THE 1969 MERCURY MARQUIS

Remember when we all wanted an old car to restore in our garage? I've got a deal for you.

Maybe you remember when everyone wanted a Mercury, 'cause they were the best built American Car of all? My dad still has his "Big Bertha" but having just turned 88 he is getting close to letting her go to the right person. As you can see, she is big for sure. Built in a time of large, heavy, solid, real metal cars, Bertha is becoming a bit rare these days. But if she is to begin a new career, the world is going to have to sit up and take notice. These photos were taken on a dark, overcast morning, but she really is a nice, soft Robin's Egg Blue. The real leather seats are in deep blue and are really soft and plush to sit in.

Here are the basic stats: She's a four door sedan; Dad says he is not driving her much right now because there is a carburetor problem to be fixed, but otherwise she in good shape considering her age; recent mileage was just under 103, 000 (a second car for years, that averages undeer 3K a year!!), and all miles are his since he is the original owner; the engine is the big one - a 327? I think, and was rebuilt in October 1996 at 79K miles; Dad is a engineer type and has done most of his own maintenance all his life so he has complete, detailed records on Bertha; he also has all the original manuals and five other books specifically about the car.

I know there are a few issues, but to me they seem kind of minor. There is a torsion rod which helps hold up the trunk lid that has to be replaced, and there is a leak under the rear window where some body repair would be required, however, Bertha always stays in the garage so there is not much damage from that problem, and of course the carb that is guzzling gas and need to be rebuilt. Basically it's a project car with great potential for an easy and awesome restoration.

Have you ever wanted to "drag Main" like we used to do in the 1960s?? Want to relive your crazy teen years in a true highway chariot? Desire a lot of car around you on the Freeways and Interstates?? Want a Classic Toy to tinker with for Under $5,000?? (And I can get you a real deep discount on that if you just mention this blog soon.) I might even have an idea or two about getting this sweetheart to the Northwest. She's Muscle and Beauty combined!!

I can introduce you to "BIG BERTHA" at your convenience, but you need to know that she lives in the Los Angeles Valley area. OK, now Dream Big, - Beach? Shows? Parades? Honeymoon? Top the Joneses? Front Page of the Local Paper? Impress the Buddies? -Dream Big and give me a call.