There is a lot of travel going on here at BangShift this week! Chad and Daphne are road-tripping around my neck of the woods on the FM3 Road Trip Cars and Cones deal, and in a couple of days we both will be headed west to the Coffeyville Street Drags in Kansas. That’s a lot of miles going under our belts, and it’s the inspiration behind this particular eBay find. As much fun as the Chevelle is that Chad and Daphne are driving, and as fantastic of a long-distance cruiser that the Angry Grandpa Chrysler has been, neither car can compare to an old-school full-size land yacht for being the perfect highway car. It doesn’t have to take corners any sharper than an interstate sweeper, the suspension is soft and is designed to turn rough roads into silk, and if you want legroom, have all you want.
There are many big-boy cars up for bidding on eBay, but this 1978 Mercury Marquis caught our attention for a couple of reasons. First and foremost: it’s nice, but it’s not so nice that we wouldn’t put miles on it by the thousands. We could honestly roll this car anywhere and not think twice about it. Second, we dig it’s look: black and chrome outside, whorehouse red inside. The paint, vinyl roof and headliner have all been re-done in the past year and show it. Don’t knock the wheels too hard…that’s the all-polished version of what I have on the Raven Imperial. We would step up the sidewall on the tires a bit, but overall we’d leave well enough alone. Yes, there’s air conditioning, and there’s also upgraded stereo equipment.
Finally, the price: The seller isn’t throwing around words like “rare” or “one of a kind”. In fact, the seller is pretty up-front about how the pricing works for them: “I’ve invested thousands of dollars in this car, so it’s a steal with a very reasonable reserve price. If the reserve is met I’ll be selling this vehicle at a 50% loss.” That hurts to hear, because they have done pretty well with this Marquis, but at least they are being realistic.
Ten hours across the country? Five locations in five days? Bring it on. Just bring your credit card…the fuel pumps are calling.
eBay Link: 1978 Mercury Marquis
Everything from the wheels up…great. I guess you could drive it in pot hole free Hawaii. (?) “Book ’em Danno” 🙂
Just needs to be on air bags to lose that 4×4 stance then it will be perfect!
I own one of these cars. A white 1978 4-door purchased from the 92 year old original owner. Every corner had been knocked off at one time or another, but were all repaired by his insurance company. A nice 50 footer.
A word of warning…These cars get attention! Its 19 feet long and not shaped like a jellybean. I’ve had hotrods and sports cars, and this will get more comments than any of them!
Bring your credit card.
Mine averages 11 MPG!
Is it only me or there are few more people who like the design of old cars. 😀
I also want to own something similar but I still got no option.
my daily driver is also a 1978 sedan 80k mile survivor the 351m is getting yanked and a .030 over 400 is going in its place assembled to 1971 specs
should roll nicely ….