Cousin to the Ford Torino, the 2nd generation Mercury Montego was completely redesigned in 1972. Just a year later the oil crisis would have a significant impact on the automobile industry. American car companies, already being hit hard with early 1970’s federal fuel regulations, would begin to veer away from producing larger-style vehicles in response to consumer demand. The performance car era was coming to an end. Embodying the classic beauty and style of cars from that era is this 1973 Montego MX two-door coupe, available here on Craigslist in Fort Ann, New York for $4,500.
In addition to dealing with Federal fuel regulations in the early ’70’s, American auto makers also had to comply with increased safety regulations. The designers at Ford/Mercury sure did a wonderful job of making those big safety bumpers look beautiful on the Montego however, and this car certainly still wears its chrome well. The seller is a bit short on details regarding what’s original and what’s not on this MX, but does point out that the vinyl top has been replaced. I’m guessing this Montego is wearing its original paint since the seller doesn’t mention otherwise. I can’t see any overspray or color inconsistencies in any of the pictures, and the seller does a real nice job of including photos of all the telltale areas.
The seller fails to reveal how many miles are on the motor, but claims it is “100% mechanical.” Here is a good shot of what appears to be the 5.8 liter, 351 cubic inch V8. Mercury offered five different V8 engines in addition to the base 4.1 liter, 250 inline 6 for the 2nd gen. Montego. I have to address the elephant in the room and admit that as I scroll through the pictures in the ad I am finding it harder and harder to keep my focus on the Montego. This seller has quite a collection! Anyone care to take a stab at identifying what’s parked to the right of the Montego in bay 1? How many other cars, trucks, tour buses, and motorcycles can you spot in this guy’s collection? How about all of the transportation-related signs, the old gas pump and the stop light? I also spot at least two old grills on display. Very impressive!
This car looks just as clean on the inside, with perhaps a bit of color fading on the dash and some light stains on the carpeting. The seller does a great job of providing plenty of pictures of the interior and I am really falling in love with the white upholstery. I think the door panels look especially sharp against the chrome trim and brown inlay. So at $4,500 is the seller’s price fair? It sure seems it to me – although there still is the question of how many miles are on the clock.
It would need an in person inspection but, it looks like a very good price. It seems to be ready for cruise night as is.
$4,500 looks like a bargain.
Maybe a Fiat 124 next to it?
Red Fiat 124 Spider parked next to it, series II. Mid 60’s squarebird up the hill in another photo. I like the layout of his “gearhead world.” I want all those signs hanging at my shop.
I apologize for ripping on the Montego in the Cougar post, only because I was disappointed that this is what the Cougar would become. The Montego was a very nice car, probably the nicest cars for the time. Little smaller, great styling, plenty of power, dependable. This particular Montego? Looks nice, but rest assured, lots of projects await the new owner.
Less projects await the Montego owner than the Fiat owner though for sure.
Would it be cousin or brother?
I am thinking brother.
Nearly identical listing at $3,500 on classiccarsfromusadotcom; different plates; is this a flipper out for a fast grand?
update – this was sold 11/2015 for $3,150 with 105k miles; new vinyl may have been added, no word on inop AC or gas gauge.
I thought I’d seen it before.
I learned how to drive on a ’75 Montego MX Brougham, so this car absolutely caught my attention. Dad’s was a lighter shade of blue with the same white upholstery and vinyl top, but his was also a lot better equipped and had opera windows in the c-pillars.
I wish I had a place to put it and a wife who would understand why I wanted it.
Opera windows were not offered on the Montego until 1974. This is the top of the line MX Brougham so the interior is the same as your 75, but from there is was up to the buyer to choose options that today we take for granted today. For example color keyed seat belts, and steering wheel. Automatic transmission, air conditioner, tilt wheel, cruise, power windows and even a clock and a radio of any kind was optional in these cars. So back then a top end Montego MX Broughams as well as most cars in that price range were still very basic unless you checked off the many options that were available in 1973.
Alas, a very nice car with a very reasonable price!
looks like a 1964 T-bird to the right of the picture outside
I owned a 72 Montego MX. It was one of the most reliable cars I had driven. Loved it. Thanks, Barry
I had a 73 with the 429, Holly 4bbl, Would Love to find another.