Mercury Marauder (1969–70)

Mercury Marauder. 1969–70 (prod. 14,666 for 1969, 5,000 approx. for 1970). 2-door coupé. F/R, 390, 429 in³ (V8 OHV). Personal–luxury entry from Mercury using nameplate previously offered as a trim level. Based around the full-size, two-door Mercury Marquis of these years but with three inches out of the wheelbase, and five inches from the length. Grille shared with Marquis. X-100 denoted rarer sporting model with contrasting deck and bootlid colour, four-barrel 429 in³, higher compression, bucket seats and centre console, Selectshift automatic with hoop-style shift and whitewalls. Plenty of power, but also plenty of weight (4,500 lb). Despite modifications, still a full-sized, softly sprung big car with vague steering, and found few buyers as demand for full-sized coupés dropped.

Manufacturing location: USA

Marque: Mercury | Model: Mercury Marauder | Predecessor: Mercury Monterey (1965–8)

q.v. Ford XL (1969–70)