Mercury Marauder 390 cubic inch V8 1965
General description :
Affordable and unusual Mercury muscle. Great-running 390 cubic inch V8, recent paint, beautiful original interior. Runs and drives quite well, has an awesome look. Big car comfort with attitude that’s 100% ready to go!
The Marauder was Mercury’s entry into the early muscle car wars, following the formula of putting a big engine in a mid-sized car. Of course, Mercury being Mercury, “mid-sized” is a relative term. Regardless, you get a lot of luxury with your performance as well as a distinctive look. By 1965, the Marauder was part of the Monterey lineup and available only as a 2- or 4-door hardtop. Of course, the one to own is the 2-door hardtop like this 1965 Marauder, whose bright code O Aquamarine paint job can’t be missed and looks awesome on the gothic Monterey sheetmetal. Thanks to a recent repaint, it looks fantastic and they started with a straight, clean car that didn’t need any major surgery to look this good. The doors close with surprising precision and the gaps are quite good, especially for a car in this price class—surely a credit to Mercury’s quality in 1965. A few subtle pinstripe flourishes add a bit of a custom touch and there’s plenty of chrome to remind you that this is an upscale Mercury, not a garden-variety Ford.
The interior appears to be largely original, with perhaps new carpets installed at some point. The wide bench seat wears matching aqua upholstery that’s pure 1960s cool and comfortable on warmer days. The plastic steering wheel frames a chrome instrument panel with a full array of round gauges that add a sporty vibe. A relatively rare AM/FM radio provides a period look, but the real entertainment comes from an aftermarket JVC head unit mounted on the center console. The door panels are excellent, as is the headliner, and the full-sized back seat looks almost completely unused. Of course, there’s also a massive trunk, which is outfitted with the original mat set and a full-sized spare tire.
The engine is a smooth and torquey 390 cubic inch V8 that behaves like it’s in a luxury car but moves like a muscle car. The original 2-barrel carb is gone, replaced by an Edelbrock 4-barrel, so it’s a bit more muscular than stock. Either way, it’s a great runner. The engine bay is nicely finished with black engine enamel, orange Mercury valve covers, and a few chrome bits to add some contrast. Power steering and power front disc brakes are part of the package, including a replacement dual reservoir master cylinder for safety, so this big Merc is easy for anyone to handle. The 3-speed Merc-O-Matic automatic transmission clicks through the gears easily and its personality depends on how hard you’re pressing the throttle. 3.00 gears out back make it a fantastic high-speed cruiser and the suspension is more luxury than sport so this is a great car for road trips. Floors are quite clean, there are recent shocks and springs, plus a great-sounding dual exhaust system with glasspack-style mufflers. And for the ideal period performance look, there are black Torque Thrust wheels wearing fat 225/70/15 blackwall radials.
Documentation includes original owner’s manuals, some receipts, and a restoration photo album.
We like this car because it’s different. It looks awesome, it drives like it should cost twice as much as it does, and you’ll always be the only one at shows. Those are all great reasons to own an old car, and this Marauder will surprise and delight you in unexpected ways. Call today!
Harwood Motors always recommends and welcomes personal or professional inspections of any vehicle in our inventory prior to purchase.
http://www.harwoodmotors.com/vehicles/inventory_details.php?id=1436
1965 Mercury Marauder 390 cubic inch V8 is listed sold on ClassicDigest in Macedonia by for $19900.
Car Facts
Car type : Car Make : Mercury Model : Marauder Model Version : 390 cubic inch V8 Engine size : 0.0 Model Year : 1965 Sub type : Coupé Location : Ohio
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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.