I tend to treat the modern automotive industry quite harshly. Vehicle styling has become more generic than at any time in motoring history, while car companies focus intensely on electronic technology for in-car entertainment and to prevent drivers from launching into the scenery at a great rate of knots. However, it is the model designation and its associated badges that make me grit my teeth. Where is the excitement that ignites passion deep in the hearts of enthusiasts? How hard is it to get excited by a badge that says “bZ4X?” Please give me a designation like Marauder any day! This 1964 Mercury Marauder is a perfect example of an art long lost by many manufacturers. The name promises excitement, and this classic will definitely deliver. It is a turnkey proposition that can satisfy most performance enthusiasts. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting the Marauder (I won’t get sick of that name!) listed here on eBay in Upper Sandusky, Ohio. The seller set their BIN at $28,000 OBO.
Mercury introduced the Marauder badge in 1963 across three models within its full-size range. Our feature car is a Monterey Marauder that left the factory in 1964. Its styling makes a dashing statement, accentuated by the dazzling Cardinal Red paint. Researching this story revealed that the Mercury received a cosmetic refresh in 2000, including new paint. A quarter-century has passed since then, and the Marauder still impresses, suggesting that it has led a sheltered life. The panels are straight, and there is no evidence of rust. The sparkling trim and crystal-clear glass add to the car’s visual appeal, but the seller raises a small mystery in their listing. The Mercury rolls on a set of aftermarket Ridler wheels. The seller mentions the factory wheels, tires, and hub caps, but does not indicate whether these are in addition to the alloys or will take their place on this classic.
Decoding this Mercury’s VIN confirms that this Marauder rolled off the line powered by the Y-Code 390ci V8 delivering 266hp. The first owner also selected a three-speed Merc-O-Matic transmission and power-assisted steering and brakes. The engine specifications have changed dramatically, and the driver is the winner. A rebuild, including a 0.030″ overbore, was the starting point. The engine block received aluminum Edelbrock Performer RPM cylinder heads and an aluminum intake from the same manufacturer. A Holley Street Avenger 770 carburetor sits atop the intake, while a Mallory ignition provides the spark. The list continues, with the Merc-O-Matic discarded in favor of a four-speed 700R4 transmission, feeding the 390’s prodigious power to a 4.30 Currie rear end. We can only speculate on the engine’s power output, but it should be well north of 300hp. Potential buyers can consider the Mercury a turnkey proposition that runs and drives well.
The seller’s interior shots are limited, but they paint a generally positive picture. Trimmed in Black vinyl, there is no evidence of wear or distress. The dash is immaculate, as is the wheel. The air conditioning is a later addition requiring a recharge, and an aftermarket gauge is located next to the driver’s left knee. Otherwise, it appears to be as it would have looked when this Marauder rolled off the showroom floor.
This 1964 Mercury Marauder is the product of a marque that has passed into automotive history. The brand gave the world emotive names like Comet, Meteor, and Cougar, not some random mix of letters and numbers pulled from a Scrabble bag. It presents impressively, and the engine upgrades will place more power at the driver’s disposal. The seller’s price appears fairly competitive compared to recent successful sales, though it may improve if they are flexible negotiators. Have you ever owned a ’64 Marauder? If so, would you consider repeating the experience?
Interesting point Adam. “Marauder” is a great name, which unfortunately would not be do-able today. I agree with your comment about the alpha-numeric soup in use nowadays. This example came to mind: what if Ford had called their high-performance offroad-oriented truck the “FX302OR” or something like that, instead of the descriptive and cool “Raptor”.
As for this Marauder, it looks great. Has had lots of upgrades and is not cheap. Not commonly seen.
Ford could easily resurrect the name. But, what vehicle would they put it on? Hopefully, the news that they’re working on a new RWD car, would make them look back at some iconic names. One hopes it’s not slapped on some tiny SUV.
This is a very nice, BIG car, personally, I think it needs more sidewall. The small tires make it look like a pro weightlifter wearing ballerina slippers, LOL! I agree with the sentiments on “real” names instead of alphabets. GLWTA!! :-)
I agree, it would look better with more original/stock wheels on it.
I Try and try, but I just can’t stomach these low profile tires on a classic.
I also love the name Marauder. I have a 65 Marauder that I upgraded with the same Edelbrock heads and intake, and it is indeed north of 300hp. Kudos for him going with another trans. I had to replace my surge tank or expansion tank this summer with an OEM part that took months to get during the pandemic. My only other choice would have been replacing it with an aftermarket unit like this guy did. Amazing how much body design changed in just one year between the 64 and 65.
How about adding black on the hood, trunk and top, running black steel wheels to look like a Bud Moore’s NASCAR stock car driven by Joe Weathery and others?
Looking at the first picture here. It looks like it has “bullet Bird (Thunderbird) front fenders. And the rear shot looks like a Comet Caliente. Cool car and have always like the “Maurader” cars.
Yes, the Calientes tail lights from similar years look alot the full size Mercurys maybe only 1964. 1965 they turned into lantern Lincoln tail lamps. 1965 Mercurys also became more Slab sided like Lincolns.
nice
A total side note: Back when I was about 12, one just like this only in convertible form (and with a 4-on-the-floor) pulled up beside me with my best friend and his “granddad” inside. My friend exclaimed: “Look what my granddad just bought!” A total mismatch, his easy going, farmer granddad inside THAT car! I knew it was my friend’s power of persuasion that caused him to buy such a car. He became a very successful car salesman in later years. I am sure his grandma had choice words for THAT transaction! LOL!
“SELLS WITH ORIGINAL WHEELS, TIRES AND CAPS.”
Don’t mean to upset you, Mr. Ward just was referring to the photographs
The 64 Mercury Marauders definitely had a Bullit TBird front and Caliente tail lights. Kinda one year only, and best of both worlds.
Beautiful, well thought out and executed. Would like to meet and speak with seller, knew what he was doing – improvements right where they were most needed. Love the OD trans and the 4.30 gear set.
Naw, I’d take the 64 Galaxie XL instead.
I love itt!
This is my wife’s cousin car! Looks even better in person!