1968 Mercury

Marquis Coupe

8 - Cyl.

Automatic

8Z69Z530754

Gasoline

1968 MERCURY MARQUIS - If you already know what these cars are, please skip down to the second paragraph. In 1967 & 1968 Mercury offered an upscale version of the two-door Park Lane called the Marquis. It featured a unique and luxurious interior with specific emblems, a more formal version of the fastback roofline, vinyl top, wire wheel covers, and five tape stripes on the lower beltline. These were a very limited edition with only 4,950 produced for 1968. Sadly, all Fords and Mercurys of that era were prone to rust, especially the frames, and there are few survivors. Most ended their lives in Demolition Derbies or were sent to the crushers. Beginning in 1969 Mercury renamed their entire full-size line as Marquis and later as the Grand Marquis but only in 1967 & 1968 were these special cars built. Do you remember Hawaii Five-0? In the pilot episode Steve McGarrett drove a black 1967 Marquis and from 1968 through 1972 drove a black 1968 Park Lane that became the most photographed car in TV history! THIS PARTICULAR MARQUIS is powered by the 390 cubic inch, 4-barrel, 315 HP engine, C-6 transmission, has power steering, power disc brakes, 6-way power driver's seat, factory air conditioning, tilt steering wheel, and an AM/8-track radio. It was born on December 26, 1967 at Ford's St. Louis Assembly Plant finished in Grecian Gold (1 of only 541 in that color) with a Nugget Gold cloth & vinyl interior and delivered to Heidrich-Erickson Lincoln-Mercury, Pekin, Illinois. The original owner took delivery on March 30, 1968. A Marti Report verifying this goes with the car. Apparently he drove it sparingly according to the service records found in the car. It was purchased from his Estate around 2000 by the second owner from whom I purchased it a few years ago. I even found the original build sheet that also goes with the car. THE CONDITION OF THIS CAR is vertially original with no rust anywhere! It still wears the original paint except for the right front fender and door. This was repainted years ago most likely to repair a large scratch because there is no evidence of body work (see picture). The paint can be described as showing its original "patina" worn thin in a few places, which means that it is quite presentable as a driver but not for Show. The interior is absolutely original and stunning with no rips, tears, cracks on the dash pad, etc. The trunk still sports the original trunk mat that shows wear but is all there. The engine compartment has been detailed good enough for Cruise Nights but not fully detailed for show. I have added factory original chrome valve covers and air cleaner cover. REPAIRS DONE since I've owned it have been to replace the tires, front bumper with a fresh rechromed piece I had set aside for another '68 that I sold, new gas tank to replace a badly sludged one caused from sitting for so long, fuel filter, cap, rotor, wires, Motorcraft battery, and added a double-pumper Holley Carb. The original valve covers, air cleaner cover, and carb go with the car. REMAINING ISSUES are few but I want to mention them. The vinyl top has a small tear near the windshield headliner and some minor cracking under the rear window. The air conditioning works but needs recharging to be functional. The clock doesn't work but a NOS replacement goes with the car. The previous owner added a dual exhaust with glass packs which sound great but you may wish to return it to the orignal single exhaust.On May-23-11 at 19:32:36 PDT, seller added the following information: ADDED 3 PICTURES of the vinyl top showing below the rear window and crack near the windshield header.