Life is full of choices. Paper or plastic? Window or aisle seat? Woodgrain accents or no woodgrain? If a buyer was looking at a Mercury Marquis wagon in this era, those who wanted woodgrain went for a Marquis Colony Park, such as this 1970 Mercury Marquis Colony Park. The seller has this example posted here on craigslist in Camas, Washington and they’re asking $12,500. Here is the original listing and thanks to Bret P. for sending in this tip!
This Marquis Colony Park is actually a very light blue color called Pastel Blue, even though it appears to be white or a shade of white in most of the photos. A buyer could opt for a Marquis wagon without the woodgrain trim – which Mercury referred to as “yacht deck paneling” – and a few other Colony Park features to save some money and still have a nice ride for their family.
The seller doesn’t show us the passenger side at all, I hope there is one. They say that this car has been in the same family for over 46 years which is pretty incredible, and it has had only two owners. This is a fifth-generation Colony Park that was made beginning in 1968 for the 1969 model year until 1978.
This example appears to have the optional “Twin Comfort Lounge Seats” and at least the driver’s side is power-adjustable. This is the only interior photo other than one showing the rear cargo area from inside, but there are no other interior photos, sadly.
The engine in this Colony Park is a 390 cubic-inch V8, although period brochures and several other sources say that the 429 V8 was standard. The air cleaner clearly shows 390 and even Wiki says that a 400 was the base engine with a 429 as an option so now I’m really confused. When all is said and done, the VIN decodes to a 390 two-barrel so there you have it. The seller doesn’t mention how it runs but they say that the air-conditioning was rebuilt and that works well. Any thoughts on this beautiful Mercury wagon?
I would buy that in a heartbeat if I were on the west coast. Shipping cost across country will kill the sale for many potential buyers now. ❤
I had a 70 mercury with a 390, paid a 100 bucks for it in 1983. Big four door boat, no AC or power brakes, did have power steering. I beat on that thing like I stole it, those were the days
Would have thought it would have had power windows being top of the line Colony Park!
The 400 V8, didn’t it debut in 1971?
I’m with you, Allen. To the best of my recollection the 400 didn’t show up until 1971. The 390 2V was the full-size Mercury’s base engine for many years. A little unusual given the level of equipment on this CP, though…
Yes Allen L, early 1971 Fords were still sporting the 390, then the 400 Cleveland made its debut during the second half of the year.
That 2bbl 390 made lot’s of noise and drank copious amounts of gasoline but it just didn’t have the hustle as when it was equipped with a 4bbl, it was a very lame attempt at fuel mileage
Well its 1970, could i get the 460? How about the 4 speed, if i knew someone who knew someone could i get a drag pack 9 inch rear? At this point while the salesperson is writing, can i slip in Cyclone nose, AC Power Windows, and Throw in a 8-track. Oh wait, what about forced air induction.
Mercury didn’t sell a whole lot of Station Wagons. But their other half sure did.
Ford was Number 1 in Station Wagons, with the Country Squire, Galaxy 500 Wagon and others. Many family beach trips I remember to the South Jersey Shore via the Pennsylvania Turnpike and all the great Mountain tunnels in PA.
Lot of great memories !
My Dad had a 71 Marquis Sedan which looked a lot like this with a 429 and it would only get 10 MPG at best. Like all Fords of the time they all had the droopy hide away headlights like this car does as did my 70 Cougar however his car never had that issue.
My dad had a 71 Monterey, it had the fixed headlights. The Marquis lights were hidden . It was my fathers favorite car of all the cars he owned – the first was a 29 Model A in 1938. Of course the one car that was stolen was the Monterey , it was found weeks later, stripped in an alley in New Haven.
We had the cheaper cousin, 1972 Ford LTD Country Squire. Forest green, black interior, and the wood decals on the side. When the decals started to fade we would put a small amount of new motor oil on a rag and rub it into the decal. This was befor Amorall! It worked, but despite rubbing most of it off, you never leaned against the car with good clothes on!!😂🤣
Ha! The local for dealer told my dad to spray WD40 (or IT) on those panels that would fade. It worked!
Here I go, again…. where the F are the power windows? Power door locks?
A car of this status and prestige should have them.
You definitely did not want power windows in a late ’60’s or early 70’s Ford product.
Amen. Love your comments. Spot on.
I looked at one of these back around 1985 or so. It was MINT with a nice green color with the wood. I think it was around $400. But it had a blown tranny.
I had one of these but I lost it somewhere. I am not sure where.