I disagree. When someone buys a car, it's in their hands to do as they please. The seller is the one who gave their word but didn't turn down Adam's offer; this deal is on them.
Thank you Adam for rescuing this automobile from the cutting torch of a car chopping monster, cars this nice should be loved for what they are, rusting hulks can be customized. I love the forgotten cars you collect. Thank you for the enlightening features that you've done with designers and saving these automobiles, it pardons you from bean counter status.
Amen, glad i'm not the only one, somethimes i feel like I am. Like why restomod and chop a near perfect original car? or even a super rare one that needs to be fixed. Can't tell you how many times i've cringed when I see someone take an unusual or original car and modify the hell outta it. Like you said, the cars that had little chance at life as an original car again should be customized.
Honestly I think you're wonderful for saving and preserving that car from being bastardized by some wannabe customizer hack, and the fact that you were able to give the car the loving home the seller was hoping for. Thank you.
My dad, when I was a kid, always bought Fords "LTD's or T-Birds." He almost switched to Mercury but went to Oldsmobile, then went back to Fords. Adam, your taste in cars is great and they always make for a interesting watch. I remember like it was yesterday, lifting up on the gear shift with my left hand and starting it with my right hand AND always making sure the parking brake is on "tight" Thank Adam.....
My parents loved the Mercury cars of this era especially the Colony Park . The ads would say’ If Lincoln made a station wagon this would be it. ‘ They were built solid , fit and finish were above average. I wish that Mercury still was around to make elegant automobiles like this. Thank you for preserving this Mercury .
My best friend had a 68 Park Lane convertible. At the time this car did not hook me on Mercury but it did hook me on convertibles. After seeing all your 65-75 car episodes, I have also grown a great appreciation of this period of Mercury's. Also now that I am in my mid-60's, I have a stronger appeal and appreciation for more luxurious and well built cars such as your 68. Thanks.
What a beauty! That ventilation system option would be worth its weight in gold in winter. I had a 1972 Torino without A/C, but with fresh air vents in the dash. I could keep the car nice and warm with the heater and have cold air on my face. Invigorating! And this car sounds like Mercury!
I whole heartedly agree with writer “E”. “Chopping” this car would have been a disgusting sin. Severe punishment is fine with me. This car is perfect as a stock vehicle. Thank you Adam for preserving history.
great detail you gave for this car very interesting your right beautiful color can't believe the price back then also very little plastic true chrome thankyou
My 68 Full size Ranger truck had the same build quality. All the seams were almost perfect. It had that high quality sound when closing the doors. And to top lt all off the, 390 was just amazing. It also had factory air.. Miss that beast.
I had a 1968 LTD Brougham very similar to this Park Lane except it had hidden headlights. 390 4bbl. Dual exhaust. Dark blue metallic with black vinyl top. Hardtop too.
Between your Channel and Vice Grip Garage, I've been inspired to obtain a vintage vehicle. Just recently purchased a 1965 Rambler Ambassador 990 Sedan. The 4 doors are still affordable, 2 doors and convertibles much less so. I found one with a tad over 80,000 miles (57 years old mind you). Been working to get it drive-able. Will be rebuilding my first carburetor soon! It's very similar to the Ambassador 880 my Dad bought in the 60's and I learned to drive on in the mid 70's.
I owned a used 1964 Ambassador 990 Sport. It had a high comp 327 Packard V-8 with a 4 bbl, dual exhausts, bucket seats, and a tach on the console. Of course it had 'Weather Eye' because a chrome badge said so. We had it in the family for a decade, it never rusted and needed only routine maintenance. It's an easy car to maintain if you can find the parts.
There's no shortage of people doing walk arounds on cars. There are only a few ( as with anything else ) that do it well. You and Charles Phoenix are my favorites, and you both couldn't me more different from the other. I really enjoy your relaxing and inviting approach, as well as your knowledge of each car you show us. Something that really strikes me with these cars, are the people who designed, engineered, and built them. I think of videos where men in white dress shirts and black ties are sprawled out over huge sheets of paper with slide rules and pencils, creating masterpieces that, IMO, outclass anything from today. I think we'll outsmart ourselves with technology run amok...
I agree Mark. I really like Charles presentation style, too. Most of his walk arounds are the same with the same catch phrases, but they reveal a deep appreciation and enthusiasm for 1950's era cars. Adam's presentation style, by contrast, is very analytical, specific and knowledgeable, but it also reveals his enthusiasm and passion for the cars. Two different approaches that are very unique on youtube.
Great video! Thanks for saving this classic from the "customizer's" torch. I had a 1969 Mercury Monterey hard-top with the 390 FE series big-block engine. It was red as well, and this really takes me back. I'll definitely second your assessment of the build quality of these era Mercurys. Mine had A/C, which was just wonderful as it lived mostly in Florida and Georgia. I miss her so much...
Chopping a car like that in that original condition is the equivalent of buying a 20th century modernist house by a great architect and modifying it. You did right. Preserving American car design history! Love your videos.
@@kirbywaite1586 Yes but they were done in an era where they were just old worthless houses the same thing with the Victorian mansions of New York most were destroyed for modern apartments in the 40s instead of aging expensive houses and now there are historic because only one or two survived
What a beautiful Park Lane ! The color is fantastic and she runs as smooth as silk. You have a great car to keep and enjoy. I was out with my 1991 Crown Victoria Wagon today and had a husband and wife comment on it. The husband said " Nice car" and then his wife corrected him saying " beautiful car ". Mine is a plain Pastel Alabaster color but shines well when buffed. I will send photos when I master the computer.
God Bless you Adam for rescuing elegant old machines such as this beautiful Park Lane. Cars like this take me back to being a child in the 70's, when elderly Ladies and Gents driving cars like this was a feature of daily life.
I enjoy watching your videos. The rare and not well known cars you feature make for an interesting look back on this era. You always feature very nice unrestored vehicles. They are such amazing finds. Continue featuring these big cars and don't run out of storage space.
Thank you for sharing Adam. I enjoyed hearing the side info on the Hawaii Five-O car. They did drive this before Grand Marquis. It would be interesting to see this car with power windows and locks. This is Grand Marquis before Grand Marquis. The quality is indeed high. It is solid built as you shared. I can appreciate the influences from GM vehicles.
The parklane in Hawaii 5 five o was autographed by all the guest star's some fella bought the car after a lot of hassle got it back to the mainland awesome car 428 police interceptor in it thought I'd let you know that 😁😁
I grew up going everywhere in a '66 Mercury Montclair with the 410 cu.in. engine, which my parents had purchased new. For its time, it was a fast family sedan that lasted forever. They finally traded it in just because they were tired of looking at it after so many years, but it gave very little trouble and maintenance costs were very modest. That also meant that I grew up thinking that zero-to-60 times around 7 seconds were normal in family cars. 😊
She's gorgeous. Love these old hardtops and I'm partial to the original wheel covers but it's nice to have both. Thanks for sharing another one of the family of fine Lincoln Mercury automobiles...
My family had a fully loaded 1968 Mercury Colony Park wagon in white with the wood paneling and a cranberry red interior. It was a beautiful car with an almost-too-soft suspension. It had to be driven conservatively. Everything about that car was designed for comfort. Comfortable cars are not made anymore. It's a shame.
Great video Adam. After selling their '65 Lincoln, my parents had a gorgeous '68 Park Lane Sedan with the 428. We moved from San Diego back to Colorado and they gave it to my uncle. Needless to say my high school date-car was gone. This Brougham example is an amazing example, although I like the roofline and rear overhang of the sedan. Thanks again for the video.
My dad really liked the Mercury cars. He had 1957 & then a 1964. 4 door sedans. I'm happy to know that that this car went to a person that would keep it as original as possible. I cringe when I see an older car ruined by trying to make it something that it was not meant to be. Nice job.
Absolutely stunning car Adam!! It amazes me how fluid and passionately you can speak off the cuff about all of the fine details of all of your cars I have no idea how you do it but you do it with grace and class! I absolutely love your channel and your amazing car collection!! Thank you for sharing!!
In the very first episode of Hawaii 5-0, McGarret had a 1967 Mercury Marquis two door. When regular scheduled filming began he traded it in for that '68 Brought that lasted five seasons until it got traded for the '73 Marquis.
My dad had a 1967 Ford LTD Brougham in metallic dark green with the vinyl roof with A/C. The car was great. We did a cross-country trip in it the summer of 1968. I got to drive it when I got my drivers license in 1978. I love the 390 cubic inch engine. Lots of power. We didn't have too many problems with the carburetor, although I do remember a incident were my dad had me, as a kid stretched out over the engine to hold the choke open while he cranked it. Yea, it was flooded. It backfired and singed my eyebrows and hair. Much of your Mercury is familiar to me as the LTD Brougham was similar. I like the look without the hidden headlights. Your headlights are in nice looking with the headlights mounted in eye sockets, with the grill behind them. I was never was a fan a hidden headlights. It looks like the car is asleep with them hidden. I was so disappointed when the mechanic said it's time to retire it. My dad drove it to the junkyard. The frame had rusted. Other than that it was still good.
Adam,totally appropriate commentary! Gorgeous paint,interior and running condition.Thanks for sharing! I had a'66 Park Lane convertible 428 c.i. in 1976
The 68 Mercury was my mom & dad’s first new car. He had worked for Ford for a few years and used his A plan discount to order the car. They ordered the coupe, it was dark blue, without the cloth top. I was 6 years old and remember the first vacation in the car because it had air conditioning. I also remember it took my dad about 2 hours to load the trunk because it was so big. My other favorite place to visit in the Mercury was the OAK drive in theater. The back shelf was so huge, I was able to climb up with my pillow and blanket, and lie down to watch the movie. If I’m not mistaken, there was a gold decal of the Mercury profile in the center of the rear passenger windows. I remember when the odometer turned over to all zeros and my dad joking that we “just got a new car”. I also remember how mad my mom was when my dad bought it’s replacement in 1975. He came home with a fully loaded Country Squire wagon. She was hoping for a new Cougar XR7. My dad had rented a Ford wagon the summer we spent in California and really liked it. He thought my mom would like the wagon better because it was bigger............. wrong. That’s why in 1977 he took her to the Mercury dealership on their anniversary, and ordered the first of many Cougars they had into the 80’s. They were all beautiful cars, but nothing equaled the excitement we felt when my dad brought home our families first new car.
Adam, I love your reviews! I remember as a kid when this car hit the market and was an instant favorite of mine! I always wanted one. My grandfather would purchase a new car each year. He wasn't loyal to any particular brand. However, he seemed to like Ford products a little more than others based on his purchases. He bought Mercurys 1959-1964 at which time he changed to Oldsmobile 98. I was disappointed of course because I really wanted to ride in one. He then changed to Lincolns Continental or Continental through the late 90s. I miss the segment where you typically test-drive for this car anyway! Thanks Adam!
Love your content! My dad was a GM guy but I grew up in the 60's and 70's so this is what I grew up with. I have been watching for a couple of months and have enjoyed them all.
You are a wonderful human being for saving it from being destroyed. I don't mind folks taking sht boxes and customizing them but wonderful classics in such good condition would be sacrilege. What, no driving!!?
Such a beautiful example deserves at least 1080P! Thanks for the tour of this great example. And bravo for saving it from the modifier. No, you're not a bad person. These kinds of cars need to be preserved for history's sake.
I think the dual headlight treatment was exceptionally well done on this car and it contributes a lot to the "face" the car shows. Both hidden and dual treatments can look great or look awful, but this car is a great example of how nice they can look. The proportions are excellent.
Adam, thanks for slugging in all those inserts whenever you mention another car or feature. Doing this must make it much more time consuming but it's very effective and I wanted to make sure you knew it is very much appreciated.
Man what a beautiful car! I had a 1968 Country Squire, 390 of course. Yes, the build quality was top notch, except for the tailgate glass mechanism, but hey, it was working when I got it in 1997, it was only almost 30 years old! Almost the same color, I think Ford had their own Maroon, with mine being just a hair lighter than that, barely. To demonstrate how much I love 1967-1968 Full Sized Fords, since I also had a 1967 LTD 2-door, here’s the first thing I would buy as a self gift were I to win the lotto: one example of each body style, save for the 4-door sedan(post), but the Squire, like mine, the 4-door hardtop, the 2-door fastback, the 2-door formal roof, and of course the convertible. In Maroon. Ditto for 1967, but the light beige. Watch Dirty Harry. A 1968 Ford Custom, four door. Mean, muscular, yet beautiful, sinister yet unassuming, the taillights are perfect, and the LTD, Squire, XL trim had hidden headlights. Just right. Awesome. Mercury is close, but still pretty. The 1969-1970 Cougars were pretty as well, but the 1971-1972 were just out of proportion, bloated. But Mercury had its thing, and they owned it.
Hi from Ontario Canada. In 1974, my neighbor had a 2-door MPL in navy blue. Beautiful car, great ride. My dad's '74 Ford LTD had the exact same gas and brake pedals. The Park Lanes always make me think of JFK for some reason.
The last new car my Dad bought was a 68 LTD Brougham. The ride was wonderful. Ours also had a 390 and it could get up and walk. My family owned "Uncle Henry", as it came to be known for 14 or 15 years. Routine maintenance was all it ever needed. It never used a drop of oil, and the vacuum pump never quit working. Those headlight doors were all metal. First time I punched the headlights off and those doors dropped down, I nearly freaked out. It would be cool to see a top shelf Park Lane with a custom grill that had hidden lights.
Glad you got the car. And not the other guy. It's a beautiful car I have a 05 Mercury G/M. Love it. I thinking about getting a 70 Cougar. Great Video, keep on buying the great ones.👍🇺🇸
A rare original car! *Thank goodness you did persuade the seller!* Your morals aren't in question. 7:42 "... a handsome, masculine car" words echo '67 Merc ads: "a MAN's car."
Adam, I would love to see a video on what happened to the quality of American cars after the early 70s. The Japanese got a foothold due to the gas crisis of 73-74 but I believe it was their improving build quality and the American cars' worsened build quality that really turned the tide in the late 70s and 80s.
I once had a 1962 ThunderBird convertible and I loved the 390. Once, while I was sitting in the car with it running, it popped into reverse.... not good but no damage done. That afternoon I fixed that pesky Ford glitch. I took off the OEM carb and fitted an Edelbrock just because of the flooding issue with the stock carb but thankfully no motor damage done as it was a super low milage car. So much fun to have lunch and have an expert walk around of these cars. Thank you again. Bobby
I had a black 1977 Grand Marquis two-door with red leather interior, a 460 V8, fender skirts, Landau top, dual exhaust, remote trunk release in the glove box, 8-way power seats, 'Mercury Ride- Engineered' suspension, power antenna, lighted keyhole, more interior lighting than you could possibly need, hideaway headlamps, power everything. I think it was about 23' long. What a ride. Wish I still owned it....
Hi Adam, beautiful rare car. Im extremely glad that it was saved by you instead of destroyed. I know very little about the Park Lane line up so this was very informative. I agree that Ford didn’t quite seem to know what to do with or perhaps I should say, who they wanted to market the Mercury brand to. Ford was good at building and marketing the “Ford” brand as well as the “Lincoln” brand, back in those days but not that great with the Mercury brand. GM seemed to have a better grasp with knowing who their users were and who to market their divisions or brands. In my opinion, it really wasn’t until the very early 70’s that Ford decided to place an emphasis on a higher luxury level of a “baby” Lincoln with the Mercury brand but it was too late. By The 80’s, it was sort of a slow, long drawn out, “beginning of the end” for Mercury. By the 90’s, Mercury definitely lost its way. I sometimes think that even Lincoln has now lost its way and maybe Ford will just eventually focus on SUVs and trucks. Who knows…
The 390 reminded me of an orange ‘67 fastback Mustang I bought from a backlot of a Redford MI Ford dealer in the mid-70’s when I was a young teen. It was a trade-in and the trunk floor-pan had been removed, all that remained was the battery as I recall, presumably to save weight. It had traction bars, wide tires, a 390 cu in engine with tube headers, an aluminum high rise intake, a Holley double-pumper carb, a Mallory dual-point distributor, A Hurst competition plus shifter, and someone said the engine lobe indicated a race cam but I can’t say for sure. I was caught racing so many times that I nearly lost my license so I sold it cheap and decided to cruise slowly in a white 1968 Cadillac convertible with a 472 I believe. It wasn’t long before I fell in love with a 1968 Triumph TR250 convertible (a TR4 with a 6 banger), the next year the name changed to TR6. The power to weight ratio made that car a little screamer. Too many cars at the apartment, and enlisting in the military forced me to sell it to a salvage yard that promised to tow it away, except the tow truck driver offered me more than his boss did. Anyway back to the ‘stang, I won every race except the one against another ‘67 Mustang, but that one was a coupe. We were neck to neck until he started edging away. The cops pulled us both over, him going straight, and me when I took an off ramp. I saw the stranger later while cruising and shouted the question about what he had in there. He said a Hi-Po 289. Those expensive tickets put the hurt on this poor boy, but I still have those memories.
That car is just so beautiful! Like you, I think it was Ford's best of the best -- with quality only exceeded by that of the Lincolns, especially the Mark III. Thank you for featuring it!
My dad had a 66 two-door hardtop Parklane when I was in high school in 1969. That's the car I took my driver's test in. That car was freaking awesome !!! I wish I still had it today !
Great video Adam, have seen a number now and I really appreciate your time and effort to put them together. Your car knowledge on North American cars is second to none. Look forward to your next video.
I echo what people have said in that I am glad you saved this one from being cut up. Protocol dictates first come first serve, but saving the car takes precedence. The seller agreed. I just love stock cars or motorcycles, and I'm glad you are being a good custodian of these luxury cars. Being from the midwest, I remember as a kid seeing so many of the late 60s and early 70s Mercurys and Fords rusted out as the salt just ate these cars up. Not just Ford products of course. I always loved the styling of these. My next door neighbor had this car in a gold color. Not sure if it was the Brougham. I thought he was a big shot because he had a Mercury. : ). My Dad was a Chevy guy, although he did have a 55 Mercury Montclair back in the day...
I remember the old TV show Classic Hawaii Five-0. The 1968 Mercury Park Lane Brougham 4-door hardtop sedan was the car Jack Lord drove on that classic TV cop show.
So right about the build quality of the later 60' early 70's Mercurys. I remember going through the junk yard many times in Beaver PA. They had a blue Park Lane fast back, 67' as I recall, and I was impressed with how solid the car was. Very sad that these cars were not often well cared for once they hit the used car market. Anyone in Miami area looking for a really nice 68 Monterey 4 door hard top in very good condition, no dents, no rust, there's one for sale, it's been on the lot for a couple of years at Reneys Auto Sales on US 1 at about SW 224th St. Interior is also very nice. light green with white top, all trim in excellent condition. I'm very glad you got this car, vs someone who wants to modify it. I've seen too many great cars ruined because of some trend that comes and goes. Ruined by goof ball color and interior changes, choping, lowering, etc. Great shine on the entire car. Is that original paint, and what weight oil do you use? I run 30 weight racing oil from Summit in my 77 Cougar wagons.
Hi Adam, I’m in my late 70’s and have lived in the UK all my life. I find your channel really interesting and fascinating. This Mercury is absolutely splendid. What I find amazing is the massive difference between US cars and UK cars of this era. We were still chuffing around in 4 cyl 50bhp cars with very few creature comforts and if you were wealthy, then maybe a 6cyl car!! We even had to pay extra for the heater!! As for engines, the sound of a V8 is pure engine bliss!!. I look forward to seeing many more vids of interest US cars. Best Wishes ROY W
I wouldn't feel bad about that story at all. First of all, people walk away from 'verbal commitments' to buy every day and most are deadbeats who don't feel the slightest bit of guilt over it. Second, anyone who wanted to chop such a clean and rare car is an automotive Philistine.
Thanks for this one Adam. When I was in Junior High a local family had a burgundy 68 hardtop that they kept for quite some time. I recall sometime later that it was at one of the local paint shops getting new paint. The shop had it sanded and taped off, ready to go to the paint booth. Later, in the USAF stationed at Beale Air Force Base California around 1987, a MSgt had a white 4 door 67 or 68 that had been a local car since new. It had the factory 410 engine which I guess was a 390 with the 428 crank?
The cars of my youth. It’s nice to see just the “average” car’s that were on the streets and the little tidbit’s of information. With all of the pickups having the sliding rear window. We could sure use the floor vents and the upper dash vents again. I like that your not just showing the Hot Rods and big performance cars that were available back then. That very few of us could afford to own.
Adam, this is my favorite of your entire collection. She’s the pinnacle of American auto manufacturing and design. (I think I said the same in my comments on your Mark III and IV, but I really mean it here.) Your videos are the best! I would be very interested in a video on one of your AMC vehicles.
Even when you have to steal it, any car needs to be saved form changing it to some fantasy low rider or other obnoxious change. I already have to puke when I see people putting not original wheels on a classic car. Thank you for saving and displaying this car.
Steve McGarrett (Jack Lord), also drove the Marquis in later years. Love the Big FoMoCo cars you get your hands on share with us! This one is stunning!!!!! I had a 66 Monterey Convertible in HS. Same body as the Park Lane without the luxury.
Thank you for saving it. The color combo is great looking. I love the vent windows. My grade school buddies Mom had the 68 Mercury wagon version w/ fake tape paneling.
You should be proud of that story, doing what that other buyer was going to do should be a crime to a car like this! Thanks to you, it’s saved.
Damn straight
Do you still have your 1967 Parklane? The light green one. That is a nice car!
@@philllipracco9027 Jack Lord's cars.
Absolutely, mods like that should be reserved for a worn out merc with a straight body. Not enough left to hack one this pretty up...
I disagree. When someone buys a car, it's in their hands to do as they please. The seller is the one who gave their word but didn't turn down Adam's offer; this deal is on them.
This guy is very articulate and interesting and gives you the complete background of when this car was introduced in the mid 60s. Fascinating...
Thank you Adam for rescuing this automobile from the cutting torch of a car chopping monster, cars this nice should be loved for what they are, rusting hulks can be customized. I love the forgotten cars you collect. Thank you for the enlightening features that you've done with designers and saving these automobiles, it pardons you from bean counter status.
Amen, glad i'm not the only one, somethimes i feel like I am. Like why restomod and chop a near perfect original car? or even a super rare one that needs to be fixed. Can't tell you how many times i've cringed when I see someone take an unusual or original car and modify the hell outta it. Like you said, the cars that had little chance at life as an original car again should be customized.
I didn’t even think any human being would have the gall to harm this car. Proof the devil exists.
U R absolutely right
Honestly I think you're wonderful for saving and preserving that car from being bastardized by some wannabe customizer hack, and the fact that you were able to give the car the loving home the seller was hoping for. Thank you.
My dad, when I was a kid, always bought Fords "LTD's or T-Birds." He almost switched to Mercury but went to Oldsmobile, then went back to Fords. Adam, your taste in cars is great and they always make for a interesting watch. I remember like it was yesterday, lifting up on the gear shift with my left hand and starting it with my right hand AND always making sure the parking brake is on "tight" Thank Adam.....
My parents loved the Mercury cars of this era especially the Colony Park . The ads would say’ If Lincoln made a station wagon this would be it. ‘ They were built solid , fit and finish were above average. I wish that Mercury still was around to make elegant automobiles like this. Thank you for preserving this Mercury .
My best friend had a 68 Park Lane convertible. At the time this car did not hook me on Mercury but it did hook me on convertibles. After seeing all your 65-75 car episodes, I have also grown a great appreciation of this period of Mercury's. Also now that I am in my mid-60's, I have a stronger appeal and appreciation for more luxurious and well built cars such as your 68. Thanks.
What a beauty! That ventilation system option would be worth its weight in gold in winter. I had a 1972 Torino without A/C, but with fresh air vents in the dash. I could keep the car nice and warm with the heater and have cold air on my face. Invigorating! And this car sounds like Mercury!
I whole heartedly agree with writer “E”. “Chopping” this car would have been a disgusting sin. Severe punishment is fine with me. This car is perfect as a stock vehicle. Thank you Adam for preserving history.
Very nice CAR! Thanks for this Video! Best Wishes&Greetings from Germany!
great detail you gave for this car very interesting your right beautiful color can't believe the price back then also very little plastic true chrome thankyou
Absolutely beautiful car! I really enjoyed watching Hawaii 5 O and seeing Jack Lord driving that black beauty!!
“Book ‘em Danno”. I’ll take mine in black. Stunning, beautiful car.
My 68 Full size Ranger truck had the same build quality. All the seams were almost perfect. It had that high quality sound when closing the doors. And to top lt all off the, 390 was just amazing. It also had factory air.. Miss that beast.
I had a 1968 LTD Brougham very similar to this Park Lane except it had hidden headlights. 390 4bbl. Dual exhaust. Dark blue metallic with black vinyl top. Hardtop too.
Between your Channel and Vice Grip Garage, I've been inspired to obtain a vintage vehicle. Just recently purchased a 1965 Rambler Ambassador 990 Sedan. The 4 doors are still affordable, 2 doors and convertibles much less so. I found one with a tad over 80,000 miles (57 years old mind you). Been working to get it drive-able. Will be rebuilding my first carburetor soon! It's very similar to the Ambassador 880 my Dad bought in the 60's and I learned to drive on in the mid 70's.
I owned a used 1964 Ambassador 990 Sport. It had a high comp 327 Packard V-8 with a 4 bbl, dual exhausts, bucket seats, and a tach on the console. Of course it had 'Weather Eye' because a chrome badge said so. We had it in the family for a decade, it never rusted and needed only routine maintenance.
It's an easy car to maintain if you can find the parts.
@@crankychris2 pretty sure weather eye was the name for their ac
Very beautiful Mercury. Glad it's in the right hands.
Adams videos are the best most informative videos on these big and beautiful floaty boat classic Fords & Mercury’s from the 60’s & 70’s . ❤
There's no shortage of people doing walk arounds on cars. There are only a few ( as with anything else ) that do it well. You and Charles Phoenix are my favorites, and you both couldn't me more different from the other. I really enjoy your relaxing and inviting approach, as well as your knowledge of each car you show us. Something that really strikes me with these cars, are the people who designed, engineered, and built them. I think of videos where men in white dress shirts and black ties are sprawled out over huge sheets of paper with slide rules and pencils, creating masterpieces that, IMO, outclass anything from today. I think we'll outsmart ourselves with technology run amok...
I agree Mark. I really like Charles presentation style, too. Most of his walk arounds are the same with the same catch phrases, but they reveal a deep appreciation and enthusiasm for 1950's era cars. Adam's presentation style, by contrast, is very analytical, specific and knowledgeable, but it also reveals his enthusiasm and passion for the cars. Two different approaches that are very unique on youtube.
Great video! Thanks for saving this classic from the "customizer's" torch. I had a 1969 Mercury Monterey hard-top with the 390 FE series big-block engine. It was red as well, and this really takes me back. I'll definitely second your assessment of the build quality of these era Mercurys. Mine had A/C, which was just wonderful as it lived mostly in Florida and Georgia. I miss her so much...
Chopping a car like that in that original condition is the equivalent of buying a 20th century modernist house by a great architect and modifying it. You did right. Preserving American car design history! Love your videos.
You could also talk about how many earlier houses and buildings were destroyed in order to build those "20th century modernist' houses.
@@kirbywaite1586 Yes but they were done in an era where they were just old worthless houses the same thing with the Victorian mansions of New York most were destroyed for modern apartments in the 40s instead of aging expensive houses and now there are historic because only one or two survived
@@TwoDollarGararge Yes. Exactly.
What a beautiful Park Lane ! The color is fantastic and she runs as smooth as silk. You have a great car to keep and enjoy. I was out with my 1991 Crown Victoria Wagon today and had a husband and wife comment on it. The husband said " Nice car" and then his wife corrected him saying " beautiful car ". Mine is a plain Pastel Alabaster color but shines well when buffed. I will send photos when I master the computer.
Good on you Adam for saving this car and preventing it from being sold to a car hacker. The classic car gods will forever smile upon you.
Work of art. Magnificent! You are the Svengali of cars beautiful. You should make a movie called Car Whisperer.
God Bless you Adam for rescuing elegant old machines such as this beautiful Park Lane. Cars like this take me back to being a child in the 70's, when elderly Ladies and Gents driving cars like this was a feature of daily life.
I enjoy watching your videos. The rare and not well known cars you feature make for an interesting look back on this era. You always feature very nice unrestored vehicles. They are such amazing finds. Continue featuring these big cars and don't run out of storage space.
Thank you for sharing Adam. I enjoyed hearing the side info on the Hawaii Five-O car. They did drive this before Grand Marquis. It would be interesting to see this car with power windows and locks. This is Grand Marquis before Grand Marquis. The quality is indeed high. It is solid built as you shared. I can appreciate the influences from GM vehicles.
The parklane in Hawaii 5 five o was autographed by all the guest star's some fella bought the car after a lot of hassle got it back to the mainland awesome car 428 police interceptor in it thought I'd let you know that 😁😁
I grew up going everywhere in a '66 Mercury Montclair with the 410 cu.in. engine, which my parents had purchased new. For its time, it was a fast family sedan that lasted forever. They finally traded it in just because they were tired of looking at it after so many years, but it gave very little trouble and maintenance costs were very modest. That also meant that I grew up thinking that zero-to-60 times around 7 seconds were normal in family cars. 😊
Adam, Thanks to your channel, the Park Lane is 'unknown' no more. 😁
She's gorgeous.
Love these old hardtops and I'm partial to the original wheel covers but it's nice to have both.
Thanks for sharing another one of the family of fine Lincoln Mercury automobiles...
I had a 68 Newport custom in 1984 and loved that “land yacht”.
My family had a fully loaded 1968 Mercury Colony Park wagon in white with the wood paneling and a cranberry red interior. It was a beautiful car with an almost-too-soft suspension. It had to be driven conservatively. Everything about that car was designed for comfort. Comfortable cars are not made anymore. It's a shame.
Every video, every one of these cars, its just a special treat. Love what you're doing!
Great video Adam. After selling their '65 Lincoln, my parents had a gorgeous '68 Park Lane Sedan with the 428. We moved from San Diego back to Colorado and they gave it to my uncle. Needless to say my high school date-car was gone. This Brougham example is an amazing example, although I like the roofline and rear overhang of the sedan. Thanks again for the video.
Loved these cars when I was young. Rare classic car guy I loved them while they were popular and plenty. Keepin comin. Thx
“Black Cherry”. Just a perfect name for that color. To just call it “Maroon” wouldn’t have the same vibe.
My dad really liked the Mercury cars. He had 1957 & then a 1964. 4 door sedans. I'm happy to know that that this car went to a person that would keep it as original as possible. I cringe when I see an older car ruined by trying to make it something that it was not meant to be. Nice job.
Very beautiful car and tidy and wonderful shaping since that past years there was a taste of art
Glad you got it, Adam. No one will criticize you under those circumstances.
Absolutely stunning car Adam!! It amazes me how fluid and passionately you can speak off the cuff about all of the fine details of all of your cars I have no idea how you do it but you do it with grace and class! I absolutely love your channel and your amazing car collection!! Thank you for sharing!!
Wow, thank you!
In the very first episode of Hawaii 5-0, McGarret had a 1967 Mercury Marquis two door. When regular scheduled filming began he traded it in for that '68 Brought that lasted five seasons until it got traded for the '73 Marquis.
The 2dr was a rental, that was only used in the pilot episode.
I believe McGarret's replacement car was a 1974 Mercury Grand Marquis.
It was, and according to the book 60 Years of Mercury F ord says they never built the 4dr H.T. version only the post sedan.
Nice report. Beautiful car! Reminds me of our 1965 Lincoln.....smooth, quiet,.. great cruiser !
My dad had a 1967 Ford LTD Brougham in metallic dark green with the vinyl roof with A/C. The car was great. We did a cross-country trip in it the summer of 1968. I got to drive it when I got my drivers license in 1978. I love the 390 cubic inch engine. Lots of power. We didn't have too many problems with the carburetor, although I do remember a incident were my dad had me, as a kid stretched out over the engine to hold the choke open while he cranked it. Yea, it was flooded. It backfired and singed my eyebrows and hair. Much of your Mercury is familiar to me as the LTD Brougham was similar. I like the look without the hidden headlights. Your headlights are in nice looking with the headlights mounted in eye sockets, with the grill behind them. I was never was a fan a hidden headlights. It looks like the car is asleep with them hidden.
I was so disappointed when the mechanic said it's time to retire it. My dad drove it to the junkyard. The frame had rusted. Other than that it was still good.
Adam,totally appropriate commentary! Gorgeous paint,interior and running condition.Thanks for sharing! I had a'66 Park Lane convertible 428 c.i. in 1976
I’m obsessed with your channel. This is a beautiful car.
This is gorgeous, I think I would buy this in a heart beat if I could, especially in the burgundy-burbuny, amazing, congrats Adam.
Such an enjoyable, kickback and dreamy video, as usual. You represent so well. I get such a kick. This car definitely has its own personality.
very cool car !!! thanks for the video !!!
The 68 Mercury was my mom & dad’s first new car. He had worked for Ford for a few years and used his A plan discount to order the car. They ordered the coupe, it was dark blue, without the cloth top. I was 6 years old and remember the first vacation in the car because it had air conditioning. I also remember it took my dad about 2 hours to load the trunk because it was so big. My other favorite place to visit in the Mercury was the OAK drive in theater. The back shelf was so huge, I was able to climb up with my pillow and blanket, and lie down to watch the movie. If I’m not mistaken, there was a gold decal of the Mercury profile in the center of the rear passenger windows. I remember when the odometer turned over to all zeros and my dad joking that we “just got a new car”. I also remember how mad my mom was when my dad bought it’s replacement in 1975. He came home with a fully loaded Country Squire wagon. She was hoping for a new Cougar XR7. My dad had rented a Ford wagon the summer we spent in California and really liked it. He thought my mom would like the wagon better because it was bigger............. wrong. That’s why in 1977 he took her to the Mercury dealership on their anniversary, and ordered the first of many Cougars they had into the 80’s. They were all beautiful cars, but nothing equaled the excitement we felt when my dad brought home our families first new car.
this channel is a 2-D time machine! SO thankful to see these gems
Adam, I love your reviews! I remember as a kid when this car hit the market and was an instant favorite of mine! I always wanted one. My grandfather would purchase a new car each year. He wasn't loyal to any particular brand. However, he seemed to like Ford products a little more than others based on his purchases. He bought Mercurys 1959-1964 at which time he changed to Oldsmobile 98. I was disappointed of course because I really wanted to ride in one. He then changed to Lincolns Continental or Continental through the late 90s.
I miss the segment where you typically test-drive for this car anyway! Thanks Adam!
Chop it up?? Well heck you did an outstanding job of preserving history!
Adam, another great video ... would absolutely love to see your collection in person!
Adam has to open a car museum at some point.
@@MrSpartanPaul Agreed!
My parents had a 67 Park Lane Brougham. It floated down the road.
Love your content! My dad was a GM guy but I grew up in the 60's and 70's so this is what I grew up with.
I have been watching for a couple of months and have enjoyed them all.
You are a wonderful human being for saving it from being destroyed. I don't mind folks taking sht boxes and customizing them but wonderful classics in such good condition would be sacrilege.
What, no driving!!?
Such a beautiful example deserves at least 1080P! Thanks for the tour of this great example. And bravo for saving it from the modifier. No, you're not a bad person. These kinds of cars need to be preserved for history's sake.
I think the dual headlight treatment was exceptionally well done on this car and it contributes a lot to the "face" the car shows. Both hidden and dual treatments can look great or look awful, but this car is a great example of how nice they can look. The proportions are excellent.
Adam - good job narrating this video and taking the time to explain the features on this beautiful 1968 Park Lane sedan.
@Hello Robert, I hope my comment wasn't taken as a form of invasion of your comment's privacy. I'm here to make friends, where are you from?
What a lovely car! Too bad you cannot walk into a showroom now and find something that elegant. Thanks for a great video!
I just happened upon your channel, and glad I did! I subscribed, and MAN THANK YOU for not ruining that Mercury! I'll be watching for more.
another beautiful 60's era car awesome color.
Adam, thanks for slugging in all those inserts whenever you mention another car or feature. Doing this must make it much more time consuming but it's very effective and I wanted to make sure you knew it is very much appreciated.
Man what a beautiful car! I had a 1968 Country Squire, 390 of course. Yes, the build quality was top notch, except for the tailgate glass mechanism, but hey, it was working when I got it in 1997, it was only almost 30 years old! Almost the same color, I think Ford had their own Maroon, with mine being just a hair lighter than that, barely. To demonstrate how much I love 1967-1968 Full Sized Fords, since I also had a 1967 LTD 2-door, here’s the first thing I would buy as a self gift were I to win the lotto: one example of each body style, save for the 4-door sedan(post), but the Squire, like mine, the 4-door hardtop, the 2-door fastback, the 2-door formal roof, and of course the convertible. In Maroon. Ditto for 1967, but the light beige. Watch Dirty Harry. A 1968 Ford Custom, four door. Mean, muscular, yet beautiful, sinister yet unassuming, the taillights are perfect, and the LTD, Squire, XL trim had hidden headlights. Just right. Awesome. Mercury is close, but still pretty. The 1969-1970 Cougars were pretty as well, but the 1971-1972 were just out of proportion, bloated. But Mercury had its thing, and they owned it.
Hi from Ontario Canada. In 1974, my neighbor had a 2-door MPL in navy blue. Beautiful car, great ride. My dad's '74 Ford LTD had the exact same gas and brake pedals. The Park Lanes always make me think of JFK for some reason.
The last new car my Dad bought was a 68 LTD Brougham. The ride was wonderful. Ours also had a 390 and it could get up and walk. My family owned "Uncle Henry", as it came to be known for 14 or 15 years. Routine maintenance was all it ever needed. It never used a drop of oil, and the vacuum pump never quit working. Those headlight doors were all metal. First time I punched the headlights off and those doors dropped down, I nearly freaked out.
It would be cool to see a top shelf Park Lane with a custom grill that had hidden lights.
Glad you got the car. And not the other guy. It's a beautiful car I have a 05 Mercury G/M. Love it. I thinking about getting a 70 Cougar. Great Video, keep on buying the great ones.👍🇺🇸
A rare original car! *Thank goodness you did persuade the seller!* Your morals aren't in question. 7:42 "... a handsome, masculine car" words echo '67 Merc ads: "a MAN's car."
Adam, I would love to see a video on what happened to the quality of American cars after the early 70s. The Japanese got a foothold due to the gas crisis of 73-74 but I believe it was their improving build quality and the American cars' worsened build quality that really turned the tide in the late 70s and 80s.
I once had a 1962 ThunderBird convertible and I loved the 390. Once, while I was sitting in the car with it running, it popped into reverse.... not good but no damage done. That afternoon I fixed that pesky Ford glitch. I took off the OEM carb and fitted an Edelbrock just because of the flooding issue with the stock carb but thankfully no motor damage done as it was a super low milage car. So much fun to have lunch and have an expert walk around of these cars. Thank you again. Bobby
I had a black 1977 Grand Marquis two-door with red leather interior, a 460 V8, fender skirts, Landau top, dual exhaust, remote trunk release in the glove box, 8-way power seats, 'Mercury Ride- Engineered' suspension, power antenna, lighted keyhole, more interior lighting than you could possibly need, hideaway headlamps, power everything. I think it was about 23' long. What a ride. Wish I still owned it....
Hi Adam, beautiful rare car. Im extremely glad that it was saved by you instead of destroyed. I know very little about the Park Lane line up so this was very informative. I agree that Ford didn’t quite seem to know what to do with or perhaps I should say, who they wanted to market the Mercury brand to. Ford was good at building and marketing the “Ford” brand as well as the “Lincoln” brand, back in those days but not that great with the Mercury brand. GM seemed to have a better grasp with knowing who their users were and who to market their divisions or brands. In my opinion, it really wasn’t until the very early 70’s that Ford decided to place an emphasis on a higher luxury level of a “baby” Lincoln with the Mercury brand but it was too late. By The 80’s, it was sort of a slow, long drawn out, “beginning of the end” for Mercury. By the 90’s, Mercury definitely lost its way. I sometimes think that even Lincoln has now lost its way and maybe Ford will just eventually focus on SUVs and trucks. Who knows…
The 390 reminded me of an orange ‘67 fastback Mustang I bought from a backlot of a Redford MI Ford dealer in the mid-70’s when I was a young teen. It was a trade-in and the trunk floor-pan had been removed, all that remained was the battery as I recall, presumably to save weight. It had traction bars, wide tires, a 390 cu in engine with tube headers, an aluminum high rise intake, a Holley double-pumper carb, a Mallory dual-point distributor, A Hurst competition plus shifter, and someone said the engine lobe indicated a race cam but I can’t say for sure. I was caught racing so many times that I nearly lost my license so I sold it cheap and decided to cruise slowly in a white 1968 Cadillac convertible with a 472 I believe. It wasn’t long before I fell in love with a 1968 Triumph TR250 convertible (a TR4 with a 6 banger), the next year the name changed to TR6. The power to weight ratio made that car a little screamer. Too many cars at the apartment, and enlisting in the military forced me to sell it to a salvage yard that promised to tow it away, except the tow truck driver offered me more than his boss did. Anyway back to the ‘stang, I won every race except the one against another ‘67 Mustang, but that one was a coupe. We were neck to neck until he started edging away. The cops pulled us both over, him going straight, and me when I took an off ramp. I saw the stranger later while cruising and shouted the question about what he had in there. He said a Hi-Po 289. Those expensive tickets put the hurt on this poor boy, but I still have those memories.
I'm so happy you saved this Beautiful car! The other buyer would have ruined this classic.
Stunning!
Love these great American Road Sleds. Thanks for preserving them.
That car is just so beautiful! Like you, I think it was Ford's best of the best -- with quality only exceeded by that of the Lincolns, especially the Mark III. Thank you for featuring it!
My dad had a 66 two-door hardtop Parklane when I was in high school in 1969. That's the car I took my driver's test in. That car was freaking awesome !!!
I wish I still had it today !
Great video Adam, have seen a number now and I really appreciate your time and effort to put them together. Your car knowledge on North American cars is second to none. Look forward to your next video.
I luv your reviews!!! So thorough and fact filled outstanding job dude!!!
I echo what people have said in that I am glad you saved this one from being cut up. Protocol dictates first come first serve, but saving the car takes precedence. The seller agreed. I just love stock cars or motorcycles, and I'm glad you are being a good custodian of these luxury cars. Being from the midwest, I remember as a kid seeing so many of the late 60s and early 70s Mercurys and Fords rusted out as the salt just ate these cars up. Not just Ford products of course. I always loved the styling of these. My next door neighbor had this car in a gold color. Not sure if it was the Brougham. I thought he was a big shot because he had a Mercury. : ). My Dad was a Chevy guy, although he did have a 55 Mercury Montclair back in the day...
I remember the old TV show Classic Hawaii Five-0. The 1968 Mercury Park Lane Brougham 4-door hardtop sedan was the car Jack Lord drove on that classic TV cop show.
Adam you are the best.... love your videos.... please keep saving history!
@Hello Max, I hope my comment wasn't taken as a form of invasion of your comment's privacy. I'm here to make friends, where are you from?
So right about the build quality of the later 60' early 70's Mercurys. I remember going through the junk yard many times in Beaver PA. They had a blue Park Lane fast back, 67' as I recall, and I was impressed with how solid the car was. Very sad that these cars were not often well cared for once they hit the used car market. Anyone in Miami area looking for a really nice 68 Monterey 4 door hard top in very good condition, no dents, no rust, there's one for sale, it's been on the lot for a couple of years at Reneys Auto Sales on US 1 at about SW 224th St. Interior is also very nice.
light green with white top, all trim in excellent condition. I'm very glad you got this car, vs someone who wants to modify it. I've seen too many great cars ruined because of some trend that comes and goes. Ruined by goof ball color and interior changes, choping, lowering, etc. Great shine on the entire car. Is that original paint, and what weight oil do you use? I run 30 weight racing oil from Summit in my 77 Cougar wagons.
Absolutely stunning car. So glad this landed in your hands.
@Hello John, I hope my comment wasn't taken as a form of invasion of your comment's privacy. I'm here to make friends, where are you from?
Hi Adam, I’m in my late 70’s and have lived in the UK all my life. I find your channel really interesting and fascinating. This Mercury is absolutely splendid. What I find amazing is the massive difference between US cars and UK cars of this era. We were still chuffing around in 4 cyl 50bhp cars with very few creature comforts and if you were wealthy, then maybe a 6cyl car!!
We even had to pay extra for the heater!!
As for engines, the sound of a V8 is pure engine bliss!!. I look forward to seeing many more vids of interest US cars.
Best Wishes ROY W
Roy,
Hope your able to get across the pond plenty of car shows from March - October, depending upon the state. Loads of car museums.
Cheers.
I love your collection thanks for sharing it with us !
I wouldn't feel bad about that story at all. First of all, people walk away from 'verbal commitments' to buy every day and most are deadbeats who don't feel the slightest bit of guilt over it.
Second, anyone who wanted to chop such a clean and rare car is an automotive Philistine.
Thanks for this one Adam. When I was in Junior High a local family had a burgundy 68 hardtop that they kept for quite some time. I recall sometime later that it was at one of the local paint shops getting new paint. The shop had it sanded and taped off, ready to go to the paint booth. Later, in the USAF stationed at Beale Air Force Base California around 1987, a MSgt had a white 4 door 67 or 68 that had been a local car since new. It had the factory 410 engine which I guess was a 390 with the 428 crank?
I remember that 410!
Thank God you were able to save the car. The body and roof colors really compliment the styling. A classy example!
Hawaii 5-O ran until 1980? I must have missed at least 5 years of that show.
The cars of my youth. It’s nice to see just the “average”
car’s that were on the streets and the little tidbit’s of information. With all of the pickups having the sliding rear window. We could sure use the floor vents and the upper dash vents again. I like that your not just showing the Hot Rods and big performance cars that were available back then. That very few of us could afford to own.
Be proud of that story. You saved the car. It looks great.
An Amazing Car and One of The Best in your collection, Adam🤔👏
As much as I like your 67, the 68 is so much smoother looking with a more integrated roof. Gorgeous color! Long live the Bromes!
Adam, this is my favorite of your entire collection. She’s the pinnacle of American auto manufacturing and design. (I think I said the same in my comments on your Mark III and IV, but I really mean it here.) Your videos are the best! I would be very interested in a video on one of your AMC vehicles.
I miss those old cars from the 60's and 70's with the Brougham trim packages. Pure elegance.
Even when you have to steal it, any car needs to be saved form changing it to some fantasy low rider or other obnoxious change. I already have to puke when I see people putting not original wheels on a classic car. Thank you for saving and displaying this car.
Steve McGarrett (Jack Lord), also drove the Marquis in later years. Love the Big FoMoCo cars you get your hands on share with us! This one
is stunning!!!!! I had a 66 Monterey Convertible in HS. Same body as the Park Lane without the luxury.
That stick in your clean driveway is really pulling all my attention away from this beautiful car that you are showcasing. Thanks!
Thank you for saving it. The color combo is great looking. I love the vent windows. My grade school buddies Mom had the 68 Mercury wagon version w/ fake tape paneling.
I think that was probably authentic simulated paneling.