In The Beginning: Mercury Automobiles
By Jose Valdez
Mercury was established in 1939 as a brand within the Ford Motor Company. Originally, the idea was to create a car that fell between the popular, low-priced Ford and the luxury model. To do this, they came up with the Mercury Marauder.

In the 1960’s an enthusiasm for race car driving was sweeping the nation. Realizing this, Mercury decided to take its cars to stock car racing. With top drivers behind the wheel like Parnelli Jones, the newly christened Mercury Marauder hit the circuit. In 1963, the Marauder won eight stock car titles and other racing awards.

The success of the Mercury Marauder was meteoric. In turn, Ford decided to create a Marauder series available in a two-door hardtop design. In 1964 the additional changes were made to the series and a variety of options were offered. For example, each of the Mercury models, including the Mercury Monterrey Marauder, Mercury Montclair Marauder, and a Mercury Park Land Marauder, came with a choice of engines up to 390 horsepower.

While these changes were being implemented, Mercury continued producing its stock car version. By 1964 the race version was equipped with a 410 horsepower engine.

No doubt, the Marauder was a heavy-duty car. Approximately 4,500 pounds,