Are you one of those folks who gets bored with something the more you experience it? It can lead to being nudged into something off your radar. Our Pick of the Day fell into the former in the past but, today, it falls into the latter. This 1972 Mercury Marquis Brougham four-door sedan is listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a dealership in O’Fallon, Illinois.
Through 1968, Park Lane was the top-of-the-line full-size Mercury, but the advent of the 1967 Marquis added color to the Mercury line. Initially a formal two-door hardtop, the 1967-68 Marquis functioned more as a personal luxury coupe than a complete series. For the 1969 redesign, the Marquis took over from the Park Lane and the personal luxury model was given a heavy dose of sportiness and renamed Marauder. There also was a fancier Brougham package for the Marquis, which officially became its own model for 1970.
For 1971, the full-size Mercury was redesigned, though there was no mistaking it was a Mercury. “Take the most dramatic styling in the medium price class . . . add the best ride ideas and luxury features from the world’s most expensive luxury cars . . . and you have a better medium priced car.” With 124-inch wheelbase, hidden headlight, and fancy interiors, the top-of-the-line Marquis Brougham certainly seemed fancier than a middle-class car (let’s call it upper-middle, shall we?). There was also a regular Marquis, Monterey Custom, and Monterey. Though Ford’s LTD retained the convertible, it was gone from the full-size Mercury. Standard for the Marquis was a 429-2V producing 320 gross horsepower, which was quite prodigious considering what was coming for 1972.
With only detail changes, 1972 was similar, but the standard Marquis engine had been upgraded to a 429-4V. This may have been done to compensate for the loss in horsepower due to the federally mandated lowering of compression to handle low/no-lead fuels. Horsepower fell to 208 net. Visually, the biggest styling change from 1971 was the coarse egg-crate grille pattern; this pattern was repeated in the center section between the taillights, which had been a reflector in 1971. For the first time, a 460 was available as an option, though Mercury required air conditioning to be ordered with it.
It’s neat to see cars not often seen anymore, and this 1972 Mercury Marquis Brougham four-door sedan is a pleasure to see once again. It appears it has been mildly modified with a fancy root beer paint job and dechroming, but this Merc still displays all its charms including a long and lithe design with an interior that invokes Lincoln. “Complementing the exterior is a luxurious tan interior, crafted with vinyl materials that offer both comfort and style, making every drive an enjoyable experience.” Equipped with the 429, power steering and brakes, air conditioning, and AM/FM radio, there is no reason to doubt the dealership’s claim.
Most cars like this were disposed of long ago, which makes them unfamiliar to many in today’s general population. If you agree to the $17,500 asking price, we imagine it can be guaranteed that you will receive no contempt from those around you.
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