Original 429: 1969 Mercury Marauder X-100
When an owner cherishes a classic so much that they wear away its paint from washing and polishing, you know it isn’t a passing infatuation. Such is the case with this 1969 Mercury Marauder X-100. It presents well as a survivor-grade car, but a close inspection reveals areas where its owner wore away the paint as they lavished it with TLC. A new owner could preserve the Mercury in its current form, although it appears that it is the ideal candidate for a straightforward cosmetic refresh. That way, it will have the looks to match the original 429ci V8 hiding under the hood.
Mercury introduced the Second Generation Marauder in 1969 as its entry into the growing Personal Luxury Car market segment. The car remained in production for two years before disappearing as the focus shifted to smaller, more fuel-efficient models. At over 18 feet in length, it had an undeniable physical presence that endeared itself to many. However, the appeal didn’t see buyers beating a path to Mercury dealerships, with only 14,666 of these cars finding homes in 1969. The X-100 was the high-performance derivative, but its tally of 5,635 fell well below company expectations. The first owner ordered this X-100 in Code T Red, with the seller claiming it is an original and unrestored survivor. The paint retains a healthy shine, but a close inspection reveals wear in many locations. It hasn’t exposed bare metal, so surface corrosion and rust aren’t an issue. Therefore, the new owner could take the time to choose between preservation and restoration as their preferred option. It is worth noting that with no significant panel defects, the cosmetic restoration would entail little beyond basic surface preparation and a fresh coat of paint. The fender skirts aren’t visible in the exterior shots but are safely tucked away in the trunk. The trim and glass are in good order, and this Marauder sits on its original Kelsey-Hayes wheels.
The almost perfect interior presentation reinforces the impression that this Marauder has been cherished by its owners. The Red upholstered surfaces are free from wear, while the carpet and dash are spotless. There are no signs of deteriorating timber or wheel wear, and the only flaw worth noting is the scratches on the column around the ignition switch. It is fascinating that in light of the original owner’s decision to equip the interior with the optional console and AM radio/8-track player, they passed on such features as air conditioning and power windows. The seller confirms the radio is inoperative, but the remaining items appear to work as they should.
Ordering a 1969 Marauder brought the 390ci V8, which delivered 266hp and 390 ft/lbs of torque as standard equipment. However, the X-100 raised the bar with its single mechanical configuration. Lifting the hood revealed the 429ci V8, sending 360hp and 480 ft/lbs of torque to the rear wheels via a three-speed automatic transmission. Power assistance for the steering and front disc brakes was also standard. The X-100 is a heavy beast with a curb weight of 4,343 lbs. However, its ability to cover the ¼-mile in 15.3 seconds as it headed towards 124mph confirms these classics could get up and moving if poked with a sharp stick. Potential buyers can consider this numbers-matching Mercury a turnkey proposition. It runs and drives well, with the seller stating, unsurprisingly, that the engine has plenty of power. They include this YouTube video in their listing of the car in action, and I can’t spot anything that causes concern.
The seller listed this 1969 Mercury Marauder X-100 here on eBay in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The BIN of $15,750 means the buyer receives a lot of metal for their money. That figure is in the ballpark, especially considering the car’s overall condition and what is required to return it to a pristine state. However, some enthusiasts love the idea of a classic loudly and proudly wearing its survivor status, which could be the case with this powerful giant. So, preservation or restoration? Which would you choose?
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Comments
Aside from maybe the big block Cougar renditions, I don’t think there was ever a more badaxx Merc, than the ’69 X-100. In case you missed it, 1969 was a wonderful year,,,for US cars. It seems, to take our minds off of the quagmire our service folks were subjected to, when it came to cars, all the stops were pulled, before insurance pulled the plug on that . Some incredible machines, 454 Chevelles, Hemi Darts, and such, but when it came to a more sedate group, Cars like 454 Monte Carlos, Toronados, , Rivieras, X-100s, and several others, had the power, and moved the driver out, in style. These seemed to slip through the insurance cracks,as more “responsible” folks drove them, and it was the price of gas that killed these fantastic cars, not the imports. The imports couldn’t produce an X-100 if they tried, and stuck to the gas mileage schtick. A Mercury with a serious attitude, however, it was pricey for a seemingly gussied up Ford. I read, loaded ones could easily go over $5grand, $300 more than a Toronado. Sales were poor, and half that for 1970, and the model was dropped.
KILLER DEAL…won’t last long
Very cool car. Howard is right, the X-100 was a seriously serious effort by Mercury. Looks good to me, and not expensive. Has the desirable console and horseshoe shifter. Maybe add whitewalls? Check out the fender “skeerts”. Won’t see yourself coming and going. Nice find.
I know. White walls are period correct. Please no whitewalls!
Redlines, then?
It needs its skirts on. That’s how it rode!
According to the seller, they’re “skeerts,” and they’re in the trunk.
I’ve been a Mopar guy forever and I’ve always considered these the best competitor to the Chrysler 300. But slap the name “Marauder” on a Mercury with a Lincolnesque grille and black tunnel-back and you have the perfect Banker’s Hot Rod!
I’ve never seen one without the skirts and it doesn’t look half bad. By this time there truly was something for everyone and the Marauder X-100 was most intriguing. Red on red, no air and roll down glass? What a glorious beast!
I like this one. I’ve seen most of them with skirts of course, which is the worst automotive styling invention that was ever come up with. I love the blackwalls as well!
Why would a “Dealer” offer a car at the top of it’s value and not repair/replace the disconnected heater core?
Nice, but way too big for us. 15 sec quarter in that barge, imagine what it could do in something 1000 lb lighter. It could have been an A-team muscle car for sure, back in the day.
Have you ever heard of a car called the Mustang?
Reminds me of Steve McGarretts black Marauder beauty in the original Hawaii Five O series. Loved that car.
Marauder ‘s were 2dr.only. S. Magaretts was a Monterrey which replaced the Parklane, which held the spot as top Merc.
Without the skirts in place the lack of rear wheel well chrome lip trim is glaring.
I’m not a Ford guy but I have always seriously liked these. Looks better without the skirts IMOH but glad the orig owner saved them. I think a good paint shop could restore those burnt through paint sections and save 90% of the original paint-that’s the road I would go down.I wonder what the dealer got it for if their asking 15k..maybe 9 or 10. I would cherish it this won’t last long..GLWTA
Awesome car. I think I’ve maybe seen one before.
This is one big car that would have benefited from a factory rear stabilizer bar and an upgraded front. They were available in 1969. Full size police cars had them, and they would have fit just fine on the x-100 package too. One of life’s mysteries
What was the first generation marauder?
looks like the heater do not work, I see a bypass.
is this a chronic error, because the heat exchanger on my X100 also leaks – and it is a fiddly job to remove it from under the dashboard