Vehicle Description
1985 Mercury Grand Marquis Colony Park LS Station Wagon
Although station wagons have largely been usurped by SUVs and
minivans in the new millennium, they have retained a loyal cult
following among a certain segment of consumers. Today, there are
dozens of station wagon fan clubs around the U.S., as well as
websites devoted to the vehicles. The American Station Wagon Owners
Association professes to be a club that "gives wagons of all kinds
the love they deserve.". The association's site publishes personal
stories of people reflecting on their love affair with the station
wagon, as well as dates for events where station wagon owners
congregate to show off their vintage cars. This enduring following
has led many automotive makers to feel that the time is right to
mount a comeback for the station wagon.
For consignment a left over from the days of yore when the word
family actually meant something. Now it's just a gathering of
relatives looking at their cell phones, so for a minute or two put
that down and pay attention! She's a woody, has been well
maintained and cared for, and is a hen's tooth from the 80s right
at the end of the station wagon's reign. Ripe for your pickin' this
classic harkens back to the ultimate family vehicle that has gone
by the wayside, but is considering, and attempting, a comeback. I
would not stand by the door to await another one to show up anytime
soon. We give you the 1985 Mercury Colony Park LS Station
Wagon.
Exterior
All dolled up in wood trimmings which the consignor states is all
but new, we can note laser straight gaps and rust free steel
panels, also bathed in white. This 6th gen car from Mercury
actually got smaller from its 70's predecessors, and now sports
dual headlights, a tasteful V shaped grille in chrome and a shiny
bumper below. Size matters and this car is certainly no slouch when
it comes to interior space, but the exterior is tastefully done.
The wood shows up in the mid section of the car's body and has some
surrounding striping to help delineate it from the white paint. A
roof rack is on, 4 doors for all access seating, and a rear
tailgate that has some police tape on it so and a rear tailgate
that has some police tape on it so we asked the consigner and he
stated that it does operate but the hinges are loose and has a bit
of trouble closing Anyway, back to it and the car to roll to those
National Parks, it uses turbine style wheels with thin whites in
the form of 225/75R15's all around. All aboard and make sure you
pee first before we go because Dad is not stoppin'!
Interior
In high end Mercury style we swing the doors with their Oxblood red
leather coverings, which are peppered with burl applique accenting,
some brushed aluminum panels for all the electric conveniences and
some red carpeting below on the lowers. Areas of cracking and
slight peeling are noted particularly on the armrest and wood
applique panels. This red plush thick pile continues into the car
where the floors are flooded with miles of it all clean and nicely
preserved. Speaking of nice, I slipped inside planting my butt on
the overstuffed leather wide chairs upfront. Here we note some
aging in the form of leather cracking and in front on the
passenger's side is a red leather trimming piece which I say covers
the seat which may have some damage under it. It is slightly off
color. These wide chairs have an armrest in the center that folds
down. Just behind is a full family size bench with room for 3
comfortably, maybe 4 if they are in their toddler stage. This is
also red leather and in good condition. In the way back is the
cargo area and since we cannot open the rear gate, (Danger Will
Robinson that tape is on there!!), we can say that miles of red
carpeting cover the entire area and there is a hidden 3rd row seat
that faces the back ( in my day THE seat to have!) save for the
headliner which is red fuzzy broadcloth and nice and tight. The
dash contains all the essentials and presents in square and
rectangle design offering white faced gauges in square format and
plenty of brushed aluminum around to accent it between the red dash
top and red trim below. More flame burl is on for the center where
we see the temp controls and an AM/FM/Cassette stereo, a travel
computer above which is using all the processing power Mercury
could muster in 1985. Nicely preserved overall for this
interior.
Drivetrain
Under that big hood is an amalgamation of confusion with wiring,
hoses and emission controls all stuffed around a 5.0 Liter V8. It
is original to this car, and sports EFI and an AOD 4-speed
automatic tranny on back. The rear weighs in at 8.8 inches and has
3.08 gearing. Unrestored but still showing fairly clean.
Undercarriage
Here we have a slight smattering of surface rust but all
unremarkable. A new fuel tank is on, as well as new power disc
brakes upfront and new power drums for the back. A new dual exhaust
is also noted. The ride is from front independent coil springs and
a rear 4 link with coil springs, and it is cushy.. see
drive-ability.
Drive-Ability
You asked for it, and here it is, where I recruited 5 screaming
kids that happened to be on a tour in the mall at the time of this
test. They all piled in and buckled up where I threatened to take
them cross country, but one started screaming, I acquiesced and
stayed within the confines of the test track area. The car ran
beautifully with lots of power, a smooth cruise, smooth shifting,
and good handling for a big boat. Bias free braking with these new
brakes and all was in full working condition and it's a lot because
it's a Mercury. Loaded with conveniences save for a blow up mom who
could shut these kids up!
I harken back to my days in the 80's where I did not yet have a
family of my own but do remember in earlier years, ( the 60's),
taking long trips with my adventurous parents where we would travel
across singing, (metal), bridges, utilizing very little interstates
for our travels and an occasional stop where Dad would raise the
hood to cool her down whilst we ate bologna sandwiches at a
roadside picnic table. Now you can get your lunch from a machine..
Blech! I'll take the Grand Marquis Colony Park car and go old
style, how about you?
2MEBP94F9FX650509
2-Canada
M-Mercury
E-Passenger Car
B-Manual Belts
P94-Colony Park LS Wagon
F-5.0 Liter V8 EFI 140hp
9-Check Digit
F-1985
X-Talbotsville, Ontario, Canada Assy Plant
650509-Sequential Unit Number
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 650 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia
on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is
www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914.
Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the
vehicle in person.
