1968 Mercury Monterey Fastback 2+2 Big Block Dry Western Survivor Time Capsule!! on 2040-cars

For sale: 1968 Mercury Monterey 2 door big block A/C fastback low mile dry western survivor in beautiful and rare "Tahitian Rose" color.  Sorted, solid, functional and ready for use now - jump in and drive. A good friend bought this from the 2nd owner out in the Oregon high desert where it was sold new in Medford, and drove it home to Montana. I bought it from him 7 years ago and have put a few thousand miles on it. Really enjoy the car but just purchased a 69 Cale Yarborough Cyclone Spoiler so the "Mega Merc" is up for sale. I've owned all the exotic Shelby, Boss, Eliminator and Cobra cars and this old Mercury gets more compliments at the local Steak N Shake on cruise night than any of them. Well documented car with original manuals, reciepts, factory build sheet and Marti Report, really one of those rare gems that just doesn't come along often. European and Australian bidders welcome. I'll do my best to describe it below:

Exterior:  Shiny paint, good chrome and glass, straight and rust free. A few minor flaws, but a great weekend show/cruise night car to be enjoyed as is. Not a frame-off concours car, but a super solid original car with one repaint. There is no salt used on the roads here in the land of the prickly pear cactus and sagebrush, and we only get 10 inches total moisture per year. We just don't see major rust issues here. I can't see anything at all other than a few tiny specks the size of a pencil tip at the very bottom of the panel in front of the driver front wheel. Can't see them without VERY close inspection. I can upload under-car pics, but there are no issues whatsoever. Trunk is super clean with only very minor surface rust as shown. There is a small ding in the passenger side roof that isn't noticeable and won't show up in pics. That's really all I can find for flaws except the normal small chips from use, there is one on the fuel door and one behind rear wheel, and a couple of very small chips on the front fascia panel. Chrome and moldings in great shape with no pitting, there are two small spots on front bumper under passenger headlight that have been touched up. Just a super nice cruising car that you wont' be afraid to take to local shows as is.

Interior: Nice clean original condition, only the driver seat has been worked on.  Rare and desirable "Mercury head" A/C was dealer installed for those high desert summer cruises. Upholstery good, door panels, headliner, dash, and carpets all presentable and really needs nothing.  No water or rodent damage or smells. No damage or cracks in original dash, but there is some very minor sun wrinkling that is pretty much imperceptible unless your'e looking for it - I tried to get a picture that shows. Only other flaw I can see is one small crack under 1/2" in the inside edge of the driver armrest and some of the chrome tracing on the dash bezel has begun to fade. Also vinyl has been installed over the top of the rear package shelf.  

Mechanical: Super strong and smooth original 390 Marauder engine with C-6 trans. Pulls hard and runs out smooth with no noises, smoke, just a sorted car that works like it should. Originally a "Y" code car, the induction was upgraded to correct 1968 "S" code intake manifold and era-correct 4300 four barrel carb. Also upgraded to tall "Mercury" script chrome valve covers and Super Marauder air cleaner. (All original parts are included). Starts great and fast idle works, pulls hard with great induction roar to accompany throaty dual exhaust. Muscle feel in a sports/personal luxury size car. About the only thing I can even think of to mention are a very small oil leak that appears to be from valve cover or back of intake that will leave a spot on the floor, and master cylinder could use replacement as pedal feel is not as solid as some of my other cars. (About a $25 part). A/C was blowing cold till last summer and it isn't as cold as it was - could use recharge. I've held on to this car for many years because it's hard to find a sorted car that's this low mile, original, and nice. Vintage mags shown are in good condition with new lug nuts, center caps are fair, tires have good tread and don't show cracking but they are very old. Original wheels/hubcaps in mint condition come with, and if you don't like the mag wheels you can choose some nice wide white radials to go with the original wheels instead.

Pricing/Misc: CAR COMES WITH VINTAGE PERIOD MAGS AND OLD BIAS PLY TIRES SHOWN ***AND*** ORIGINAL WHEELS/HUBCAPS WITH NO TIRES MOUNTED****OR**** THE ORIGINAL WHEELS/HUBCAPS WITH NICE WIDE WHITE RADIALS WITH VERY LOW MILES AND NO MAGS. I got a good deal on this rig and you will too. I see this era Merc bringing very good money when they are clean like this one.  Reserve price is under $7k for quick sale. Title is clear and in my name. GOOD LUCK! 

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