1968 Mercury Montclair: Middle Class Comfort

I’m a simple man. I like classic cars, supper clubs and pretty women. But mostly classic cars. And as such, I am always on the lookout for interesting vintage rolling stock, whether I’m at a car show or driving to the supermarket. And I never know when I’ll stumble upon something interesting. Today’s subject is a case in point.

Back in June of 2022, my employer had a nice event at the local ball park—a night of baseball and evening fireworks. I’m not terribly interested in sports, but I don’t mind a baseball game once in a while, so I attended and had a fine time.

But lo and behold, after the game and fireworks (which were excellent), I spotted this remarkably well-preserved 1968 Mercury Montclair, in oh-so-period correct Lime Frost.

It was dark and I wasn’t sure how well my pictures would turn out, but I couldn’t help but take time out to gawk at it and take several photos before heading back to the MKZ and home. It was really sharp and in great condition.

The Montclair was the mid-line full size Mercury in 1968, positioned between the base model Monterey and fancier Park Lane. In the domestic hierarchy it was similar to an Oldsmobile Delta 88 or Chrysler Newport Custom. Nice, not the base model, but not the extra-flossy top of the line. As period Lincoln-Mercury advertising stated, “…with the fine car touch…by the makers of Lincoln Continental.”

Of course, this was back when you could still get a fine Lincoln Continental, and before Lincoln decided no one could buy an elegant, new Lincoln sedan, forcing Klockaus to ditch the marque in search of an appropriately luxurious four-door from another marque. But never mind!

I didn’t realize it at the time, but 1968 Montclairs are rather scarce. According to my copy of American Cars 1946-1975, only 7,255 Montclair pillared sedans were built for the model year, with a base price of $3331. Two other Montclairs were available, the $3387 two-door hardtop and $3459 four-door hardtop.

Those two were even more scarce, with 3,497 two-door hardtops and 4,008 four-door hardtops built. This may be why the Montclair last appeared in 1968. Come 1969, there were Marquis Broughams, Marquises, Monterey Customs, Montereys, and a Marauder two-door hardtop, but no Montclairs to be found.

Which made seeing this seemingly immaculately well-preserved example in June 2022 all the more remarkable. I was happy to see it, and even more pleased that I had the presence of mind to stop and document its existence! I miss Mercury. If there was a new Marquis Brougham, Marauder or Montclair available in 2024, I’d be a buyer!