1964 Mercury Montclair Marauder 2 Door Hardtop
The Marauder is a trimline introduced on full sized Mercury's beginning in mid year in 1963 alongside "sport" models offered by Ford. In 1964, the trim was offered in the base Monterey, the mid level Montclair, and the top of the line Parklane, expanding from just two door models to four doors as well. It also graced "breezeway" roofline cars where the C-pillar slanted inward but initially only built with the conventional notchback rear roofline.
For consignment, a 1964 Mercury Montclair Marauder, showing 70,878 miles which are not actual. The car sports an Edelbrock Performance package which was added in 2022, and results in, according to our consignor, 418 horsepower emanating from the 390ci V8 under the hood. With a freshly rebuilt transmission and other parts replaced, this is a well sorted Marauder of which just 6,459 were built in 1964, (Montclair, 2-door fastback).
Exterior
Polar White grips our '64 Mercury augmented by polished trim pieces that run the length of the car, one on the shoulder line and topping the fenders, the other running parallel on the midline, ending as a spear on the front quarter panel. There are three trim spikes on the front fender for design along with the Marauder nameplate and checkered flag ahead of the front wheels. The headlights surge forward from the vertical grille which has fading black highlights on the strakes over a chrome bumper that is configured as three pieces with the bookends wrapping around the car. In profile, the fastback creates the illusion of forward momentum while a long decklid trails behind like the exhaust of a jet engine with a long overhang beyond the rear axle. The wheels are staggered with 14-inch in front, 15-inch in rear, and so are the tires which maintain a level stance. Stylish triple tail lights fill a rear grille and massive exhaust tips peek out from the bottom. Imperfections include various chips, cracking, minor rust, lots of bubbling, flaking paint, and metalwork that will need to be refaced or polished.
Interior
Triple patterned vinyl door cards present in red, showing a bit of patina but intact and period awesome. Same with the split bench in front with some discoloration and a tear, backed by a chrome and grooved shell and wrapped in bright red seatbelts, all copied by the back bench where window cranks and ashtrays are provided to occupants. The red and clear acrylic steering wheel is also cool and shows a good amount of wear that results in cracking plastic and discoloration while slim stalks rise like spokes from the column. In front, the quad gauge pod is aircraft-like, and the horizontal speedometer contours to the pod and displays 120 mph on the far right. A tachometer and modern triple gauge pod has been added under the dash to keep tabs on what's happening under the hood, and as we'll learn, there's quite a bit happening there. The factory AM radio is in place as well as a modern AM/FM/CD radio with AUX and USB ports down below, not far from the red loop carpet that cover the floor and surround the Hurst shifter with a black knob and rubber boot looking just a bit more aggressive than your average Montclair of the time. A white headliner is in place, demonstrating some age along with the visors that need some attention, but the dome light and rear courtesy light all illuminate in retro goodness!
Drivetrain
We open the hood to reveal an underside that's a bit rough and missing insulators. Meanwhile, the heart of the beast is a clean 390ci V8 with Edelbrock heads, and Edelbrock intake, and a Holley 4-barrel carburetor, much part of the Edelbrock top end kit. The rebuilt Toploader is a 4-speed manual that sends power to the Ford 9" rear with 3.50 gears. New power drum brakes are onboard and are accompanied by a new master cylinder and lines. Headers are bolted to the exhaust ports.
Undercarriage
Driver quality conditions prevail underneath with minor surface rust but a decent amount of oil under the engine and on surrounding components with some moisture noted on the rear differential as well. While under here, we'll mention the driveshaft has been balanced and includes new yokes. Dual exhaust runs through FlowMaster mufflers before finding their way to the atmosphere by way of two polished tips out back. Coil springs are in front and leaf spring suspension is out back.
Drive-Ability
The 390 sparked to life with some priming of the carb and a turn of the key, and it's like we poked a sleeping giant. The growl out the back is healthy exhalation and motivation enough to get this thing on the tarmac where power and acceleration were evident, shifts were crisp, and this straight street machine tracked well and stopped just as nicely. We note the speedometer and odometer don't function, the clock is not ticking, and the reverse lights don't illuminate. Beyond that, all functions work as they should. While Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were working at the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be working at the time of your purchase.
A Marauder is one who "roams to raid and plunder". Well, if, (legal), racing is your thing, this car may be aptly named and improved to live up to the moniker. With the brakes and drivetrain sorted, you may choose to perfect the body and paint, but even without that, you'll have a fast, uncommon, and collectible classic with a cool name. And if you happen to have a modern Marauder, (2003-2004), having an original is a must! Come raid Classic Auto Mall and get your hands on this special Mercury.
4W57H511047
4-1964
W-Wayne, MI Assy Plant
57-Montclair 2 Door Hardtop Fastback
H-390ci 2bbl V8
511047-Sequential Unit Number
WARRANTY PLATE
BODY 63D-Montclair 2 Door Hardtop Fastback
COLOR M-Polar White
TRIM 75-Red Crinkle Vinyl
DATE 22K-October 22nd
DSO 16-Philadelphia
AXLE 1-Ford 9" 3.00 Conventional
TRANS 4-Multi Drive Automatic
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8 acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person. There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee is not included in the advertised price.
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