57K Miles: 1977 Mercury Bobcat Villager Wagon
A Pinto wagon with woodgrain and wire wheelcovers, now that’s fancy. Wait, this is a 1977 Mercury Bobcat Villager Wagon? No wonder it’s so fancy. There really wasn’t that much difference between the Ford Pinto and Mercury Bobcat other than some trim, badging, a different grille and front-end treatment, and some tail light differences. There were almost four dozen station wagons available to U.S. customers in 1977, that’s pretty incredible to think about today.
I like white cars, but for a funky car like a Pinto or Bobcat, I want a funky color like orange, yellow, or lime green. There was no lime green available in this era, so orange or yellow would work. Or white, just so it’s a fancy model with woodgrain. The Bobcat was offered in the U.S. market from 1975 until the end of 1980, coinciding with the end of Pinto production, although the Pinto entered the market in the 1971 model year.
It’s been five decades since they debuted in Canada and next year will be the 50th anniversary of their U.S. introduction. This car looks like a nice survivor but there are a few typical issues with surface rust rearing its ugly head, as is almost always the case unless you bought one new and left it in your living room for 50 years. The seller has provided a lot of photos so you can see the condition, as they don’t give much info in their eBay listing. The photos are verticals so if your head doesn’t explode as mine does when that happens with a horizontal car, check ’em out.
As with the “luxury” tradition of Mercury, this example doesn’t have a four-speed manual transmission because it wasn’t available with the V6. This one has a three-speed “Select-Shift” automatic. The seats are about as good as it gets, pattern-wise, and as expected, the back seat area looks perfect. This is the “Optional Deluxe Interior Trim” and it’s hard to beat. The rear cargo area also looks fantastic and the seller even provided a few underside photos. The brake pedal cover looks almost like new so I’m assuming this car really does have under 58,000 miles.
The engine is a Ford Cologne 2.8-liter V6 with 90 horsepower and 139 lb-ft of torque. This car is said to run and drive well, it’s located in Princeton, New Jersey, and is listed here on eBay. The current bid price is $7,200 and there is no reserve so this one is going to a new home in six days. Any guesses on the final bid price? $12,000? More?
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Comments
Fun write-up Scotty. I agree, the white paint takes a bit of the visual pizzaz out of this cool wagon, but the terrific upholstery pattern kind-of makes up for it. The wire wheel covers are particularly ‘fitting.’ Lots of pics but little verbiage. Looks to be in good shape.
I don’t closely follow prices of these wagons but I’m guessing five figures should be easily attainable.
(Thumbs up) (Thanks, Bob!)
We had a 2.8 liter Mustang II, that had over 150,000 miles on it. The plastic timing gear was replaced, early on. After that? Normal maintenance. As far as the date? You figure it out. I don’t having a printing press in my basement.
Five pieces of chrome and it’s a Bobcat.
Your article made me smile. I loved looking at this little Mercury. Thank you!
Same color/woodgrain combo in this 1976 “Love That Bobcat” commercial:
https://youtu.be/fjDT11HrDeg?si=nh8dhSqSe_CCzwiN
Absolutely perfect! the bid is over 10 K. I think it could go 12 or over. It is special, if you don’t like it or the price, just go find another one!
…crazy money for that car….I have an ’03 BMW Z4 3.0 in mint mint condition, and I’m having trouble getting only $11,000…go figure…
Different car, different bidders. My guess is there are a LOT more Z4’s out there for sale than Bobcat wagons with 57K miles. It’s not a better car than the BMW, just harder to find IF that’s what you’re looking for.
The Mercury’s don’t break down every couple of months?
As a multiple bmw owner , still have a z3 , i can say that the mercury bobcat is the one with less headaches, but driving topless has its advantages !
…neither do BMWs with proper maintenance….
I had an ’88 Bronco II with the Cologne 2.8L V6 with the Mazda-sourced 5-speed.
That puppy was bulletproof.
Had well over 200000 on it when finally put out to pasture; still ran good but leaks all over LOL.
I sold it to a guy who wanted it as a Father/Son project.
Nothing bad to say about that ol’ 2.8L V6.
Wire wheels, woodgrain siding, chrome roof rack.
That’s the schmaciest Pinto I’ve ever seen!
My 66′ Mustang has similar hupcaps.
My father wanted me to buy a new Pinto as my first car when they came out. I liked the Pinto wagon and Vega Kamback but thought they were underpowered and the V6 wasn’t yet available. But, I drove a new Capri, 4 cyl and V6 and they made the other two feel like little red wagons!😂
Dad didn’t agree until I made him drive the Capri. We were signing for a 4cyl 4 spd Capri an hour later. LOVED THAT CAR!❤️❤️🚘
The first car I ever bought brand new was a 77 pinto runabout. Brown paint and that exact interior upholstery
I had a 1983 Ranger 4×4 and a 1985 Bronco II. Both had the 2.8 Cologne V6. Being solid lifter engines that needed adjustments periodically and the solid lifters tick. Neither was a powerhouse but neither one gave me trouble. Honestly I can’t complain about the ones I had.
Would more than likely to be the only Mercury Bobcat of any style at a car show or cruise night.
Auction update: this one sold for $12,100.