Mercury Bobcat 4 Cylinder 1977
General description :
HERMETICALLY PRESERVED BOBCAT, 18K ORIGINAL MILES, 2.3 I4, AUTO, FACTORY A/C!!
Is the Ford Pinto collectable or merely a punchline to automotive history? This 1977 Mercury Bobcat makes the case for the former, offering good looks that have endured the past four decades pretty darned well plus the kind of originality that makes seasoned collectors sit up and take notice.
Yes, that bright red paint appears to be mostly original and the preservation on this Bobcat suggests that someone believed all along that it was worthy. Today, who defines what collectability means? I'd argue that if a car is loved, treated as something special, and preserved for future generations, that counts as collectable. And honestly, how many of these do you see at shows today? I bet the number is pretty small. So yes, this neat little wagon has a lot to offer. It's got a few signs of age and use, but after all, it's nearly 40 years old and it can wear those as evidence of a life well lived. Good proportions make it look stylish even today and with flared fenders and a few dashes of chrome, it looks sporty, not cheap. You can see echoes of big brother Torino in the front end and the two-door wagon has been popular for decades, offering just the right combination of utility and style. Nice chrome bumpers, a roof rack, and a fine-toothed grille all help the Mercury version of Ford's compact look a bit more upscale.
The tan interior is this car's crowning jewel, a handsome bucket seat setup that seems to defy the passage of time. There might be some very slight wear on the outer edges of the driver's seat, but we're really picking nits at this point. The carpets, door panels, headliner, and even the dash pad all remain in excellent condition, and again the Mercury's upscale look has an appeal all its own. Twin gauge pods give the driver speed and fuel level and match what Ford was doing in its other vehicles around this time. Options include the automatic transmission, factory A/C, and an AM/FM radio and everything works like it should. The back seat is pretty much made for two and even with the back seat up there's plenty of cargo space in back, making this Bobcat practical too.
With only 18,244 miles from new, the mechanicals are still quite fresh and obviously it's been maintained properly since then. Ford's 2.3 liter inline-four was famous for its durability and with an overhead cam it was a bit ahead of its time back in the '70s. It's got good low-end torque for a four cylinder, which makes it fun to drive, and you can see that aside from some dirt, the engine bay is pretty much the way Ford built it in 1977. Even the original smog equipment is still in place and functioning, something you rarely see on any vintage car. The 3-speed automatic shifts crisply and keeps the four spinning in the fat part of its power curve, the rear axle has highway-friendly gears so this is a decent highway cruiser, too. The underside is as clean as you'd expect for such low mileage and even the original catalytic converter is still in place. Flashy aluminum wheels complete the sporty demeanor and carry 205/60/13 white-letter radials for a perfect '70s look.
So is it collectable? Why not? It looks great, runs well, and has history on its side. We'll bet that this one doesn't last long on the showroom floor, so if you're interested, make sure you call today!
http://www.streetsideclassics.com/vehicles/2561-atl/1977-mercury-bobcat
1977 Mercury Bobcat 4 Cylinder is listed sold on ClassicDigest in Lithia Springs by Streetside Classics for $11995.
Car Facts
Car type : Car Make : Mercury Model : Bobcat Model Version : 4 Cylinder Engine size : 0.0 Model Year : 1977 Sub type : Station wagon Location : Atlanta Vehicle Registration : Normal
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About Mercury
Mercury, the automotive brand, has a rich history that extends beyond its role in the customization and hot-rodding scene, particularly with the iconic Mercury Eight. Here are some key points to know about Mercury:Formation and Early Years:
Mercury was introduced by the Ford Motor Company in 1938 as a mid-priced brand, positioned between the affordable Ford models and the luxury Lincoln lineup. The brand aimed to fill the gap between these two segments.
Mercury Eight:
The Mercury Eight, launched in 1939, is perhaps the most famous model in the brand's history. It featured a sleek design and a powerful V8 engine. This model became popular for customization and hot-rodding, earning it a significant place in American automotive culture.
Customization Culture:
The Mercury Eight, with its distinctive styling and relatively affordable price, became a favorite among custom car builders. It played a pivotal role in the development of the custom car and hot rod culture, particularly in the post-World War II era.
Lead Sleds and Customization:
The term "lead sled" is often associated with heavily customized cars from the 1940s and 1950s. These cars, including the Mercury Eight, were often modified with lowered suspensions, chopped roofs, and other stylistic changes. Lead sleds were a prominent part of the custom car scene, and the Mercury Eight was a popular choice for such modifications.
Post-War Prosperity:
In the post-World War II period, Mercury, like many other American automakers, experienced a surge in popularity as the economy boomed. The brand contributed to the era's fascination with stylish and powerful automobiles.
Evolution of Models:
Over the years, Mercury continued to produce various models, contributing to Ford's lineup. Some notable models include the Mercury Monterey, Mercury Comet, and Mercury Cougar.
Decline and Discontinuation:
Despite periods of success, Mercury faced challenges in establishing a unique identity separate from Ford. As consumer preferences shifted, the brand struggled, and Ford eventually announced the discontinuation of Mercury in 2010.
Legacy in Popular Culture:
Mercury, especially models like the Mercury Eight, holds a significant place in American popular culture. Its association with the customization and hot-rodding scene, as well as its distinctive designs, has left a lasting impact.
In summary, while the Mercury Eight is celebrated for its role in the customization and hot-rodding subculture, Mercury as a brand played a broader role in automotive history, contributing to mid-priced segments and reflecting the automotive trends of its time.