Mercury Montego 302 V8 1968
General description :
MERCURY'S VERSION OF THE TORINO, 302CI V8, NICE COLOR COMBO, COOL RAGTOP!
What's a Mercury Montego? Well, aside from being an awesomely affordable V8-powered ragtop, it's the Mercury version of the Torino. This 1968 Montego convertible has a lot going for it, including a great color combination, 302 cubic inches of V8 power, and room for the whole family inside.
This is the car that spawned the awesome Mercury Eliminator, although this is its more user-friendly sibling which is a very handsome mid-sized convertible. The white paint would be called Wimbledon White if it were wearing a Ford badge, and it shines up beautifully. It was likely repainted not too long ago and it has a very correct look overall; no stripes, no add-ons, and all the original trim was retained so it looks right. The car's proportions are excellent and the bodywork disguises its size rather well, but make no mistake, this is a big, comfortable luxury car. It doesn't appear to have ever been rusty or wrecked, and replacement panels for this car are virtually non-existent, so you know the sheetmetal is OEM-grade. Factory trim includes big chrome bumpers that are in excellent shape, contrasting trim along the rockers, as well as a unique woodgrained insert on the trunk lid to make it stand out in a crowd.
The red interior is quite possibly original and shows extremely well. Bench seats mean there's plenty of room for everyone and details like the door panels and dash pad are in excellent condition, particularly for a car that's spent its life in the sun. It's possible that the carpets have been replaced, since they're in very good condition with no fading, and the upscale Mercury also includes a simulated burled walnut dash applique that warms things up a bit. Five round pods house the gauges, indicator lamps, and controls for the heater and defroster, and it's a cool look. Underneath, there are secondary controls as well as the original AM radio, which is due for an upgrade. If there's any single item showing its age, it's the steering wheel, which has a few cracks in the rim but is otherwise serviceable as-is. The black power convertible top is in good condition and offers a glass rear window and a matching red boot for when it's folded. The trunk is pretty original and could stand to be cleaned up a bit, but there's plenty of room as well as a full-sized spare tire.
The 302 cubic inch V8 under the hood is smooth, torquey, and ready to rumble. Recently rebuilt, it runs superbly with a great eight-cylinder sound and the easy competence that only full-sized American luxury cars can deliver. It was correctly detailed with Ford Blue paint, original air cleaner, and fresh decals, so it looks great against the satin black inner fenders. All the ancillaries are new, too, including plugs, wires, radiator, master cylinder, and a rebuilt carburetor. The front suspension was rebuilt, there are new springs and shocks all around, and the 3-speed automatic transmission was recently serviced so it shifts properly. 3.00 gears out back make it a great cruiser that never seems to work very hard and a fresh alignment ensures that the 215/65/15 radials on new torque thrust wheels track straight.
Look at the quality of the car and then the price and you'll have to admit that this is a heck of a lot of ragtop for not a lot of cash. Unusual, fun, and attractive, this Mercury offers a great alternative to the usual cars you see at the cruise night. Call today!
Features : Seatbelts, Vinyl Interior, Defrost, Power Convertible Top, Heat, Seatbelts-Front, Seatbelts-Rear, AM Radio, Power Steering, Power Brakes
http://www.streetsideclassics.com/vehicles/2510-dfw/1968-mercury-montego-mx
1968 Mercury Montego 302 V8 is listed sold on ClassicDigest in Fort Worth by Streetside Classics for $14995.
Car Facts
Car type : Car Make : Mercury Model : Montego Model Version : 302 V8 Engine size : 0.0 Model Year : 1968 Sub type : Convertible Location : Dallas/Fort Worth
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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.