When is a full-size Ford, not a Ford? When it’s a 1967 Mercury Park Lane convertible like today’s Pacific Palisades, California discovery. Mercury had lost a lot of its uniqueness by ’67 but there were some things, still, to differentiate it from its Ford sibling. Let’s examine this beautiful convertible (it’s green!) and see if we can determine the differences. For those that are interested, it’s available, here on craigslist for $18,000.
Today’s find is a Park Lane trim level, which put it near the top of the Merc totem pole, the Montclair and Monterey were beneath and the Brougham (four-door) and Marquis (two-door) were above. The Parklane was the only trim level to feature a convertible body style and it’s fairly rare with only about 3,000 units produced. Comparing it to a ’67 Ford Galaxie 500 convertible, we find that the Mercury is 5.5″ longer, 4 inches of that length is in the wheelbase (123 vs. 119) and the Parklane weighs in with 200 lbs. of additional weight. So size mattered in those days when we were comparing a commodity model like a Galaxie 500 to the more upscale Mercury. And yes, there were measurable differences between the two.
But those dimensional differences weren’t the only ones…Mercury had its own FE series V8 engine, displacing 410 CIs and generating 330 gross HP. It was essentially a short-lived (’66 and ’67) Ford 390 with a slightly longer stroke. The seller tells us that the engine in this drop-top is a low mileage replacement and it’s “mechanically perfect” and a “perfect beach cruiser“. Research indicates that its automatic transmission is a three-speed MX/FX.
This is a fantastic-looking car and I’m hard-pressed to issue a demerit for anything other than maybe an ill-fitting front bumper. There is no observed rust, crash damage, or finish fade. My guess is that the hue is “Inverness Green” and it looks almost too good to be original. The black folding convertible top’s condition matches that of the car and it is, in fact, new.
The black vinyl interior presents as nicely as the exterior. One could make the case that black vinyl upholstery is tough on the tush and thighs when you’re out doing all of that top-down beach cruising but maybe that’s a small price to pay for outdoor fun. This is a non-A/C equipped car which is not a surprising discovery on a convertible from this era.
The seller claims, “I have done $18-$20k in work…” which is hard to visually verify other than noting that mentioned business about the engine. No idea what he paid for this Parklane back in 2008 but recovering his investment is not possible with a $18,000 price. But then again, maybe the $$$ didn’t matter and it was done for the love of a cool old car. If that’s the case, I’m glad he did, how about you?
No a/c and as there are no heater hoses also no heat.
I’m not sure where you’re getting your info, Jim, but according to the Standard Catalog of American Cars, there were 1191 Park Lane convertibles and 2673 Monterey convertibles built in 1967.
Auto Catalogue is my source- and it’s the two numbers (Monterey and Parklane) combined, not just Parklane. (BTW – has it become your job now to double check every figure that I publish?)
JO
Too bad this wasn’t a black 2 door fastack hardtop. Whoa! Then it MIGHT be McGarrett’s 1st car! Rented from Hertz, used in the pilot & then returned to Hertz! Tho footage of the 2 door car from the pilot oddly also appeared in later episodes. Before VCRs, CBS was hoping no one would notice Steve driving a 2 door & then showing up at his destination in a ’68 4 door!
Imagine renting HIS car from Hertz after the pilot was filmed!
Hood ornament is missing from the TV car …
https://www.imcdb.org/v088376.html
Today, whereabouts unknown.
A perfect beach cruiser? Bring your land anchor. Maybe on the sands of Daytona. But this is a gorgeous Merc and a bargain if it’s as good as it looks.
Well, yeah, it IS an awesome beach cruiser! Must have originally purchased and remained in CA, I live here, not too far from this car, and it’s tempting to go check it out! Love the car. 1967 was a great year for Ford . Had a 1967 T-bird back in 1984 and I should have kept it. Well, unless you live in Hawaii or similar weather, you really NEED air conditioning. Even in the winter when you use it with the heat on / defrost to remove moisture. I would love to have this car. I love everything about it ! But broiling in the summer and possibly crashing with fogged windows….. I’ll have to think about it. Nice price. Great article too!
P.S. – With all this heat we’re having, this convertible sure looks good! Even without air conditioning.
Look out JO,(Jim) you may have competition! Imagine, being a writer for BF. You do a killer job man ,you come up with amazing stats. Anyway ,I was under many hoods as a youngster pumping gas in the 60’s. Plus a motorhead. I just don’t remember this 410 mtr. Greg mentioned no htr hoses,I didn’t see them either. Think they were eliminated at mtr swap? Or factory dropped it new,owner request. Reasoning is, here in VA. state insp.requires windshield defrost. Does Cal, who knows,speak.
410’s were offered with 66 and 67 Mercs. 66 valve covers were tall 67’s had regular 390 valve covers.
390 bore with 428 stroke…and special pistons
As a kid folks had a 66 monterrey. Ours was a 410. Seemed to run pretty good back in the day.
In 1985 I went to a funeral in South Carolina and my cousin had a black 4-door ’67 Park Lane. It looked like a mini Lincoln. Coming from Cleveland, it had been years since I’d seen a clean car from the 60s. I’ve wanted a Park Lane ever since.
My parents bought a new Montclair in ’67 w/390. I remember my father talking with another Merc owner who said his had the 410, he said “You got the economy motor”. Not surprised with the lack of a/c I had ’69 Olds 98 vert with no air.
This one has the rarely seen light in the fenders. Replaces the faux aluminum simulated vents seen on most of the full-size cars.
At the end of the classic tv shows that used a lot of Antique,Classic and Vintage rides on Classic tv shows like from Perry Mason to Ironside from mannix to Barnaby Jones. All of the tv series and shows which are now in syndication and are now shown as Classic TV there are two Classic TV Stations MeTV “Memorable entertainment Television” & fetv “family entertainment television”. The question is what happens to all the Antique, Classic and Vintage Rides that were used as props in a lot of your tv shows that are now in syndication and are now known as classic entertainment television “CET MeTV & fete.
The Rides of the Big Three were utilized in a lot of of tv series and shows.
Rare power windows and 8 track. Something unidentifiable under center of dash. No htr hoses and only 1 brake line coming out of master cylinder?
That looks like the right unit if it had the optional front disc brakes. Dual circuit brakes weren’t required until 1968.
The panel under the dash I
Believe was called the convenience group.
It consisted of warning lights ( door ajar, low fuel, seat belts, hazard flasher and a push button for power locks)
Nice car, i like the 68 better, the way the headlights were set deep into the grill and the taillights had more chrome over the lens. This car came with heat you can see the heater core inlet and outlet just no hoses tells me she’s a leaker so they just bypassed it.
I could be wrong, but I’d be surprised if this had the cast iron FX/MX instead of a C6 behind a 410.
My thought too but the source that I used stated it was an FX/MX, but it could be wrong too.
JO
i have had 8 different ones in those years like andy said 428 crank they would out run the 390 s even with more weight early production iu- iua cobra jet cranks only real merc guys knew, they would run! 428 came out in 1966 with same crank
What a beast. It’s nice, but that’s bigger than a service worker’s apartment in New York City.
Yes motor in this car states it is a 410 cubic inch fe motor. Only produced in 1966-1967 models. This is a 390 bore with a 428 crank. This is a great motor to hop up.
They should take it back to the place that installed the new top. Lousy installation job.