Parked in the 1980s: 1963½ Mercury Marauder

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This 1963½ Mercury Marauder can rightly be referred to as an original survivor. This is a car that not only still wears its original paint and interior trim, but what lurks under the hood is also original. After being parked in a barn since the 1980s, the owner has gotten it back up and running, and now wants it to go to a good home.  It presents extremely well and would represent a great first car for someone contemplating entering the classic car scene. Located in Dover, Delaware, it is listed for sale here on eBay. Bidding is currently sitting at $15,100, but the reserve hasn’t been met.

The Marauder wears a nice combination of Peacock Turquoise, with a Sultana White top. The paint looks to be really good, and it makes for a very attractive car. The overall impression is that the Marauder is not only a great looking vehicle, but that this original paint has survived remarkably well on a 56-year-old car. The other thing that is really obvious is the lack of rust in the vehicle. The floors look like they have the sort of light surface corrosion spots that you would expect on a car of this age, but there isn’t a spot of rust to be seen anywhere. The panels look straight and true, and the external trim and chrome are also in fantastic condition.

If you look long enough and hard enough it is always possible to find fault with a car. This is even true of something new, and the most obvious fault with the Marauder is a seam separation and tear on the driver’s seat. These may be able to be repaired without having to replace the cover, so I would probably pursue that option first. It isn’t easy to see the carpet, as it is covered with mats, but the rest of the interior looks superb. The only non-original item on the car is the 8-track hanging under the dash. As a bit of a bonus, the owner is including a collection of 8-track cartridges with the car, so I hope that he has good taste in music.

You pop the hood on the Marauder and come face to face with what is a numbers-matching car. The 300hp 390ci engine is backed by a 3-speed Cruise-O-Matic transmission, while the Marauder also gets power steering and power brakes. The car is said to run and drive really nicely, and the YouTube clip at the bottom of this article not only gives you a good walk-around of the car, but you get to hear the engine running. It really does sound nice and clean. Speaking of clean, it certainly is that under the hood. As well as being clean, it sounds like some work has been done under here to ensure that the car is strong and reliable. The car has received a new gas tank and lines, a new master cylinder and booster, a new battery, and the original carburetor have also been rebuilt.

The owner of the Marauder says that he believes that it belongs in a museum or showroom, but I can’t agree with him on that. This isn’t because it isn’t any good, because it is a seriously nice car. To me, this car spent more than 30-years parked in a barn, so it’s done its time in solitary confinement. I think that after all of those years, it is only fitting that a beautiful car like this should now be driven and enjoyed.

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Comments

  1. LMK

    Beautiful…

    Like 11
  2. Solosolo UK ken tillyMember

    Now that’s a great car. Apart from a small ding at the bottom of the right rear fender, I can’t fault it. As for the fantastic dash, Wow! Why don’t they make cars as glamorous as this any more?

    Like 3
  3. KSwheatfarmer

    Friend in high school had one in pink, he flogged it to death. Mine is a 64,bucket seats,console,floor shift,used to delight in taking out a few small block chevys who were always amazed such a big car could run so hard.It’s still here in storage,coming out this fall-winter,at least get it up and running again.

    Like 3
  4. 86_Vette_Convertible

    Gorgeous! Needs to hit the roads and be enjoyed.

    Like 4
  5. Brian

    Gorgeous! Underside does show gooey signs of 76766 miles shown on the clock. Frame and undercarriage pretty dirty…would really be fine if the body were lifted off the frame with the frame powder coated, running gear clean and painted, and interior body (engine room etc.) painted to match exterior. But…dang it looks lovely!

    TEXACO: “Trust your car to the man who wears the star” Male chauvinism LIVED…once…lol. Reminds me of Hawkeye Pierce’s one liner to an army General in M*A*S*H.

    Can’t understand the predatory names…”Marauder” sounds like a Martin B-26.

    Like 0
  6. TimM

    The merc had some sweet lines and is a very desirable car in my opinion!! It’s brother the galaxy sold many more than the merc!!

    Like 1
  7. Moparman MoparmanMember

    Although there are cars I like to see wearing fender skirts, I think I’d leave these off of this one. Maybe it’s the chrome…(IMO) it detracts from, rather than enhances the cars’ smooth flowing lines. :-)

    Like 0
  8. Bob C.

    These early 60s Mercurys are truly the best looking of the decade. I like this roof better than the style with the movable back glass. I agree it needs to be driven regularly again.

    Like 2
  9. John S

    This era Merc was a FANTASTIC road car! I had a ’63 that smoothed out at around 80-85 m.p.h. & it felt like it was gliding! This is a really nice looking car that just needs a little love.

    Like 1
  10. stillrunners

    Not easy to find a nice one…..this is nice….they tore up the competition in Nascar for those years.

    Like 0
  11. Barry L Klotz

    I had one in 1969. Loved it a lot. It was Red with Black vinyl top. Had the390with 3speed in floor. Wish I could have it now.

    Like 0
  12. Solosolo UK ken tillyMember

    You said it LMK. And very desirable.

    Like 0
  13. Miguel

    I know this is the model to have, but since I had 3 ’63s with the Breezeaway, I am more partial to those.

    Like 0
  14. Johnmloghry Johnmloghry

    Very nice car. A friend of mine ( RIP Larry) had one back around 72 or so. Very nice smooth riding car. I really like the chrome trim used in those days, such crisp sharp lines covered in shiny chrome. I could proudly park this car next to my 64 Buick Riviera. The only option not on this car but a must for me is air conditioning. It’s hot in Houston in the summertime.
    God bless America

    Like 0

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