Mercury Marauder 390 V8 1963
General description :
HARD-TO-FIND '63 MARAUDER, 390 V8, AUTO, FACTORY A/C, COLLECTOR OWNED GA CAR!
With the Galaxie getting all the attention, Mercury was able to slide the Mercury Marauder right under the radar. Today, this 1963 Mercury Marauder is a very rare piece of early muscle, packing a 390 cubic inch V8, an awesome color combination, and a just enough anonymity to stay under the radar in the future.
The look is almost familiar and you should probably expect folks to think it's a Galaxie when they first see this hardtop. But upon closer inspection they'll be treated to a very rare car with a lot of unique details that make it stand out. The grille is a little more dressed-up than the Galaxie's plain stamped piece, and the trim that outlines the fenders and quarters gives it an upscale look overall. The paint is gorgeous Black Cherry, which is very close to the car's original code X Heritage Burgundy, and it gives it suitable gravitas for such a heavy hitter. It was refinished a few years ago and is showing a bit of age, but nothing that a professional buff couldn't erase, and with that black padded roof, it has a very formal look that belies the performance underneath. The chrome is a combination of original pieces and restored bits, and we especially like the 'Marauder' script on the front fenders, just enough warning to the guy paying attention in the next lane.
The handsome two-tone tan interior is a fantastic contrast to the burgundy paint and really gives it an expensive look inside. The bench seats have obviously been reupholstered but they look quite authentic and the door panels and carpets were replaced at the same time. The headliner and dash might be original, and that will tell you about how nice this car really is, and the dash definitely looks a lot more expensive than the base Galaxie setup, especially with the silver-faced gauges that monitor all the engine's vitals. An under-dash A/C unit seems fitting in the upscale Merc and remains fully functional with good old R12 refrigerant inside. The original AM radio remains in the dash and it, too, works properly along with the wipers and all the gauges. Nice, right? The trunk, of course, is gigantic and carries a correct mat and a full-sized spare tire assembly way up there in the front.
The Marauder came with Ford's heavy-hitting 390 cubic inch V8, and even when topped by a 2-barrel carburetor, it's a fantastic performer. There's torque at any speed and the big V8 never notices the A/C cranking away. It's fully rebuilt and beautifully detailed under the hood, with a correct Ford Gold paint job on the big air cleaner and valve covers. Authentic fittings, hoses, and clamps have been used throughout and it runs as well as it looks. The exhaust system is rather throaty, using straight pipes and resonators out back, but the rest of the chassis looks quite stock, from the 3-speed Merc-O-Matic automatic transmission to the 9-inch rear end with 3.00 gears inside. It's nice to see a heavy-hitter like this that hasn't been extensively modified (heck, there's still a 2-barrel on it!), which suggests that it has always been treated like something special. And on a brute like this, dog dish hubcaps, painted wheels, and 235/75/15 blackwall tires give it the ultimate predatory look.
Rarer than a Galaxie and just as fast, this Mercury Marauder is the thinking man's alternative and a great piece of FoMoCo muscle car history. Call today!
Features : Defrost, AM Radio, Heat, Vinyl Interior, Power Brakes, Power Steering, Seatbelts-Front, Air Conditioning
http://www.streetsideclassics.com/vehicles/2693-atl/1963-mercury-marauder
1963 Mercury Marauder 390 V8 is listed sold on ClassicDigest in Lithia Springs by Streetside Classics for $24995.
Car Facts
Car type : Car Make : Mercury Model : Marauder Model Version : 390 V8 Engine size : 0.0 Model Year : 1963 Sub type : Coupé Location : Atlanta
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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.