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81-534: The first three generations of the Marquis were full-size sedans (alongside the Mercury Colony Park station wagon). For the fourth generation, the Marquis became the mid-size Mercury sedan, following the 1983 split of the Marquis and Grand Marquis into distinct product lines. As Ford Motor Company expanded its use of front-wheel drive, the Marquis ended production after the 1986 model year, replaced by

162-413: A Watt's linkage , or some other arrangement, most commonly by the leaf springs. Shock absorbers and either leaf springs, coil springs , or air bags are used to control vertical movement. A live axle is a type of beam axle in which the shaft (or, commonly, shafts connected to move as a single unit) also transmits power to the wheels; a beam axle that does not also transmit power is sometimes called

243-414: A dead axle . While typically used in vehicles with Hotchkiss drive , this suspension system can also be used with other types of power transmission. An axle truss is typically a six-millimeter thick steel plate bent into a "Π"-shaped beam and welded with the open side facing the top of the differential or axle housing. It reinforces a solid axle so that it does not bend or break when the axle's load rating

324-518: A 429 cubic-inch V8 as an option; in 1972, the 429 was replaced by a 460 cubic-inch V8 sourced from Lincoln. For the 1978 model year, a 351 Windsor V8 became standard (outside of California and high-altitude areas), with the 400 and 460 as options. However, most surviving examples are equipped with one of the two larger V8 engines, as they were far more popular, with the 351 proving to have little fuel-economy gains. Approximately 7,850,000 full-size Fords and Mercurys were sold over 1969–1978. This makes it

405-632: A Marquis station wagon without woodgrain trim. In the interest of fuel economy, the Mercury Colony Park underwent an extensive revision of its powertrain lineup. Although V8 power remained in place, the 400 and 460 V8 engines were removed from all Ford cars, with the Colony Park sharing the 302 Windsor V8 with the Mercury Monarch; the previous base 351 Windsor V8 was offered as an option. For 1981, Ford and Mercury underwent

486-401: A beam axle, the camber angle between the wheels is the same regardless of its location in the travel of the suspension. A beam axle's location in the fore and aft directions is constrained by one of several suspension components, including trailing arms , semi-trailing arms, radius rods, and leaf springs . The lateral location can be constrained by a Panhard rod , a Scott Russell linkage ,

567-401: A change made by Ford for 1955). The Monterey became the standard Mercury sedan, slotted below the mid-range Montclair and flagship Turnpike Cruiser. The station wagon range was introduced as a base-trim Mercury Commuter and mid-price Mercury Voyager ; both lines were offered in two-door and four-door configurations. Offered only as a four-door wagon, the Colony Park served as the flagship of

648-502: A conventional column-mounted PRNDL shifter. For 1960, the 430 V8 returned as an option after a one-year hiatus; in place of the triple-carburetor Super Marauder, a 310hp Marauder version used a single 4-barrel carburetor. In various outputs, this engine was shared with Lincolns and Continentals, along with Ford Thunderbird . The 1959 Colony Park was listed with a retail price of US$ 3,932 ($ 41,097 in 2023 dollars ) and manufactured 5,929, making surviving examples somewhat rare. Following

729-425: A conventional door without having to roll the window down, while the glass had to be retracted when opened downwards as a tailgate. Coinciding with the addition of 5-mph bumpers, Ford and Mercury station wagons underwent a major redesign for 1973, including a completely new roofline. In place of the framed doors, the station wagons were marketed as "pillarless hardtops"; though the roof was fitted with slim B-pillars,

810-413: A crest emblem. The rear fascia received padded vinyl trim (body color or contrasting) between the taillamps. While Ford and Lincoln added B-pillars (and opera windows ) to their two-door sedans, Mercury retained its hardtop roofline. For 1976 though 1978, the Marquis saw few visible changes; in 1976, a Landau vinyl roof option was introduced for Brougham and Grand Marquis two-doors, while all versions of

891-401: A preview of what would happen over much of the next decade, Mercury reduced the coverage of the woodgrain trim over the side bodywork. For 1959, the 383 Marauder V8 became the sole V8 (retuned to 322hp). Though less problematic than the controversial Edsel Teletouch controls, Mercury reverted from pushbutton controls for its Merc-O-Matic 3-speed automatic (now the standard transmission) to

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972-462: A redesign, clustering the instruments and controls closer to the steering wheel. For 1972, the grille shifted to an egg-crate design (with a similar panel between the taillamps). In line with federal mandates, the Marquis adopted seatbelt warning buzzers. For the first time, the model line introduced a power sunroof option (requiring the selection of a vinyl roof). For 1973, the Marquis underwent an extensive mid-cycle revision. Largely coinciding with

1053-514: A revision of its full-size range. Serving as the successor to the four-door Brougham and two-door Park Lane, the second-generation Marquis was expanded to a full range of body styles, slotted above the Monterey. For 1975, the full-size Mercury range was reduced solely to the Marquis (including the Brougham and Grand Marquis trims). The wheelbase was longer on the two-door and four-door sedan than

1134-475: A revision of the trim and seats, with a redesign of the dashboard (clustering the instruments behind the steering wheel and the secondary controls to the center of the dashboard). For 1974, the grille underwent a redesign (nearly matching that of the Lincoln Continental), shifting to a vertically-oriented layout and eliminating the egg-crate trim of the headlamp covers. Following their addition to

1215-479: A safety feature, reverse gear was locked out above 10mph and selecting "Park" locked out all other functions until it was released. For 1958, the control panel was revised; along with a simpler layout, an optional "Multi-Drive" version introduced multiple drive modes for the 3-speed automatic. The Multi-Drive system was the only transmission paired with the Super Marauder V8. For 1957, the Colony Park

1296-505: A standard vinyl roof giving it a wider C-pillar. While sharing a roofline with the Ford LTD, the Marquis differed from its Ford counterpart from the use of higher-specification interior trim (wood trim in place of simulated wood, optional leather unavailable on the LTD). As with other Mercury sedans, the Marquis was built on a 123-inch wheelbase (4 inches longer than the LTD). In contrast to

1377-479: Is exceeded. A larger/thicker axle is stronger, but also comes with increased cost, unsprung weight, and more compatibility issues (drivetrain, suspension, steering geometries, body mount locations, clearances) on smaller vehicles. eAxle or E-axle is a solid axle with electric motors attached to the differential, either end, or elsewhere. Inverters, power electronics , gearboxes, transfer cases (including low-range gearing), and transmissions may also be attached to

1458-598: The Commuter differentiated from the Colony Park by its lack of wood-grain trim and higher level of optional equipment as standard. In following with the compact Mercury Comet, all full-size 1961 Mercury lines began production using Ford bodywork and chassis. Now sharing its roofline with the Ford Country Squire, the Colony Park moved from sharing its interior trim from the Montclair to the Monterey. Though

1539-516: The Grand Marquis nameplate; under minor revisions, the design was produced through the 1991 model year. Mercury Colony Park The Mercury Colony Park is an American luxury full-size station wagon that was marketed by the Mercury division of Ford Motor Company between 1957 and 1991. Distinguished by its simulated wood-grain paneling, the Colony Park was marketed as either

1620-618: The Mercury Colony Park station wagon, the Lincoln Continental Mark III and the Lincoln Continental Mark IV while sharing the chassis with the 1970 Lincoln Continental sedan. The 1969 Marquis four-door hardtop sedan was listed at US$ 3,973 ($ 33,010 in 2023 dollars ) and 29,389 were made. In Canada, the Meteor brand marketed the Marquis as its flagship Meteor LeMoyne from 1969 to 1970. After

1701-767: The Mercury Sable (the Mercury counterpart of the Ford Taurus). As the Grand Marquis, the nameplate continued on until the closure of Mercury during the 2011 model year. For its first three generations, the Mercury Marquis was produced by Ford in Hapeville, Georgia ( Atlanta Assembly ), Hazelwood, Missouri ( St. Louis Assembly ), and Pico Rivera, California ( Los Angeles Assembly );

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1782-425: The 1961 redesign of the Mercury product line was not intended as downsizing , the transition between the model years marked a significant decrease in exterior dimensions. From 1960 to 1961, the Mercury Colony Park shed approximately five inches in length, six inches in wheelbase, and approximately 500 pounds of curb weight. The Colony Park remained the luxury level Mercury vehicle, with many optional items included with

1863-496: The 1976 closure of the brand, Ford Canada continued the use of the Meteor name within Mercury, selling a Marquis Meteor as a base trim level for 1977 and 1978. The second-generation Mercury Marquis shares its chassis with the full-size Ford model range introduced in 1969, using a rear-wheel drive perimeter frame chassis. Following a tradition starting in 1961, Mercury sedans used a longer wheelbase (124 inches) than Fords (121 inches, also used by Ford/Mercury station wagons). For 1970,

1944-510: The 460 as the standard engine offering. For 1975, the 402 cubic-inch Ford 400 V8 was introduced (largely as a successor to the 429), with the 351 cubic-inch Ford 351M V8 becoming the standard engine for the Marquis in 1978. In California and for "high-altitude" use, the 400 remained standard equipment; regardless of usage, the 460 (standard on the Marquis Brougham and Grand Marquis through 1977) remained available as an option until

2025-465: The Brougham name from the Park Lane series, continuing its use as the highest Mercury trim line. Following the discontinuation of the Monterey after 1974, all full-size Mercury sedans took on the Marquis nameplate. Introduced as an interior option package for the Marquis Brougham in 1974, the Grand Marquis became a stand-alone trim line above the Brougham for 1975. From 1969 to 1978, the Colony Park

2106-469: The Colony Park as its flagship station wagon line. Offered only as a four-door hardtop wagon, the Colony Park shared its body with the four-door Mercury Commuter and Voyager and its front bodywork with the Turnpike Cruiser. As with the preceding Monterey wagon, the Colony Park was styled with simulated mahogany exterior paneling and maple trim. Sharing trim commonality between the Montclair and

2187-401: The Colony Park introduced fresh-air ventilation through channels integrated into the D pillar, allowing ventilation if the rear window was retracted, and when the rear window was up, the airflow would be used to keep the rear window clear in inclement weather. The Colony Park underwent two exterior revisions, in 1967 and 1968, following Lincoln Continental styling updates; redesigns were made to

2268-487: The Colony Park offered nine-passenger seating (distinguished by rear vent windows behind the C-pillars); the interior was fitted with full carpeting. In rudimentary form, several features seen in modern cars were offered as options, including automatic climate control, power seat position memory, signal-seeking radio, and power windows (including the tailgate window). ; in 1958, a driver-operated speed-limit warning system

2349-430: The Colony Park reduced its cargo-carrying capability only slightly over the 1978 Colony Park. As before, 8-passenger seating remained standard equipment. In a revision of the Mercury product range, the Colony Park was moved to the Grand Marquis model line, the flagship of the Mercury brand. Effectively, it placed the Colony Park above its Country Squire counterpart in terms of trim; as well, this decision cleared room for

2430-472: The Colony Park was marketed against the similar Chrysler Town & Country prior to its 1979 downsizing, and GM's Buick Estate and Oldsmobile Custom Cruiser , each also offering external (simulated) woodgrain trim. During the mid-1950s and '60s, the Mercury Commuter was briefly offered as a lower-priced alternative to the Colony Park without the simulated woodgrain appearance, but lost sales to

2511-470: The Colony Park, with the 3-speed Merc-O-Matic as an option. For 1965, Ford redesigned its entire full-size sedan and station wagon product line, including the Mercury Colony Park, and was once again separated as its own model line with the mid-level Commuter without the simulated mahogany wood trim. While retaining a body-on-frame chassis, the leaf-spring rear suspension was replaced by a coil-spring live rear axle configuration; through several design changes,

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2592-516: The Ford Country Squire, the Monterey station wagon was fitted with exterior woodgrain trim as standard equipment. By 1955, the Monterey and the Country Squire had become the only station wagons sold with the feature ( genuine wood had been replaced by simulated materials (far less expensive and essentially maintenance-free). For the 1957 redesign of its model range, Mercury split its sedans and station wagons into distinct model ranges (echoing

2673-661: The Ford Crown Victoria and Mercury Grand Marquis underwent a major redesign for the 1992 model year, the two model lines dropped the station wagon body from the lineup. Up to the 2010 closure of the Mercury brand, the Colony Park was not directly replaced. Following the 1952 introduction of the Mercury Monterey, Mercury expanded its model range for 1953 by adding a station wagon (its first four-door station wagon since 1941). Sharing its roofline, three-row seating configuration, and two-piece tailgate design with

2754-550: The LTD, the usage of the design largely became exclusive to Lincoln-Mercury flagships after 1970, including the Marquis, Lincoln Continental, and Mark-series (the LTD Landau became the only Ford to use the configuration). The system was vacuum-operated, closing the headlight covers using a vacuum canister powered by the engine; as a fail-safe. the system was designed to retract the headlight covers following any vacuum loss. For 1970,

2835-498: The Marquis four-door shared much of its roofline with its Ford counterpart, the two-door hardtop was given its own roofline. The front fascia of the Marquis adopted many elements from the Lincoln Continental, including its hood and grille proportions and chrome-topped fenders; the Marquis, LTD/Galaxie/Custom, and Continental each received their own horizontal taillamp design. Initially sharing its hidden headlamps with

2916-421: The Marquis saw few visible changes to the exterior and interior. In compliance with federal safety regulations, all full-size Mercurys received a new steering column, with a rim-blow steering wheel replacing the previous horn ring design. Alongside the woodgrained Colony Park, a Marquis station wagon (without wood paneling) was introduced. For 1971, the Marquis underwent a revision of the exterior and interior;

2997-475: The Marquis were marketed as "Ride-Engineered" (promoting its successful ride comparisons against more expensive European sedans of the time). For 1978, the Marquis was given a redesigned grille, retaining a similar radiator-style design. Alongside the 1978 Chrysler New Yorker two-door, the 1978 Mercury Marquis was the final pillarless two-door hardtop (with retractable rear side windows) offered by an American automobile manufacturer. In 1969, Mercury adopted

3078-401: The Mercury Marquis. For 1965, the 390 V8 was the sole engine. In 1966, Mercury added two additional FE V8s, a 330 hp 410 "Marauder" V8 and a 345 hp 428 "Super Marauder" V8. For 1968, the 410 was dropped, replaced by a 315 hp version of the 390 V8. Alongside a redesign for the 1969 model year, Ford integrated its station wagon product lines of both Ford and Mercury brands within

3159-538: The Mercury line received revisions to their front and rear bodywork. The headlight surrounds were reshaped to better integrate the quad headlight units and a larger front bumper (now featuring the gold "Big M" of the Turnpike Cruiser). Though the scalloped fins remained, the taillamps were reshaped from a delta shape to a rocket style, with additional chrome trim on the C-pillars. For 1957, the Colony Park

3240-702: The Park Lane series. Under the 1969 rebranding of Ford and Mercury station wagons, the Colony Park station wagon became part of the Marquis line. For 1969 and 1970, the Mercury Marauder made its return, unofficially replacing the S-55. Designed as a competitor for the Oldsmobile Toronado and Buick Riviera, the Marauder was a fastback coupe combining the front bodywork of the Marquis with

3321-408: The Turnpike Cruiser (the anodized gold trim of the latter was made optional ), the Colony Park was among the first station wagons to offer a tailgate with a retractable rear window (optionally power-operated); the hardware was adopted for the "Breezeway" rear window of the Turnpike Cruiser. Offered solely with two or three rows of seating (a flat-folding second-row seat and a removable third-row seat),

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3402-555: The addition of 5-mph bumpers for the front and rear fascias, the roofline of the Marquis saw a complete redesign. Though distinguished further from the Lincoln Continental, the four-door Marquis shared its roofline with the Ford LTD; in contrast to the LTD, the two-door remained a hardtop with retractable side windows (enlarged for better visibility). Alongside the four-door hardtop, the four-door sedan and station wagon were marketed as "pillared hardtops" (produced with thin chromed B-pillars, allowing frameless door glass). The interior saw

3483-476: The basic layout would be retained through the final Crown Victoria, produced in 2011. While the Colony Park retained its roofline alongside the Ford Country Squire, it adopted the slab-sided design language taken on by Mercury sedans, heavily influenced by the exterior of the Lincoln Continental. The 1965 version was listed at US$ 3,364 ($ 37,668 in 2023 dollars ) and 4,213 were manufactured. Through this generation, Mercury would make several design changes. For 1966,

3564-435: The body and trim, the Colony Park received a major update alongside the Grand Marquis for 1988. From the windshield forward, a more aerodynamic front end better integrated the fenders, grille, headlights, and bumpers. Inside, the front seats were modernized. For 1990, as part of an addition of a driver's side airbag, the entire instrument panel and dashboard received a redesign; all outboard seats received 3-point seatbelts. 1991

3645-471: The cancellation of the premium Edsel lines left Mercury with its own car (for the first time since 1940). As Ford began to wind down Edsel, the Colony Park now also superseded the discontinued Edsel Bermuda wagon. Offered as in a 4-door 9-passenger configuration, the larger body (growing to a 126-inch wheelbase) retained the hardtop roofline of the previous generation; though the A-pillar was now vertical,

3726-604: The chassis was adopted by the Lincoln division for the Continental on a 127-inch wheelbase. Carried over from the previous-generation full-size chassis, the suspension was a 3-link live rear axle and double wishbone independent front suspension (with a front stabilizer bar); coil springs were fitted to at all four corners. Front disc brake and rear drum brakes were standard; power brakes became standard in 1971. For 1973, "Sure-Track", an early form of anti-lock braking ,

3807-454: The closure of the Edsel division during the 1960 model year, Ford product planners scrambled to build to a better business case for both Lincoln and Mercury divisions. To decrease its production costs, Mercury ended its use of a division-specific chassis and streamlined its product range, with full-size sedans reduced largely to the Monterey. Mercury station wagon nameplates remained the same, with

3888-505: The convertible body style was dropped (along with the Marauder fastback). Distinguished by the elimination of vent windows and framed door glass (for sedans and station wagons), Mercury saw the introduction of the "pillared hardtop", a sedan combining a thin B-pillar and frameless door glass (to mimic the appearance of a pillarless design). The revision also included the use of fender skirts and wraparound taillamps. The dashboard underwent

3969-407: The doors were fitted with frameless door glass, a revival of an appearance offered from 1957 to 1960. Although slightly narrower than the 1959–1960 generation by 0.4 in (10.2 mm), this generation of the Colony Park would be the longest and heaviest station wagon ever sold by Mercury. Due to its nearly 5,000 lb (2,300 kg) curb weight, the standard engine was a 400 cubic-inch V8 with

4050-424: The end of the full-size Chrysler Town & Country station wagon), Ford made extensive changes to its full-size station wagons. In terms of size, the 1979 Colony Park shed over 11 inches in length, 6.6 inches in wheelbase, 0.4 inches in width, and had lost slightly over 1,000 lbs in weight (in comparison to its 1978 predecessor). Though technically smaller than the "intermediate" Montego/Cougar station wagon,

4131-459: The end of the generation. The C6 transmission remained paired to the 460, with the 400 and 351M using the lighter-duty FMX transmission. (Engine family) ( Ford 385 series ) ( Ford 385 series ) ( Ford 335 series ) ( Ford 335 series ) The second-generation Marquis was expanded from the previous two-door hardtop to a full range of body styles, inheriting the four-door hardtop from the Brougham and four-door sedan and two-door convertible from

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4212-565: The engine was optional for lower-trim full-size Mercurys. A 3-speed manual replaced the previous 4-speed, with the automatic returning as an option. As an option for both years, the 428 cubic-inch Super Marauder V8 was offered, producing 345 hp; for 1968, the engine was retuned to 340 hp. (Engine family) (Ford FE) 3-speed manual (1968) Ford 3-speed FX/MX (Merc-O-Matic) automatic (1967) Ford 3-speed FMX (Merc-O-Matic) automatic (1968) (Ford FE) (Ford FE) 340 hp (250 kW) (1968) For 1969, Mercury underwent

4293-458: The first mass-produced American engine with a rated 400hp output). Though a three-speed manual was standard equipment (with an optional 4-speed manual), the 3-speed automatic replaced a column-mounted shifter with mechanically activated pushbutton transmission controls. Developed in response to the pushbutton unit introduced by Chrysler in 1956, the left-mounted "Keyboard Control" integrated engine starting, gear selection, and parking brake use; as

4374-512: The first time since 1955, the full-size Mercury station wagon was produced with a curb weight under 4,000 pounds. While downsizing of the Marquis resulted in an exterior footprint closer in size to the intermediate Cougar (prior to its downsizing for 1980), the model line saw an increase in overall interior space (through a taller roofline and redesigned seats); a significant increase in glass area contributed to improved outward visibility. For 1983, Mercury rebranded its entire full-size line under

4455-509: The fourth generation was produced by Atlanta Assembly and in Chicago, Illinois ( Chicago Assembly ). For 1967, Mercury introduced two hardtop model lines above the Park Lane to serve as the counterpart of the Ford LTD . The Park Lane Brougham was a four-door, with the Marquis offered solely as a two-door. While all full-size Mercury two-doors were hardtops, the Marquis was fitted with

4536-515: The front fascia, the Marquis received 5-mph rear bumpers. In response to pending safety regulations, the four-door hardtop was offered for the last time. For 1975, the front fascia saw several revisions, with a larger radiator-style grille (with the "Mercury" block lettering replaced by a script above the left headlamp); in contrast to the Ford LTD Landau and the Lincoln Continental, the headlamp doors were revised with chrome border trim and

4617-472: The full-width bench seat of other Mercury lines, the Marquis was fitted with "Twin Comfort Lounge" front seats. Designed as a 50/50 split bench seat, the design combined the 3-passenger capacity of a bench seat with the individual legroom adjustment of bucket seats. In various forms, the design would gradually replace traditional bench seats in many American cars during the 1970s and 1980s. For 1967,

4698-402: The listed retail price of US$ 3,118 ($ 31,791 in 2023 dollars ) and selling 7,887 examples. In place of the 430 MEL V8, Mercury fitted the Colony Park with three separate V8 engines. A 292 Y-Block V8 was the standard engine for 1961 and 1962, with 352 and 390 FE V8s as options. In 1963, the 390 became the standard engine. For the first time, 3- and 4-speed manual transmissions were offered in

4779-629: The model line. To position the model upmarket (against the Buick Estate and the Chrysler Town & Country ), the Colony Park was styled with exterior woodgrain trim. To further distinguish the model range from Ford (and Edsel) wagons, all Mercury wagons were given hardtop rooflines. Though offered optionally by AMC, Buick, and Oldsmobile, Mercury was the only American-brand manufacturer to offer hardtop rooflines as standard equipment for all station wagon models. For 1957, Mercury released

4860-481: The nameplates of their sedan counterparts. For the Colony Park, this change made it part of the Mercury Marquis model line. In contrast to the Marquis sedan, the Colony Park was based on the 121.0 in (3,073 mm) wheelbase of the Ford Country Squire and the Ford LTD, and only the Colony Park had concealed headlight covers and the simulated woodgrain body panels, while the Monterey station wagon, which

4941-593: The powertrain revisions of the 1980 Lincoln Continental. The 302 V8 was given fuel injection (now marketed in metric as a "5.0 L"), with both engines paired to the 4-speed AOD overdrive transmission, the first of its type in an American full-size car. For 1982, the fuel-injected "5.0" V8 became the sole engine offering in all Mercury full-size cars. During 1986, the carbureted 5.8 L V8 returned as an option; examples specified with this engine are rare. This generation of Colony Park would see few substantial changes during its thirteen-year lifespan. For 1983, it became

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5022-621: The premium-trim or the sole full-size station wagon offering of the division. Following the 1960 demise of Edsel , full-size Mercury vehicles shared bodywork with Ford; the Colony Park served as the counterpart of the Ford Country Squire through 1991. Serving as the flagship, and more exclusive, station wagon series of the Ford Motor Company — as the Lincoln division has not offered a factory-produced station wagon —

5103-404: The rear tailgate was updated, marking the debut of the two-way "Magic Doorgate" shared with all other Ford and Mercury station wagons; the design allowed the tailgate to fold down as a tailgate as well as swing out to the driver's side as a door. For 1967, passenger capacity was expanded, as sideways-facing third-row seats were added as an option. To increase ventilation for the rear of the vehicle,

5184-478: The roofline of the Ford XL/Ford Galaxie 500 SportsRoof .; along with the Colony Park, the Marauder was built on the 121-inch wheelbase used by Ford. During its production, the second generation underwent two updates, including a 1971 mid-cycle revision of the exterior and interior. In 1973, to coincide with the addition with 5-mph bumpers, the exterior and interior underwent a complete redesign, with

5265-522: The second-best selling Ford automobile platform after the Ford Model T . For 1979, Ford redesigned its full-size sedan and station wagons; the Ford Panther platform brought Ford in line with the downsizing introduced by the 1977 General Motors B-body full-size cars. To remain competitive (in terms of size and fuel economy) with the Buick Estate and Oldsmobile Custom Cruiser (1978 marked

5346-584: The second-row seat. For 1960, the Country Cruiser line underwent several revisions, with Mercury discontinuing the mid-range Voyager and all two-door wagons; all wagons were now single-tone Commuters or wood-trim Colony Parks. Though the interior saw only nominal changes, the exterior saw substantial revisions, as the headlights were moved into the grille, and the hoodline lowered. The scalloped fins introduced in 1957 were deleted, with chrome trim forming vestigial fins above large vertical taillamps. In

5427-473: The simulated wood paneling, where the entire side of the body was covered and eliminated the tapered appearance on the front fender. For 1967 and 1968, the Mercury Park Lane coupe and convertible featured the same simulated wood paneling as the Colony Park as an option package. Called "yacht deck paneling" by Mercury, the option was rarely ordered and was discontinued as the Park Lane was replaced by

5508-439: The simulated woodgrain appearance. This generation introduced covered headlights, which were deployed using a vacuum canister system that kept the doors down when a vacuum condition existed in the lines, provided by the engine when it was running. If a loss of vacuum occurred, the doors would retract up so that the headlights were usable if the system should fail. The Magic Doorgate was reworked so that it could swing outward like

5589-468: The sole full-size Mercury wagon, as the previous year's 'base' Marquis wagon was no longer offered as a full-size model. For 1984, the non-woodgrain Grand Marquis (previously Marquis) station wagon was dropped, leaving the Colony Park as the sole version. For 1987, Mercury brought the Colony Park in line with the Sable and Topaz by introducing GS and LS trim levels. After nine years with only detail changes to

5670-471: The standard engine for the Marquis was a 410 cubic-inch Marauder V8, producing 330 hp. Exclusive to the division, the Marauder V8 was optional across the full-size Mercury line. A 4-speed manual transmission was standard, with a 3-speed automatic as an option. For 1968, the 410 was replaced by a 390 cubic-inch Marauder Super 390 V8, producing 315 hp; shared with the Park Lane and Brougham,

5751-399: The two-door hardtop receiving a different roofline from the Ford LTD. For 1969, the Mercury full-size range was redesigned (alongside its Ford counterparts); the Marquis remained a counterpart of the Ford LTD model range. Alongside the addition of four-door sedans, the Marquis line gained a station wagon, as the Colony Park woodgrained station wagon was integrated into the model line. While

5832-565: The very similar Ford Country Sedan and Ford Ranch Wagon and was cancelled in 1968, leaving the Colony Park as the only Mercury station wagon. In 1976, American Motors Corporation introduced the Jeep Grand Wagoneer , with similar passenger accommodation, luxury standard equipment and a simulated woodgrain appearance built on a dedicated chassis. Through the late 1980s, demand for full-size station wagons declined as consumer interests shifted towards minivans and four-door SUVs. As

5913-406: The windshield grew significantly in size. The interior underwent several major upgrades towards its functionality, as the optional third-row seat was changed from a removable unit to a fold-flat design; along with matching the function of the second row, the upright third row allowed for additional storage behind it. To increase seat room, revised driveshaft mounting created a nearly flat floor for

5994-459: Was discontinued, paired solely with the 3-speed Ford C6 heavy-duty automatic. During the 1972 model year, the Marquis received the 460 from Lincoln as an option; for 1974, the 460 replaced the 429 outright. As the 1970s progressed, Mercury began efforts to improve emissions and fuel economy of its full-size range; following the discontinuation of the Monterey and the introduction of the Grand Marquis, smaller-displacement Ford 335 engines replaced

6075-620: Was fitted with a 290hp 368 cubic-inch Lincoln Y-Block V8 , shared with the Turnpike Cruiser. For 1958, the Y-block was retired from car use and replaced by the Ford MEL engine , the first "big-block" Ford V8 engine. A 330hp 383 cubic-inch "Marauder" V8 became standard, with a 430 cubic-inch "Super Marauder" V8 offered as an option. In contrast to its use in Lincolns, the 400hp Super Marauder engine used triple two-barrel carburetors (becoming

6156-502: Was included as part of the Marquis model range, with Mercury also offering a non-woodgrain Marquis station wagon. For the 1979 model year, Mercury introduced the third-generation Marquis, marking the first ground-up redesign of the full-size range since 1969. Trading places with the Cougar as the longest Mercury vehicle, the Marquis shed 17 inches in length and over 1,000 pounds in curb weight (in comparison to its 1978 predecessor). For

6237-465: Was introduced as an option. As a counterpart to the Ford Lifeguard option, Mercury standardized many of the features previously introduced, making only the padded dashboard and sunvisors and front seatbelts optional. To further enhance driving safety, a "Visual Aid" option package installed tinted windows, windshield wiper washers, reverse lights, and a non-glare rearview mirror. For 1958,

6318-483: Was introduced as an option; four-wheel disc brakes became an option for 1975. For the second generation of the Marquis, Mercury revised the powertrain line. Along with ending its Marauder branding for engines, Mercury replaced both the 390 and 428 FE-series engines with a 429-cubic inch 385-series V8. A short-stroke version of the Lincoln 460 V8, the Marquis offered the 429 with 2-barrel and 4-barrel carburetors (320 and 360 hp, respectively). The manual transmission

6399-458: Was listed with a retail price of US$ 3,677 ($ 39,889 in 2023 dollars ) and 7,386 were manufactured. For 1959, Mercury introduced the second-generation Colony Park as part of its new "Country Cruiser" station wagon series, again slotted above the Commuter and Voyager. Originally developed to share its chassis (moving to a 126-inch wheelbase) with the premium Edsel Corsair and Edsel Citation ,

6480-601: Was the final shortened model year for the Colony Park, with production ending in December 1990. Beam axle A beam axle , rigid axle , or solid axle is a dependent suspension design in which a set of wheels is connected laterally by a single beam or shaft. Beam axles were once commonly used at the rear wheels of a vehicle, but historically, they have also been used as front axles in four-wheel-drive vehicles. In most automobiles, beam axles have been replaced with front (IFS) and rear independent suspensions (IRS). With

6561-455: Was very similar, did not. This was done to position the Colony Park and Marquis as visually similar to the 1969 Lincoln Continental and the Mark III. The 1969 Colony Park was listed at US$ 4,457 ($ 37,031 in 2023 dollars ) and 25,604 were made. The Colony Park and Monterey station wagons were the senior level vehicles to the slightly shorter Mercury Montego station wagons, which did also offer

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