Tire Burning Luxo-Cruiser Reminiscent Of '60s Muscle Cars
Picture this: It's 1969. Cars are big, V8s are powerful and a tank of gas cost about the same as a double-latte today. Just the names of these brash American icons sets enthusiast's hearts-a-pounding: Charger, Wildcat, Barracuda, Fury, Cyclone, Cobra, Rocket and Marauder to name a few.
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| A flashback to 1969, when muscle cars were big, V8s were powerful, and cars like the Mercury Marauder ruled the road. (Photo: Ford Motor Company) |
In the case of Marauder history is repeating itself. For 2003 Mercury took a magic wand to its Grand Marquis and resuscitated the Marauder lineage, deceased since 1970. According to Mercury, the goal was to deliver a 1960s American muscle car experience, combined with contemporary driving dynamics, comfort, safety and low emissions. What the Mercury engineers came up with is an awesome blend of size, comfort, performance and serious good looks.
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| With the model deceased since 1970, the normally staid Mercury has come up with an awesome blend of size, comfort, performance and serious good looks with the new Marauder. (Photo: Ford Motor Company) |
I am hugely impressed with the fact that Mercury, a fairly staid company of late, would embark upon such a radical undertaking. The Marauder is a "hot" looking car, not to mention "hot" sounding and "hot" performing. The way the 18-inch chrome wheels and 3-inch diameter polished stainless exhaust-tips set off the monochromatic appearance is absolutely stunning. The entire package, built in St. Thomas Ontario, is smooth, clean and well proportioned. And for 2004, you don't have to be a Johnny Cash fan to appreciate the all black Marauder. This year the monochromatic color scheme is also available in Toreador Red and Silver Birch.