Mercury Sable. 1986–91 (prod. n/a). 4-door sedan, 5-door wagon. F/F, 2496 cm³ (I4 OHV), 2987, 3797 cm³ (V6 OHV). Attractive mid-sizer, and a twin to Ford Taurus Mk I, showing that the posher Mercury equivalents need not have formal rooflines. “Lightbar” grille (a low-wattage light lit the centre). Sleek looks, mainstreaming the aero look among US automakers. A successful return to form for Mercury in this sector. Left-hand-drive production only.

Manufacturing location: Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Chicago, Illinois, USA

Marque: Mercury | Model: Mercury Sable | Predecessor: Mercury Marquis (1983–6) | Successor: Mercury Sable (1992–5)