No Reserve: 1968 Mercury Monterey Fastback
Many cars from the 1960s suffer from rust issues in one form or another, necessitating repairs that can be time-consuming and costly. However, the first owner of this 1968 Mercury Monterey Fastback wisely handed it to the good folks at Ziebart. Therefore, its rust-free state is unsurprising. It would benefit from a cosmetic refresh to recapture its former glory, but the process should be straightforward. It has generated significant interest since hitting the market, and its rock-solid nature is only one factor in play. It has a claimed 70,000 original miles showing on its odometer, and the seller’s decision to offer it with No Reserve may have made it irresistible to some. However, it remains affordable for those searching for a classic to park in their workshop.
Some classics cross our desks at Barn Finds leaving us wondering about that car’s story. Such is the case with this Monterey. It is unclear when the seller became its custodian, but the indications are it has seen virtually no action since they parked it in their garage. It has minor mechanical needs before it returns to active service, but the car’s rust-free state will allow the winning bidder to enjoy the Mercury immediately. The Augusta Green Metallic paint is tired and thin in spots, and there are a couple of areas of primer. Addressing those shortcomings as time and circumstances allow is a viable approach because there are no significant panel issues. Interestingly, the seller buffed the paint in one spot and was surprised by the shine it displayed. Therefore, spot touch-ups might be possible if the buyer favors preservation over restoration. The trim looks acceptable for a driver-grade classic, and there are no visible problems with the tinted glass.
This Monterey’s interior is a surprise packet because returning its presentation to a higher level won’t cost a fortune. Spending $250 on a carpet set would be the first step, while a new headliner will add $200 to the tally. Otherwise, there are no significant shortcomings if the new owner seeks a driver-grade classic. The Dark Green cloth and vinyl trim is in good order, as are the dash, pad, and woodgrain. The wheel hasn’t cracked, and the bright trim is impressive. The seller indicates that the air conditioning doesn’t blow cold and that the compressor is noisy. They have also bypassed the heater because the hoses exhibit internal deterioration. However, the core doesn’t leak, making this a repair that the buyer could tackle in their garage.
Powering this Monterey is the 390ci V8, producing 266hp and 390 ft/lbs of torque. A three-speed automatic transmission handles shifting duties, with power assistance for the steering and brakes lightening the driver’s load. The Mercury isn’t a muscle car, although it will provide respectable performance. Those unconcerned by originality could perform a few relatively inexpensive and straightforward tweaks to squeeze a few additional ponies from the engine. The news is generally positive for potential buyers, because this classic runs and drives, and the brakes work well. There are a few tasks to tackle, including flushing the fuel system due to aging fuel, and replacing the badly rotting tires that wear a manufacture date of 1971! However, these aren’t expensive or difficult tasks, making returning the classic to its rightful place on our roads an achievable short-term goal.
The seller listed this 1968 Mercury Monterey Fastback here on eBay in Marlborough, Connecticut. It may have attracted nineteen bids, but that action has pushed the price to a mere $2,900. The price will undoubtedly climb before the hammer falls, and with No Reserve in play, it will find a new home. The auction is worth monitoring because there is a good chance that it might remain in “affordable” territory. Hmm, a rust-free and affordable classic project from the 1960s. I can’t think of a downside to that scenario. Can you?
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Comments
I’m bidding
Hope his new home will be mine …
worked. Now I just have to explain it to my wife …
If a Mercury Monterey and a Torino Fastback had a baby…
Reminds me of Steve McGarrett on Hawaii Five-0
Still at $2900, but rust free? It looks to me like one whole rocker is gone.
$200 for a headliner , and if you want it installed correctly you can add another grand to that.
and a new carpet, and …
But, as we all know, you can spend money as much as you want into a vintage car.
An earlier post decried the lack of skilled tradesmen these days.
Auto upholstery is a hard earned craft, not a weekend venture.
Car show attendee: “Who did the carpets and headliner?”
Proud owner: “Me.”
Attendee: “Thought so.”
“Many cars from the 1960s suffer from rust issues in one form or another” Really ? If a car is in a rust prone area ALL cars will suffer from it , it doesn’t matter if its a Fleetwood or a CVCC ; nor are the 1960s cars more likely to have rust issues , its any car and any decade car built . In the rust belt areas , cars will already have rust issues by the time they are ten years old . I’m not sure where you got that info on that decade being more susceptible to rust, but its wrong
My dad had a pale blue 68 Monterey Sedan ; his first Merc after buying only Fords starting with his first, a Model A in 1939. I remember the color was so faint my sister and I would argue with him that it was really white . He was an electronics salesman so it had over 100k on it by 1971 when he traded it on a 71 Monterey
Ziebart did NOT work for me! Took delivery of a new 78 GMC Heavy Half in December of 77, drove it directly from the dealer to Ziebart on dry roads. In 18 months I had perforation on both front fenders and the rockers followed 6 months later! Ziebart refused to invoke the “lifetime” warranty” due to what they termed “uncommon exposure”. 80k in 18 months which included a trip to Alaska on the then unpaved AlCan. Had to replace said components at my expense and treated them myself, never had another problem.
Bill, that’s kind of a GM problem, not so much a Ziebart issue.
There is rust as can clearly be seen from the pictures. Not bad but it has staked a claim on this Mercury. But it is fixable. And depending on where the final bid comes in it could be a good deal. Certainly a worthwhile project. GLWTS.
I love the lines on this 68 Monterey Fastback. Yeah $200 only covers cost of headliner material, not to have it installed. Heater cores aren’t easily replaced on these either and I had to replace AC compressor and clutch, and rebuild dryer on my 65 Marauder and have it flushed and recharged. That weren’t cheap either. It does look like there’s some rust and rot on rockers and rear quarters, but if you get it for a decent price this is a very worthwhile car. She’s a beauty.
The big thing on these is the frames. Even low mileage one rusted out. This one looks good in the pics, so maybe the Ziebart did its job and kept the rust out of the frame. If this is solid except for some sheet metal, it could end up to be a good buy. Back in ’79 I bought one of these for 250 bucks, a little over 100,000 miles on it. Had a nice looking body but frame rust took it out of the game. Mine was light blue with 2 tone blue vinyl interior. At one time it had a cheap repaint, surprisingly the original color was pale yellow, I guess back then you could get it any way you wanted. Also, no power brakes it was a bear to stop.
Parents had Montclair fordor in same color! Car I learned to drive in!