide whether is is sadder that I remember the Matt Helm movies, or the fact I recorded all of them last week on my DVR during a Helm marathon.
Great Mercury wagon. Haven’t seen one in ages.
Beautiful car.
Love the personal black Cal license plates; 65COLPK — 65 COLony ParK
My dad has a 1965 Mercury Parklane Marauder 390 4V that was teal inside and out. It’s now a satin black. He picked it up 10 years ago from this older couple who parked it in 1982 and drove it around the farm yard twice a year to keep it running and to save the grass. He picked it up for $200 (Canadian), $147 for my neighbours to the south. It still runs, all original, no body work, original glass, original interior with the plastic still on it.
Nice car. I have a question Ford fans can probably answer easily. I thought that the C4 was the transmission typically found behind small block engines. Would the 390, especially in a wagon, not have had a C6?
The c6 wasn’t around in 1965, so any auto trans needs were covered by the cruise-o-matic and merc-o-matic which were a gear selectable auto.
Great looking car and not a bad price in my opinion!! I don’t think it will last to long before someone just the buy it now button!!
This thread is a great example of why I love this site. Great memories shared by many, write-up well done and an opportunity to appreciate a vehicle that would normally never show up in any of my search words. Good Job, BF and followers. I’m diggin’ it. Happy early Fathers Day, guys!
I had a 1970 or ’71 Mercury Monterrey wagon. I used it as a race tow vehicle. It was tough and rode well. They are hard to find anymore. The SUV of that era.