Low Mileage Survivor! 1978 Mercury Grand Marquis
General Motors knew it. Ford knew it. Chrysler knew it. The Big Three all knew that downsizing was inevitable as the 1970s doddered along, mid-Malaise. GM acted across the board, shrinking every platform starting in 1977. Chrysler limped along with its new R-body and then the reviled K-car, neither of which was enough to promote it out of bankruptcy; it took the minivan to rescue Chrysler for another day. Ford, though, had already practiced downsizing over at Lincoln in the 1960s and again when the Mustang grew to ungainly proportions – introducing the Mustang II in 1974. As various land yachts joined the roster of extinctions, the remaining mastodons gathered all the buyers who still believed the “bigger is better” line. Standing proudly among these scarce few was the second-generation Mercury Grand Marquis, a giant of a car just made for oozing down the highway. Its platform – Ford’s full-size LTD/Mercury – was Ford’s second-best seller ever, coming in after the Model T! T.J. found this majestic 1978 Grand Marquis for us – thanks T.J.!
Along with downsizing, other factors were pummeling car makers in the 1970s. Insurers were charging high prices to cover the waning muscle car contingent; a gas crisis or two had caused block-long lines at fuel stations; safety regulations were in full swing; and emission-control equipment was strangling horsepower. Manufacturers attempted to compensate for waning horsepower by increasing displacement to gargantuan proportions. This Grand Marquis makes do with just 200 hp from a 460 cu. in. V8; the powerplant is mated to a C6 SelectShift three-speed automatic transmission. The odometer reads 43,710 miles, said to be original and partially documented via a service record log. Recent maintenance includes an oil change, a new battery, new front and rear shocks, and four new whitewall tires. The engine bay might not be concours but it is certainly Cars ‘N Coffee-worthy.
The interior is nearly flawless. The leather upholstery appears soft, the carpet pile remains deep, the surfaces are clean and undamaged. The seller had the presence of mind to cover the dash to protect it from the sun. Though undercarriage photos are not provided, the seller says it’s as spiffy as the top side. The 8-track and antenna work, as do the headlamp doors. Of course, the car is loaded with power options, and the sale includes the owner’s manual and other original documents.
This two-door creampuff is advertised here on craigslist with an asking price of $13,950. The car is located in Freeland, Michigan. A recent sale of a nearly-new Grand Marquis shattered records, changing hands for $40k, but other than that outlier, prices are lodged in the high four figures. Does this last-of-breed land yacht float your boat?
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Comments
Sharp car. There can’t be too many of the 1978 Grand Marquis which are two-doors; I would think that most customers of this type of car at a Lincoln-Mercury dealer in 1978 would have stepped up to a Mark. The silver-gray combination is attractive. Has low miles, and looks to be in good shape. Cruise in style.
Beautiful car!
Most of my family is over 6 ft so like many large Americans you need a big car so this large barge was needed to move big people. The laughter at seeing 6 footers trying to squeeze into a clown car like a chevette is real so even during the gas crunch cars like this were needed till we all started buying 4 door pickup trucks. Big people need a big car & Japan had no answer for us!
Have you ever seen any large Japanese other than Sumo wrestlers?
FROG🐸 ! Scroll down! You, Angel and I are official CHARTER members of the GREAT AMERICAN LAND YACHT SOCIETY! We’ve invited Richard to join. Others are welcome to join, But must vow their love of LAND YACHTS! RSVP! Now I am on to VERSAILLES 🏰
love the car want to buy it how do I contact the seller?
Why don’t you use the link to the Craigslist ad that Michelle has provided in her write up?
I guess I just don’t understand what to do. I click on Michele and still do not see any contact info.
This posting has been deleted by its author.
Link to seller is in the write up.
Where? I click on Craigs list and don’t see anything. I’m just looking for a simple phone number.
Click on the contact information. Phone number is 989-573-0614.
Richard, here is the link to the Craligslist ad:
https://detroit.craigslist.org/okl/cto/d/freeland-1978-mercury-grand-marquis/7763304600.html
Richard B. Welcome to the Club of the TECH challenged!
From birth?
200hp out of a 460? The 70’s were so sad once they smogged out the motors. That would be one large slow car but at least you’re in a comfy chair.
It amazes me that they now make V-8’s at 400-600 hp at 11-14 mpg where the 76 Dodge van my Dad had with a 318 only made 120hp at 11.0 mpg.
The torque rating was 362 lb-ft so that would barely be enough to keep it steady at cruising speeds. A very far cry from 1970 with 480 lb-ft and 385 hp( both under rated).
But still a comfortable quiet beautiful car. But 12 mpg would make for short trips to car shows or grocery getting.
From the side shot without the vinyl top and with that two tone paint job it looks a bit like a Chrysler Newport
That was my first thought too.
Steve R
Mine was a ’78 New Yorker, four door, and the second best Yank tank I ever owned, next to my ’51 Buick Super, also a 4 door as 2 door cars didn’t sell in South Africa.
ok got it thanks for the help
Let us know if you succeed in acquiring this beauty! :-)
So good to see this today. Takes me back to a time when everything was simpler. I was yet to be established and everything was good. Sure it slow and swills fuel. Wanna go for a spin? Where’s my leisure suit?
(IMO) A set of the road wheels (like the ones on the 153 mile Marquis) would absolutely make this GORGEOUS beauty even more so! GLWTS!! :-)
I really like the looks of this car…what a luxury cruiser, but…where’s the hood ornament??? We are talking the type of car that cries out for a hood ornament in the last days of finding an actual ornament on the hood. Pass.
The hood ornament is MIA. I noticed that too. But, although difficult to find, they’re not impossible.
A friend from work had one of these 2 door Marquis. When you sat in the back seat, the rear window was in front of you. Thats how much room these cars had inside. This car is beautiful, and definitely one you don’t see every day.
I had a 1974 Mercury Marquis in 1984. I think it was a four door. My memory is shot to hell. I loved that car. Then again I loved all my land yachts.
There was a time when Mercury’s were actually bigger than Lincolns.
My 1969 Mercury Marquis is 224.3″ long while the 1969 Lincoln Continental was 224.2″! So there you are! I think Lincoln corrected that in 1970.
Angela! We can’t go on meeting like this! 😉 People WILL talk! The world is totally cuckoo 🤪. BUT I once had a 78 Grand Marquis Coupe, emerald green with matching Landau roof and interior. Just one of many vehicles I regret selling. But I would need a barn to store all of them. As I’ve said before, It’s HUGE! It guzzles gas! It pollutes the air! It scares the birds! I LOVE it! This looks to be a true Bon Marche! The Price IS right!
Sign up with Angela, Frog, and me as a member of the GREAT AMERICAN LAND YACHT SOCIETY! G 🇺🇸 A 🇺🇸 L 🇺🇸 Y 🇺🇸 S! See the USA in a LAND YACHT today!
Good call RICK W we need to Christian the yacht club with an official name. How about SSS tonic or Geritol?
🐸 FROG! It IS The GREAT AMERICAN LAND YACHT SOCIETY. 🍾 🚢 . However, branches might well be GERITOL, Serutan, or others! 🍾 🥂 🥂 . If Lawrence Welk was still alive, he might join as formerly sponsored by Dodge. Also Groucho Marx. After all, DeSoto was a LAND YACHT!
Bought it. thanks for the help. And yes technology is killing me. At 72 I am totally old school still just have a flip phone I even have a pay phone in my mopar garage. I have TWO 73 T&C WAGONS FOR SALE IF THERE ARE ANY MOPAR PEOPLE OUT THERE.
Put them right here on Barn Finds Auction.
Congrats Richard!
Richard I’m glad you are able to buy this beauty I’m sure you will love it. I know I would. Congrats!
Most excellent! So glad this gorgeous car found a good home!
Hi!
I am looking for mopar wagon. Please reach out to me on [email protected], for further discussion.
Sincere
Congratulations Richard 🎉🥳🎊
Richard! 👏 👏 👏! Bravo! Enjoy EVERY mile, with a smile 😃 😊! I’m. Sure you will give it the TLC it deserves ! And you will feel GRAND behind the wheel.
That’s great Richard that you got this car. Just curious, did you go to see it or buy it sight unseen?
Congrats, Richard! Looks like you got a good one.
I am in the market for a 73-77 Town & Country. No black, no projects, looking for turn-key car. Prefer a 440 and well optioned, AC is a must. Please contact me. Northeast Georgia.
A couple of years newer than Uncle Buck’s “The Beast” Grand Marquis. My grandfather owned a ’74 Marquis sedan with the 429. What a cruiser. Set the cruise on the Interstate at 78 mph and stop when the huge gas tank was empty, which didn’t take too long. The downsized GM and Ford’s that followed were arguably better cars, but nobody’s paying 14k for a Panther Grand Marquis that isn’t a Marauder.
@Rick W
People are probably already talking. Let them. If they’re talking about me they’re leaving someone else alone. That’s my theory.
I’m glad Richard bought it. You’re gonna love the smooth ride.
Land yachters unite!
Angel, Let’s welcome Richard to The GREAT AMERICAN LAND YACHT SOCIETY! ( see previous post). As Tallulah Bankhead once said, Frankly, Dahling, I don’t care as long as they are talking about ME!
@ Rick W
Tallulah and I had a lot in common. There is no bad press, only good press. Even with bad press, at least their talking about you.
Welcome Richard. Land yachts unite!
To Quote Rhett! Frankly, My Dear, I don’t give a damn! BUT I do love LAND YACHTS and me fellow members of the GREAT AMERICAN LAND YACHT SOCIETY! Hush! Hush! Sweet Scarlet! Must be some kind of drug makin us ACT like we’re CRAZY 🤪. Ole Velma Crutthers will take care of it!
I don’t think I’ve ever seen such a tricked-out Grand Marquis. My Uncle George had an earlier model coupe, and I thought it was fancy, but it didn’t hold a candle to this one. Is that lower trim stripe in “woodgrain?” I can’t quite tell from the pictures. Congrats, Richard!
Good eye 👁! That must be wood grain. I’ve never seen it on a GRAND MARQUIS. Mine, like most had a body color molding. This molding was only for GRAND MARQUIS. Base MARQUIS and MARQUIS Brougham didn’t have it.
I’m goin’ to buy me a Mercury now. Cruise up and down this road, up and down this road. Steve Miller.
🎵If I had money, 🎶 tell you what I’d do ,🎵I’d go down town and buy a Mercury or two! 🎶 Crazy for a Mercury! Got those MERCURY BLUES! 👍 Alan Jackson!
Bob, it’s great to see someone that appreciates versions other than Allan Jackson’s. Search David Lindley, he does an excellent version. None of these versions are from the original artist though.
We play Lindsey’s version in my band. Much fun!
Lindley! Darn auto correct!
Isn’t it GRAND to see so much interest and sale to an appreciative buyer? 👏 👏 👏
🎵 It’s Good! Isn’t it great? Isn’t it swell?🎶It sure is GRAND! 🎵 In fifty years or so, things have changed, you know! 🎶 But it was heaven back in those days! 🎵
You know, we hear a lot about the “malaise “ era , but one car I have very fond memories of was a 1976 Dodge Coronet with the venerable slant six engine and automatic transmission.
I’ve owned many cars over the years , from VW’s to Novas to Pontiacs and Oldsmobiles.
That ‘76 Coronet had a feeling of substance, dependability and comfort.
Maybe because it was a throwback to a time which was fast disappearing, but I loved that car.
Timeless , it’s hard to express the feeling, but it was good.
I was born and raised in Mercurys since the 50’s cuz the old man got a new one every couple years. In the seventies there was a change in horsepower ratings called SAE which took the same engines built previously and cut their rated HP about in half. So this land yacht has between three and four hundred horses in actuality.
I think it looks amazing without the vinyl top. I do not remember ever seeing a two door one of these without it.
the designer of the Newport had to have a hand in this design, they are just too close not to have a connection.
@Rick W
Were you ever in community theater or possibly the show biz scene?
Did you know Ms. Bankhead tried out for the part of Scarlett? I simply could not see her in that role. Completely wrong for it.
And yes, I did my part for drama and comedy but mostly stayed on the production side, backstage, lighting, makeup.
I did have a land yacht, a 1972 Oldsmobile 98 LS that was in the movie Carlitos Way but that scene, with Al Puchino sitting in the passenger seat got cut in editing.
Typical.
Angel, my Dahling, I began my career at FORDS theater before Poor Abe was even elected! Like NORMA DESMOND, I have left a vast amount of roles. Some in community theater ( including fun bits much like TC Jones, who I might add, did a Mahvelous impression of Tallulah). I fortunately saw Kathleen Turner as Tallulah in Chicago 🎵 as well as Chita and Rita in CHICAGO, and a number of times saw Miss Channing (Carol, not Margo 😉) Before both of our Parades Passed Us By,much like Carol’s Cecilia Sisson. And as the late Elaine Stritch sang, Through good times and bad times, I’m HERE! I actually spent 30 plus years teaching Art, English, and a bit of Theater. My Father thanks you! My Mother thanks you! And I thank you for your much appreciated interest! Now I must exit stage left, before the curtain falls! Always available for an encore or RETURN to all of those WONDERFUL people out there in the DARK! LOL! 👏 💐 😃 💐!
Angel, I’m sure you know of Tallulahs infamous exploits on LIFEBOAT with Bill Bendix. And how a critic once wrote, Last night in the role of Cleopatra, Miss Bankhead Barged down the AISLE and notably SANK! I may not know where all the bodies are buried, but (as I once stated in a city council meeting,another of my interests) I DO know which cemetery! 😅 🤣
I had a chance to buy a new ’78 grand Marquis fully loaded 2 door it was all black exterior with all red interior! All really sharp looking car! No, I passed on it as it was $500.00 more than the ’78 LTD Landau I did purchase! The LTD was a nice car with 351 Cleaveland engine and it had plenty of power, and all my friends wanted to drive her. It had the T Bird’s optional medium blue metalic paint, blue clothe interior and full white vinyle roof with white beltmouldings and white landau wheel covers. She was a looker! I dig all these land yatchs!
The front bumper looks like a replacement still a very lovely Marquis.