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?