The Ford Panther platform underpinned many full-size vehicles during its production run, including several popular FoMoCo sedans that have remained in the hearts and minds of enthusiasts looking to modify or simply preserve artifacts from a bygone era, when the buying public coveted cars with trunks and burly V8 engines. The 2004 Mercury Marauder represented something of a swan song for those types of vehicles, as it was essentially the last performance-oriented body-on-frame rear-wheel drive sedan from The Blue Oval. Despite a relatively short production run, many examples seemingly found decent homes, including this particular model, which is currently being auctioned on Cars & Bids.
What separates this 2004 Mercury Marauder from its contemporaries is its Dark Toreador Red paint, as it was a rare color for a nameplate that enjoyed a fairly brief moment in the sun. Out of the 3,214 models produced for the 2004 model year, just 980 were painted in the extremely fetching color, making it a pretty desirable variant of an already collectible muscle car, since the majority of shoppers who purchased these new opted for black.
Rare color aside, there aren’t any real surprises with the rest of the car, which is a good thing, as it appears to have been well cared for during its roughly 17-year lifespan. Under the hood is the Ford 4.6L Modular V8, the beating heart that makes the 2004 Mercury Marauder such a desirable collector’s car. While many of its fellow FoMoCo siblings left the factory with a lower output variant of the powerplant, the Marauder boasted a stout 302 horsepower and 318 pound-feet of torque from the get-go. That power is mated to a four-speed automatic transmission, which was the sole drivetrain available for the model during its two-year run.
At some point in its life, the Marauder was outfitted with two modifications: a set of 18-inch American Racing wheels and a Magnaflow dual-exhaust system. The factory alloys will be included with the car.
In addition to its attractive and very rare paint, this 2004 Mercury Marauder was extensively optioned from the factory. Highlights include dual heated and power front seats clad in leather, the Audiophile sound system, a sunroof, rear spoiler, fog lights, and power-adjustable pedals. None of these items are listed as malfunctioning, and the cabin appears to have aged extremely well over the years.
Overall, it appears that the car is in solid shape. However, its history will likely prevent its current owner from enjoying a financial windfall from the auction. For starters, this 2004 Mercury Marauder was involved in some type of collision or accident before being sold to its first owner, although that damage was clearly repaired at some point during its youth. Speaking of owners, this Mercury has had many of them, specifically eight, which is quite odd for any vehicle, let alone one that is less than twenty years old.
But its greatest weakness may become its greatest strength, as those potential deal breakers will likely keep bidding low, making this a reasonably attainable collector’s item for the savvy Panther platform enthusiast. As of this writing, six bidders have driven up the price of the 2004 Mercury Marauder to just over $8,000, which seems like a rational number for a vehicle of this caliber. Ultimately, it is bound to make its next owner happy, and we’ll no doubt be checking back to see how much they got it for when bidding ends on June 30th, 2021.
We’ll have more cool auction finds like this soon, so be sure to subscribe to Ford Authority for more Mercury Marauder news and continuous Ford news coverage.
Comments
The last hurrah for a great platform, great looks and decent performance for a large sedan combined with very good reliability.
No question. I don’t care for the sporty example but the standard GRAND MARQUIS and CROWN VICTORIA were the epitome of reliable. Sure they may have lacked some refinement in areas along with features but they always rode like a million dollars year after year. My 04 GRAND MARQUIS now has 200k and still keeps going even though the body is now badly rusted. They could have at least kept the concept in place. Oh well.
Sweet ride! The accident and the 8 owners is a turn off though. But for 8K might be worth it. It would be fun to take this to a cruise-In.
I learned to drive in Grand Marquis. Still my favorite car of all I’ve ever driven. What it lacked in straight-up power and hardcore sportiness, it more than made up for with a heavenly ride, silky-smooth power delivery, and luscious seats.
Good thing it is so far away as it would complete my collection and then I’d need to find a new place to live once the wife kicked me out for buying a 3rd Marauder. It will be interesting to see how much it goes for.
8 owners? Accident details? Salvage title?
I finally owned a ’04 Marauder, same color scheme as the op car but with far less mileage. Sold it a couple of years later to a highly motivated individual with prior Marauder experience – replaced with a 2020 Chrysler 300S 5.7L. Black on Black with the Alloy Package group. A modern interpretation of the Marauder – Impala SS.
The op car will need new timing chain guides shortly, if not already replaced. Motor should have had the well known crossover cooling mod performed long ago. OP car appears to be nice and maintained.
I still admire the 2003 – 2004 Marauder and would love to be in the position to build a Marauder ‘halo car’. Modern Roush drivetrain w/10R80, upgraded suspension/brakes, Sync 3.4 touch screen w/nav, B&O system optimized for the Marauder, upgraded window-door switches, keyless entry, etc. Maintain the stock appearance that I absolutely love.
I passed on the Marauder in 2004. Too much old man’s car for someone just hitting midlife crisis before 50 years old.
I owned one of these and at the time it was awesome. Doesn’t have much room as far as back seat goes and the rear-end is really light. Not good for rain nor snow.
I loved the car but now the chrysler 300c that’s a car. The hemi definitely let’s you know it’s there.
Huh?!?! Marauder/Grand Marquis has a roomy back seat and an exceptional trunk. The optional, dealer installed Trunk Organizers are a real plus, as mine had one. A potentially exceptional car in need of more power, better braking, etc. from the factory. Very nice cars otherwise.
The 300S is nice. I’d get the V6 with AWD. The V8 HEMI packs a big punch but you can’t it in AWD. Ford and GM are making critical mistakes by eliminating their sedans. In fact now I’m seeing a Toyota commerical which only focuses on their line-up of sedans. All three. In one commercial. Camry, Corolla and Avalon. They’re smart. They know Ford owners are coming into their showrooms looking to trade in their Fusion or Focus for a new one and discovering they can’t get one.
Yeah the 300 is nice but several people have told me to stay away from CHRYSLER products and reading about some of their problems validates that. My next car will be. TOYOTA CAMRY with an off chance of an AVALON.
My GRAND MARQUIS has 224 hp and some of you think that’s not enough? Never a problem with me.
I found the Chrysler 300 (modern) webpages interesting. People who buy their 300s new tend to agree extended warranties aren’t needed. Buy used? The opinion is 50/50. Your call. Avoiding the extended warranties on mine.
Lovely Car, lovely colour, pity they didn’t make a Station Wagon, talk about missed opportunity’s.
Yup 224HP is fine. I had a 2001 Oldsmobile Intrigue with 212HP.
That was plenty. I heard about the 300’s problems but thought that was mainly first generation. The new Camry V6 sport/appearance pkg is nice with the blacked out rims.
Just the standard entry level version of the CAMRY for me. They have a wide range of models. I would prefer a V6 but for 10k more for the V6, I can live with the 4 no problem. I know I have blasted 4 cylinder engines but admittedly they have smoothed them out quite well. I’ve ridden in several as UBER and Chicago cabs and those CAMRY 4 cylinders were civilized.
I just bought an 04’ this year (Jan. 22’) in this color too (Dark Toreador Red – 71k miles). It is an amazing car. Cost me 19k total. I have no regrets other than some rust along the undercarriage I had to address.