There is something endearing and inviting about the boxy, plush domestic family sedans of the 1980s. Perhaps I am drawn to today’s feature car because my first ride was a 1986 Chevrolet Celebrity which had a similar squared-off silhouette.
The Pick of the Day is a 1987 Mercury Grand Marquis listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in Huntsville, Arkansas. (Click the link to view the listing)
“This car is in excellent condition,” the listing begins. “I recently drove it from Idaho to Arkansas. It was a very nice ride. Got 24 mpg.”
The story behind the car is that its original owner lived near Spokane, Washington, and the car was garaged for most of its life. The blue paint finish is believed to be original, and as such, it does show some scratches and chips consistent with being 37 years old and the car having covered over 126,000 miles. The odometer, incidentally, shows just 26,000 of those miles and has rolled over once.
The Grand Marquis was launched as a flagship sub-model of the “regular” Marquis in 1975. Starting in 1979, Mercury’s full-size models were downsized significantly: along with shortening overall length by 17 inches, engineers managed to chop nearly 1,000 pounds off the car’s weight. Even with these changes, interior space was increased. Speaking of interior space, this car has seating for six passengers thanks to the split-bench seat up front – not something seen on many (any?) modern sedans.
For most of this Grand Marquis generation’s lifespan, there were two different V8 engines available. Both were Windsor motors, but one had a 5.0-liter displacement and the other had a 5.8-liter displacement. Both came standard with a four-speed overdrive automatic transmission. Today’s car has the 5.0-liter, and the seller says that recent maintenance included replacement of the radiator, heater core, and shock absorbers. The transmission has also been rebuilt.
The Grand Marquis is a definite “grandma car,” and that is totally not a bad thing. I might be saying that because I’m well into my 40s and appreciate the merits of a car that is comfortable to ride around in. Just view those velour seats!
“This classic car would make a very nice addition to anyone’s collection.”
The asking price is $6,500 or best offer.
To view this listing for this Pick of the Day on ClassicCars.com, click here!
I have an 88- one of over 75 vehicles owned over a life time, from Lincolns to Vauxhalls.
To my mind there has never been any North American mass produced car better built than this generation of Grand Marquis.
Well said!