Badge revivals are not a new phenomenon as manufacturers seek to trade on past glories. Sometimes the strategy is successful, but often it isn’t. Mercury experienced the latter when it relaunched the Marauder in 2003 after a thirty-three absence from the market. The latest model offered an excellent blend of luxury, comfort, and performance. However, buyers didn’t embrace the Marauder, with Mercury retiring the badge again in 2004 after sales barely reached 30% of its initial projections. Our feature car is a final-year example that presents superbly. It has 39,000 genuine miles on its odometer and has a range of documentation that increases its desirability. It has generated significant interest since hitting the market, suggesting that plenty of people like what they see.
Mercury introduced the Third Generation Marauder in 2003, basing its latest model on the Panther Platform that it shared with the Grand Marquis and Ford’s Crown Victoria. The styling was crisp and modern, and since it was essentially a niche vehicle, Mercury projected annual sales of around 18,000 cars. Sadly, the reality fell well short of that figure. This 2004 Marauder is 1-of-997 that was ordered in Silver Birch Metallic. A close inspection reveals a few minor chips on the front bumper, but a reputable paint shop will have no trouble addressing the imperfections if the winning bidder craves perfection. However, the chips are pretty insignificant, making preservation a viable choice. The panels are straight, and there is no evidence of rust. It appears to sport the optional rear spoiler that adds a subtle touch of muscle. This classic rolls on a set of chrome 18″ alloy wheels, and the lack of physical damage to those suggests this classic has always been treated respectfully.
Mercury developed the Marauder as a luxurious Grand Tourer. Therefore, it is unsurprising that they slotted a relatively potent engine under the hood. It was a “one size fits all” approach, with every buyer receiving Ford’s 4.6-liter “Modular” V8, a four-speed automatic transmission, and power-assisted steering and four-wheel disc brake. The V8 produces 302hp and 318 ft/lbs of torque. It is worth noting that Mercury’s desire for luxury trimmings pushed the curb weight to 4,195 lbs. However, the Marauder’s ability to cover the ¼-mile in 15 seconds and push its needle beyond 140mph confirms it could get moving if given a push. The seller claims this classic has a genuine 39,000 miles on its odometer, and the car’s overall condition makes the claim plausible. It may also be documented because the seller includes a significant collection of paperwork for the winning bidder. They receive the Owner’s Manual, Service Book, and the Ford Racing Build Plaque and Booklets. This Marauder runs and drives exceptionally well, allowing the new owner to fly in and drive it home.
The Marauder’s luxury and safety credentials are clearly visible when we focus on its interior. The new owner receives airbags, traction control, climate-control air conditioning, leather trim, cruise control, a tilt wheel, white-faced gauges, a premium stereo with a CD player, and power operation for the windows, locks, front seats, and mirrors. Faulting the condition is seemingly impossible. There is no wear or evidence of neglect. The back seat appears to have only received limited use, and there is no scratched or scored plastic. One interesting touch is the genuine Mercury Marauder leather jacket. These were reserved exclusively for Marauder buyers, and the one included in this sale has never been worn.
The final generation Mercury Marauder didn’t sell well, with 3,214 buyers handing over their cash in 2004 to take one home. The company had projected a volume of 18,000 cars per annum, deciding to gracefully withdraw the badge at the end of that year when it failed to achieve that mark. The public may not have embraced the Marauder when it was new, but that situation seems to have changed. The seller listed this classic here on eBay in Kissimmee, Florida. Forty bids have pushed the price beyond the reserve to $11,800, and the listing’s view history suggests that figure will climb. It should surpass $15,000, and a higher figure is certainly possible based on recent sales results. It is a powerful, luxurious, and practical low-mile survivor. Are those characteristics enough for you to pursue it further?
Beautiful cars Clarkey.
Grand Touring specialists from the now defunct Mercury division.
Clarkey, really? I like it. Good call Stan.
Though never a fan of Land Yachts, I was amazed when I drove a Marauder. One wouldn’t expect to get much fun out of throwing two tons of Mercury around, but these had better back-road chops than some contemporary “performance” cars.
Just as impressive, of course, were all the luxury features. And to me, it was a beautifully proportioned and detailed design. In fact, my only beef with the Marauder when it was new was a shortage of horsepower, which was totally subjective. That wouldn’t be difficult to address.
I’d be happy to live with this car. Unfortunately, the state of my bank account suggests I’d have to live IN it. That’s almost tempting….
Be still my beating heart. If only I could justify (and afford) an additional car.
I had a 2004 in Dark Toreador Red. Never should have sold that car. Grown up hot rod that handled better than any full size sedan should. Great car. Fast and comfy on long trips.
A friend of mine passed away a few years back and had driven nothing but Lincolns all the years I knew him, but he was an old 50’s era hot-rodder and his last car was this one’s twin, one of his kids has it now. What’s missing in the description, and I think I’m right on this, is that it doesn’t have a normal 4.6L but came with the double overhead cam version from the Mach I. It had a sound all its own when it was winding out.
Nice car, I remember these when they were new. If I recall the motor is the 32V four cam similar to the one found in the Mustang Cobra.
Richard you recall correctly, this motor was used in the Mustang Cobra but was first introduced in the Lincoln Mark VIII in 1993. Ford transplanted it to the Mustang Cobra in 1996. I worked as service manager at a Ford dealership back then these were a lot of fun and held up really well when taken to the limit.
Looks like it spent 7 years in Wisconsin, hopefully not driven on salted roads in the winter…
Ford”s version of this was the Crown Vic Sport without any markings anywhere saying what it was. It had different wheels than the standard Crown Vic,leather trimmednterior with bucket seats and that dual overhead Mustang engine. A good friend had one of these…what a car!
Ford never put the 32 valve in a Crown Vic, it just had the handling package and a few other things including wheels and tires. Mostly a dressed-up police package. Marauder was the only one.
Steve H. is correct…no Crown Vic ever got a 32-Valve engine.
Not from the factory, but Roush did build 18 32V 5spd Crown Vic’s for Bondurant school. I know it’s not factory, but cool for it’s intended purpose, Ford should have built some for the retail public.
Steve R
My 03 Sport has a sport designation on the left deck lid.
Just here to say: That’s one of the coolest names for a car I ever heard.
If i hadn’t just picked up a 2009 Town Car with 35,000 miles, I’d be on ́my way to Florida with cash and drive this home. Beautiful.
I still have the promotional DVD that Mercury released.
I still want one.
32 valves and at least 2 of them were going to have problems due to head cooling issues. The question is would they outlast the timing chain guides. Pass on this one.
You, obviously, don’t know much about these cars and/or have been given some really bad information…they are, likely, the most reliable cars ever built (save, perhaps, for the standard 4.6 Crown Victoria/Grand Marquis). I have owned many and, personally know of one (yes, I owned it too) with over 250K on it that still runs (and looks) like new.
I owned and pampered a 2004 Lincoln Aviator. Same exa ct engine. Biggest lemon I have ever owned. Chain AND valve problems.
I have a 2005 grand Marquis signature series with 148,000 miles with a stock 4:6 engine. Car is beautiful and runs like a top. These cars run 500,000 with no problems.
The 2V motors are solid. The 4V not so much.
Sold for a high bid of $24,000 with 75 bids.
Steve R