Once a popular entity among families and later the butt of many jokes, wagons from the 1970s have since become hot collectibles, with examples such as a one-owner Ford LTD wagon and a supremely nice 1978 Pinto popping up at auction in recent months. Now, that trend continues with this – a single family-owned 1978 Mercury Marquis wagon, which is currently up for grabs at Bring a Trailer with just 87k miles showing on the odometer.
This 1978 Mercury Marquis wagon was purchased new by the seller’s family, and was later reacquired by the seller in 2022, though it isn’t 100 percent original. It is close, however, as the big wagon received a repaint around 15 years ago, while there’s some badging missing to boot. Aside from those flaws and a dent in one piece of wheel well trim, it’s in fantastic condition on the outside, however, and looks excellent wearing a set of old-fashioned full-wheel hub caps.
The same goes for the interior, which is finished in red vinyl and is in excellent condition save for a crack in the dash and some fading from the sun. Otherwise, there are plenty of amenities here, including a power-adjustable front bench seat, woodgrain trim, cruise control, power windows and door locks, an illuminated glove box, and a push-button AM/FM stereo. Out back, one will find the wagon’s “Magic Doorgate,” which is able to drop down as a tailgate or swing out like a door with the power window in the raised or lowered position.
Power for this vintage Marquis family hauler comes from the naturally-aspirated Ford 400 cubic-inch V8, which is mated to a three-speed automatic transmission. After sitting in storage unused for 20 years, the seller replaced the battery, but apparently, nothing else was needed to get it running and driving again – now, it just needs to find a new owner that will appreciate this big, red wagon for what it is, as well as what it once was – a symbol of the great American road trip.
We’ll have more cool auction finds to share soon, so be sure and subscribe to Ford Authority for more Grand Marquis news and 24/7 Ford news coverage.
Comments
I always thought that classy front grille with the disappearing headlights made to look like fine furniture was the best looking Mercury. Burgundy paint really accentuated the look.
It’s funny how all the four door SUVs are nothing but lifted wagons disguised as a “lifestyle” vehicles.