Mercury monarch 302 V8 1976
General description :
STILL LIKE NEW W/ ONLY 8K ACTUAL MILES! SMOOTH 302 V8, AUTO, A/C, AWESOME FIND!
A lot of people like to joke about the dark days of the car industry in the 1970s, and if you're one of them, please take a good, long look at this 1976 Mercury Monarch Ghia. With just 8215 original miles (not a misprint), it looks, drives, and feels like a brand new car. And guess what? It's actually a pretty great car.
For reasons nobody knows, someone put this Mercury Monarch away for posterity and it's about as close to new as you'll ever find. Nobody was saving these cars, but finding one this remarkably well preserved and with so few miles is always extraordinary. The white paint shines with that soft gloss that comes from '70s enamel, and even though it has been polished and sanded and buffed, it still looks exactly right. Ford threw the Ghia name around a lot, hoping that an Italian designer's name would add some cachet to their lineup, and with the vinyl half-roof on this Monarch, it does look dressed up. Obviously it has never been hit or wrecked and there's joy in the way the doors close precisely and the way everything feels virtually new. The chrome shines, the grille is in excellent shape, the lenses are still brilliant, and even the pinstripes are crisp and clear, not buffed away. It really is like a brand new 40-year-old car!
The maroon bucket seats were part of the Ghia package and we have to admit that the interior is a bit more sporting than we expected. The seats, of course, are in like-new condition, still firm and comfortable and there are virtually zero scuff marks or creases in the upholstery. Sure, there's plenty of fake burled walnut and the very rectangular dash seems basic to us today, but when you slide behind the wheel and everything moves with precision and feels fresh, well, your opinion might change. And a Mercury Monarch with a console and a T-handle shifter is pretty darned cool! This car is loaded with options and everything seems to work, including ice cold A/C, an AM/FM radio, those cool warning lights down on the console, and a digital clock for the passenger. Color-matched floor mats have been protecting the carpets for years and it appears that even the spare tire in the trunk is original.
Ford's familiar 302 cubic inch V8 lives under the hood, and it's as torquey here as it was in the later 5.0s. Ok, not quite that powerful, but enough that the Monarch feels quick and nimble around town. It's also incredibly smooth, so much so that you almost can't feel it at idle. Sounds are muted from beyond the firewall and you're reminded that luxury in the 1970s was all about isolation, not involvement. As such, the steering feels smooth and effortless and the brakes are surprisingly powerful. The 3-speed automatic transmission shifts almost imperceptibly and it's got tall highway gears out back that make it an easy cruiser at any speed (although it looks like long trips were not on this particular car's agenda). The underside is exactly as it was when it was delivered, with spotless floors, correct markings, and an exhaust system with a mellow, quiet tone that's entirely appropriate. Handsome Magnum 500-style wheels make the Monarch look sporty, and they're fitted with recent 195/75/14 whitewall radials that might only be the second set of tires this car has ever worn.
Heavily documented with an original build sheet, bill of sale, title documentation, and a Marti Report, this is a neat find that will always draw a crowd at shows. Where else can you buy a brand new car with a V8 for so little cash? Call today!
Features : Seatbelts-Rear, Seatbelts-Front, Seatbelts, Power Steering, Power Brakes, Front Disc Brakes, Vinyl Interior, Air Conditioning, Numbers Matching, AM/FM Radio, Build Receipts
http://www.streetsideclassics.com/vehicles/2481-dfw/1976-mercury-monarch-ghia
1976 Mercury monarch 302 V8 is listed sold on ClassicDigest in Fort Worth by Streetside Classics for $14995.
Car Facts
Car type : Car Make : Mercury Model : monarch Model Version : 302 V8 Engine size : 0.0 Model Year : 1976 Sub type : Coupé 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.