Widely accepted as the best Panther platform car, this Mercury Marauder is one for the discerning collector
The Panther platform Ford. A lineup of vehicles as recognisable as the cast of Friends, this particular model is something rather special. Known as the run-out model and curtain-call for both Mercury and the Marauder name, this model that went for sale last weekend with Greensboro Auto Auction received a whole host of upgrades that make it the E55 AMG of North America.
With the bullet-proof 4.6-liter modular V8 in the front, power was taken care of by a blower raising output to well over 300-horsepower. Specifics are not typically trusted, as according to the Marauder community, the 302hp quoted in the brochure is more like 330hp on actual planet Earth. Cooler still, this is the same engine that was used in the SN95 Mustang Mach 1. Certainly good pub chat to be had.
A few more exclusive features, however, make this simply too cool. Original buyers of the car were given black leather jackets that were exclusive to the model, including tiny embellishments of the Mercury logo. Naturally this jacket matched the Marauder which was typically specified with black on black. How unequivocally gangster.
Although most consumers were deeply frustrated when the outgoing Windsor V8 of the 1980s and early 1990s was replaced with the modular 4.6 fitted to this car, perhaps those who laughed at the two valves per cylinder design were appeased into silence when this engine became available. Clearly this was the lump that was needed from the beginning.
Other features included a whole host of parts borrowed from both the Police Interceptor and the Town Car, with some finer touches including custom ammeter and oil pressure gauges fitted into the centre console, as well as those rock star chrome alloy wheels.
The car featured here has just 8000 recorded miles. Considering most Police Interceptors and Taxis are probably approaching the first lap of the odometer, that’s pretty spectacular. In addition to essentially run-in mileage, this vehicle has been kept in a climate controlled environment since new. Although any further details are omitted, the person who bought the car knew what the deal was, as they splashed out $24,000 on the classic Mercury.
Source: GAA
