Representing peak late-1970s “land yacht” heft and styling, the Mercury Marquis was offered as a full-sized coupe, sedan, or station wagon. It rode on the body-on-frame platform and epitomized American luxury for its era. This brochure shows some of the available body styles, trim levels, and options.
The Marquis was geared inside and out toward touring. Mercury’s promotional materials said, “Full-size luxury, full-size comfort.” The brochure said, “It gives you room for six passengers with ample hip and shoulder room, even for three adults.”
At the recent Melrose Street Fair, one of the noteworthy cars on display was this beautiful, boxy, brown 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis with only 56,620 original miles. The car had a very “Lincoln-esque” vibe to it, featuring vertical marker lamps, waterfall-style grille, hideaway headlights (with “crown” medallions!), hood ornament, beefy bumpers, wheel skirts, and vinyl landau roof covering.
I caught up with the owner, Rick, who popped the hood. His car was optioned with a 460ci big-block V-8 – an upgrade from the standard 351ci V-8 and even the optional 400ci V-8. A three-speed automatic transmission was the sole offering, regardless of engine choice. The car probably gets about the same gas mileage as my Ford F-250.
Notice that Rick’s car was also equipped with a receiver hitch. Mercury’s brochure said, “Marquis sedans and station wagons offer uncommon trailer towing capabilities when equipped with the Class III Trailer Towing Package. Marquis recommended weight maximums of 7,000 pounds are higher than those for Olds 98 or Toronado, Buick Riviera or Electra, even Cadillac Eldorado or deVille. If you’re a trailer enthusiast, you’ll want to look into Marquis.”
By the way, 1978 would mark the final year for the big-body Marquis. In 1979, the car and its direct counterpart from the Ford lineup, the LTD Crown Victoria, were downsized. In fact, the 1979 models were 17 inches shorter and about 1,000 pounds lighter.
Looking at it that way, Rick’s Grand Marquis represents the last of its kind, and to many, it’s a strong reminder of the “excess” that defined some 1970s American cars.
