How do you define rarity? To me, it’s about how many were built but, in certain cases, it could be about the number that survive. How would anyone know how many survive? You can’t, but some cars are seen more than others. Our Pick of the Day is a car that is not rare by the number that was built, but as it’s never been truly collectible, it’s a rarity to find today. In addition, this 1968 Mercury Monterey four-door sedan that’s listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a dealership in Lavergne, Tennessee in a color that simply makes the car. (Click the link to view the listing)
Starting in 1965, Mercury’s redesigned full-size series was marketed as “now in the Lincoln Continental tradition” after several years of not being sure of its position in the market. Breezeway rooflines distinguished full-size Mercurys from its Ford and Lincoln cousins. Additionally, Mercury had a unique engine with the 410, which was available from 1966-67.
The full-size Mercury was redesigned for 1967, now featuring an available fastback coupe just like what Ford had. Trim levels were Monterey, Montclair, Park Lane, Brougham, and the new Marquis, a luxurious personal luxury coupe that featured the fastback roofline but the rear quarter windows were semi-covered, much like the Ford LTD’s. The Breezeway also returned, although only for the four-door sedan, which now featured a conventional roofline.
Much of this carried over into 1968, though Mercury graced its full-size series with a heavy facelift to coincide with the new side-marker regulation. More than ever, Mercurys looked like Lincolns from the front. And, come mid-year, Mercury would introduce both the availability of the Marquis’ formal roofline for the Montclair two-door hardtop, and Colony Park Paneling option would become available on the Park Lane two-door hardtop and convertible plus the Brougham two-door hardtop; even later in the model year, it became available for the Monterey two-door hardtop.
This 45,941-mile 1968 Mercury Monterey four-door sedan is one of 30,727 built, so it’s not rare, but when was the last time you have seen one? Additionally, it’s painted in an absolutely gorgeous hue called Tahitian Rose, which is complemented by a black vinyl top. “The finish appears largely original, including age and touch-ups that happen in 55 years,” says the seller. “It has seen decades of care where it makes us tend to believe (but not proven/deciphered) that details like the interior, engine, and mileage could also be original.”
Power comes from the standard 390 two-barrel, which isn’t much to get excited about but that also means it’s easier to live with. And, inside, it’s your basic black vinyl and cloth interior but, remember, this is a Mercury, so it isn’t going to feel cheap. “This is an ideal cruiser with an automatic transmission, power steering, power brakes, front discs, and a smooth suspension that will keep you floating down the road,” adds the seller. A practical classic, you say? And, for $15,995, an affordable one too.
Click here for this ClassicCars.com Pick of the Day.
