This U.S.-based carmaker never fails to impress enthusiasts worldwide with its lineup of automobiles.
Mercury cars have been around for years, and through all those years, there have been some great models. Some of them came onto the market during the earlier years, and others were introduced more recently. Nevertheless, they are no less admired by car lovers.
Picking the seven most memorable Mercury models of all time is no easy task. The history behind this brand is as rich as it is long, and it has been gracing driveways for more than 70 years.
Ever since the first model was released in 1939, Mercury has become a household name synonymous with high-quality vehicles. From classy convertibles to powerful muscle cars, this U.S.-based carmaker never fails to impress enthusiasts worldwide with its lineup of automobiles. It has been responsible for some of the most recognizable models ever created on and off the road.
In fact, many consider some of these editions to be not only some of their favorite American cars of all time but in the conversation for greatest cars in history!
Here is a look at seven of the most memorable Mercury models that were ever created:
A very limited edition of this model was made by Ford Motor Company thanks to the cooperation with British automaker Cosworth that exclusively provided the engine for this vehicle.
This particular version had a 302 ci V8 that produced 175 hp at 4,400 rpm and 221 lbs/ft of torque at 2,200 rpm; its maximum speed rating was 115 mph. Only 1,500 units were ever produced – all of them reserved for the European market. They proved to be a massive success among fans and professional racers who used it as their primary vehicle competing on tracks.
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According to Motor Trend magazine, this two-seater sports car had its best times in 1972 when it became the 'Car of the Year.' The first models were equipped with an I6 200 ci engine paired with 3-speed manual transmission; later versions came with a 302 V8 engine mated to Cruise-O-Matic automatic transmission.
The car was last produced in 1972; it was one of the first Mercury vehicles to be exported to Europe (Great Britain).
Another classic vehicle ever produced by Mercury was this model. It is considered the most expensive Mercury car ever, with samples sold at auctions today reaching prices over 100 thousand dollars.
The vehicle featured a bucket seat interior that appealed to customers and chrome molding around the windshield and large rear fins, which distinguished it among other models available on the market back in 1955.
This model was a fastback version of its predecessor, made only in two years – from 1968 to 1970 – and attracted a lot of attention thanks to its 390 V8 engine that had 360 hp at 4700 rpm and 480 lbs/ft of torque at 3000 rpm.
The car featured a modified front suspension with frameless windows, modified taillights from Cougar, and a new grille with a built-in bow tie emblem on the hood. This is one of the rarest Mercury models ever created: there were only 1,993 units produced in 1969 and 2,993 units in 1970.
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Over 26 years of its long lifetime, this mid-size sedan was constantly praised by car experts for the power and luxury it offered to its drivers.
First-generation of this model that appeared on the market in 1983 featured a 5.0L V8 engine with modified suspension and brakes; it had an interior mostly inspired by Town Car – introduced one year earlier – and dashboard design that was updated throughout many years to come:
1985 saw the introduction of digital speedometer and fuel economy gauges.
1987 brought front airbags (FABs).
Later models featured ABS brakes as well as the redesigned instrument cluster.
2004 will be the best year to buy as far as the general consensus on the website goes. Best factory tuning in the police models as well as the Mercury Marauder style air intake.
The Mercury Cougar is probably one of the most popular cars ever produced by Mercury. It first appeared on the market in 1967 and was a two-door, four-seater coupe. First-generation models had horizontally opposed engines at their front end – it could be a 4.7 L or a 7L V8 Windsor block – mated to C4 Cruise-O-Matic automatic transmission.
In 1969, all engines were upgraded from 221 ci to 260 ci displacement capacity, and 1969 models also saw modifications of the front grille and tail lights that made them look more modern than previous '67-'68 versions of this car. However, the best-selling Cougar of all time is the second-gen model, which came out in 1969.
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The first Mercury car that became popular on the market was a sports coupe made in 1949. The 1949 Series 9CM was Mercury's first post-war design and though it was based on the 1949 Ford, had a distinctive design and a bigger Flathead V8 than the Ford. The Series 9CM was genuinely remarkable due to its features:
It had an extended front end with modified headlights and grille.
It featured V-shaped chrome moldings along both sides.
Its trunk lid was cut into one single unit with the top of the rear fender.
It's also one of the most popular movie cars featured in James Dean's 1955 film Rebel Without A Cause. The 1949 Series 9CM is arguably the most iconic Mercury ever produced.
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| Rank | Company | Country |
|---|---|---|
| #1 |  Volkswagen |
Germany |
| #2 |  Toyota |
Japan |
| #3 |  Stellantis |
Netherlands |
| #4 |  Mercedes-Benz Group |
Germany |
| #5 |  Ford Motor |
United States |
| Rank | Company | Country |
|---|---|---|
| #1 |  Michelin |
France |
| #2 |  Bridgestone |
Japan |
| #3 |  Continental |
Germany |
| #4 |  Goodyear |
United States |
| #5 |  Sumitomo |
Japan |
