When was the last time you saw one of these Grand Marquis coupes, never mind one in such spectacular condition. The two-tone black and gray finish is 100% original factory paint, so you know there are no surprises underneath waiting for a new owner. It also neatly avoids the early ‘80s look of brown/beige/muddy red with an upscale look that really works. This car has never seen winter weather, so rust is a non-issue (just look how clean it is underneath!) and the doors close with that typical Ford precision that nobody else could quite duplicate. It has a soft gloss that’s indicative of factory paint from the ‘80s and with red pinstripes, it really looks sharp. There’s also a padded half roof that shows no splits or tears and no signs of trouble underneath. And while the car is a little understated, there’s still plenty of chrome and stainless trim to make it shine, all of which is in great shape. Lenses, glass, and even the opera lights on the B-pillars are all 100% intact with zero issues. We don’t often see them this nice.
The beautiful red leather interior is more proof that this is a truly low-mileage survivor—it’s just gorgeous. There are a few minor creases on the driver’s seat, but nothing major and the foam underneath is still quite firm and comfortable. You’ll note that this car is loaded with options, including power windows, power seat, ice cold A/C, a tilt steering column, cruise control, power antenna, and an unusual AM/FM/cassette stereo system with a separate amplifier (switch on the dash). It all works properly and looks like it’s 1983 all over again. The dash pad isn’t cracked, the carpets aren’t faded (and they’re protected by heavy-duty rubber mats), and even the leather wrap on the steering wheel remains supple. Where has this car been hiding for the past 40 years? The back seat looks virtually new and the headliner is still snugly affixed to the roof with no sagging or crumbling. The trunk is beautifully outfitted with its original mats, and that’s the original spare with a full jack assembly included.
The engine is Ford’s familiar 302 cubic inch V8, better known as the 5.0. It isn’t a powerhouse in the Grand Marquis, but it is torquey and smooth which is perfect for the luxury-oriented coupe. With so few miles, it is barely broken-in and runs superbly—easy starts, a nice idle, and plenty of power at speed. It has been properly maintained, and you’ll note factory-style plug wires, hoses, hose clamps, and other details suggesting that someone really cared about keeping this car correct. There are no modifications or deviations from stock, and you can see just how clean this car really is with just a glance under the hood. Impressive. The undercarriage is just as good, with zero evidence of foul weather use beyond some very minor surface scale on the heavy metal parts that was probably there as it came off the transporter in 1983. Of note, this car is equipped with factory dual exhaust, which is a nice upgrade and probably adds a few horsepower. The AOD 4-speed automatic transmission is a great partner for the 302, offering good punch around town and effortless highway cruising where the car just whispers along. 2.73 gears certainly help in that regard, giving this Merc surprising highway range and fuel economy. You’ll also note new front brake calipers, all-new fluids throughout, and brand new 205/75/15 Uniroyal radials on the factory alloy wheels.
Documentation is extensive, including the original manuals, EVTM, service manuals, and a Marti Report.
This car surprised us all, mostly because someone has loved it for nearly four decades. It’s extremely well maintained but it also turns out that these are really good cars. It’s comfortable, spacious, luxurious, and reasonably quick for the era, all making it an ideal hobby car today. If you fondly remember traditional body-on-frame American luxury, this car should be at the top of your shopping list—there probably isn’t a better one available anywhere. Call today!
Harwood Motors always recommends and welcomes personal or professional inspections of any vehicle in our inventory prior to purchase.