The 1968 Mercury Montego, a bold and stylish muscle car, marked a significant moment in American automotive history. This mid-size model, positioned between the compact Comet and the full-size Monterey, aimed to capture the spirit of performance and luxury that defined the era.
The Montego’s arrival coincided with a surge in demand for powerful, well-equipped cars, and Mercury, Ford’s upscale brand, was well-positioned to capitalize on this trend. The Montego’s design, featuring sharp lines, a prominent grille, and a long, low stance, exuded a sense of power and sophistication.
It offered a range of potent V8 engines, ensuring exhilarating performance for drivers who craved the thrill of the open road.
While the Montego shared some of its underpinnings with the Ford Fairlane, it distinguished itself with its unique styling and a focus on upscale features. Inside, the Montego offered a comfortable and well-appointed interior, featuring plush seating, a wood-grain dashboard, and a range of available options.
The Montego’s appeal extended beyond its performance and styling; it also boasted a reputation for reliability and durability, making it a popular choice for families and individuals alike. The 1968 Montego was a testament to Mercury’s commitment to offering a compelling blend of style, performance, and practicality, solidifying its place as a true American classic.
The 1968 Mercury Montego: A Mid-Size Challenger
The 1968 Mercury Montego marked the beginning of a new era for Mercury, a brand known for its upscale offerings, aiming to capture a growing market for mid-size cars. This model arrived at a pivotal time in the American automotive landscape, as the demand for stylish, comfortable, and relatively affordable cars was on the rise.
The Montego, designed to compete with the likes of the Ford Fairlane and the Chevrolet Chevelle, was a significant departure from Mercury’s previous focus on larger, more luxurious vehicles.
During the 1960s, Mercury was positioned as a slightly more upscale alternative to Ford, offering a blend of comfort, performance, and styling. However, as the decade progressed, the mid-size market became increasingly competitive, and Mercury needed a car that could appeal to a wider range of buyers.
The 1968 Mercury Montego was a stylish mid-size car that offered a compelling alternative to the Ford Galaxie. While the Montego was known for its spacious interior and comfortable ride, it wasn’t as sporty as its sibling, the 1969 Mercury Cougar XR7.
The Cougar XR7, with its sleek lines and powerful engine options, captured the hearts of performance enthusiasts. However, the Montego held its own with its elegant design and practicality, making it a solid choice for those seeking a more traditional driving experience.
The Montego, with its contemporary design and a range of engine options, aimed to bridge the gap between the traditional Mercury customer and the emerging generation of car buyers.
Development and Release
The development of the Montego was a significant undertaking for Mercury. The car was based on the Ford Fairlane platform, but it received its own unique styling and engineering touches. The design team at Ford, led by Elwood Engel, aimed to create a car that was both stylish and practical.
The Montego’s sleek lines, wraparound windshield, and prominent grille gave it a distinctive appearance that set it apart from its Ford sibling.
The 1968 Montego was launched in the fall of 1967, and it quickly gained popularity among consumers. The car’s success was attributed to its combination of style, performance, and affordability. The Montego was available in a variety of body styles, including a two-door coupe, a four-door sedan, and a station wagon, offering a choice for different needs and preferences.
Design and Styling
The 1968 Mercury Montego, though positioned as a mid-size car, adopted a design language that aimed to project a sense of grandeur and sophistication. This was achieved through a combination of bold lines, elegant proportions, and distinctive styling cues that set it apart from its contemporaries.
Exterior Design
The Montego’s exterior design was characterized by its long, sweeping lines and a prominent grille that dominated the front fascia. The grille featured a horizontal chrome bar that spanned its width, flanked by rectangular headlights and a pair of vertical chrome bars that added a touch of elegance.
The side profile was defined by a pronounced character line that ran from the front fender to the rear taillights, emphasizing the car’s length and creating a sense of motion. The rear end was equally striking, featuring a wide, horizontal taillight assembly that extended across the entire width of the car, further enhancing its presence.
Interior Design
The Montego’s interior was designed with comfort and functionality in mind. The dashboard featured a clean and uncluttered layout, with easy-to-read instruments and controls. The seats were generously sized and upholstered in high-quality materials, providing a comfortable ride for both driver and passengers.
The overall interior design exuded a sense of luxury and sophistication, reflecting the Montego’s position as a premium mid-size car.
Comparison with Other Contemporary Cars
Compared to other mid-size cars of the era, the Montego stood out for its distinctive styling and its focus on luxury and comfort. While some might have found its design to be somewhat conservative, it offered a more refined and elegant alternative to the sportier and more aggressive styling of some of its competitors.
Performance and Engine Options
The 1968 Mercury Montego was available with a range of engine options, catering to different driving preferences and needs. From the standard six-cylinder to the powerful V8, each engine offered unique characteristics, impacting the Montego’s performance and driving experience.
Engine Options
The 1968 Montego offered a variety of engine choices, each with its own specifications and performance characteristics:
- 200 cu in (3.3 L) I6: This was the standard engine for the Montego, providing a balance of fuel efficiency and adequate power for everyday driving. It produced 120 horsepower and 190 lb-ft of torque.
- 250 cu in (4.1 L) I6: This optional six-cylinder engine offered increased power over the standard 200 cu in engine, delivering 155 horsepower and 235 lb-ft of torque.
- 289 cu in (4.7 L) V8: This powerful V8 engine provided a significant performance boost, generating 200 horsepower and 282 lb-ft of torque. It was a popular choice for those seeking more spirited driving.
- 302 cu in (4.9 L) V8: This optional V8 engine was a more powerful version of the 289 cu in V8, offering 220 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque. It provided even more performance and was a desirable choice for enthusiasts.
- 390 cu in (6.4 L) V8: This top-of-the-line V8 engine was available on higher trim levels and delivered a significant power output. It produced 275 horsepower and 427 lb-ft of torque, making it the most powerful engine option available for the Montego.
Transmission Options
The 1968 Montego offered a variety of transmission choices, each with its own characteristics that influenced the driving experience:
- Three-speed manual transmission: This was the standard transmission for the Montego, offering basic shifting capabilities and a more engaging driving experience. It was paired with the 200 cu in and 250 cu in six-cylinder engines.
- Three-speed automatic transmission: This option provided smooth and effortless shifting, making it a popular choice for everyday driving. It was available with all engine options.
- Four-speed manual transmission: This option was available with the 289 cu in and 302 cu in V8 engines, offering a more engaging driving experience with greater control over gear selection.
- Cruise-O-Matic three-speed automatic transmission: This was a more advanced automatic transmission that provided smoother and more efficient shifting than the standard three-speed automatic. It was available with the 289 cu in and 302 cu in V8 engines.
Engine Performance Comparison
| Engine | Horsepower | Torque (lb-ft) | Fuel Economy (mpg) ||—|—|—|—|| 200 cu in (3.3 L) I6 | 120 | 190 | 18-22 || 250 cu in (4.1 L) I6 | 155 | 235 | 17-21 || 289 cu in (4.7 L) V8 | 200 | 282 | 15-19 || 302 cu in (4.9 L) V8 | 220 | 300 | 14-18 || 390 cu in (6.4 L) V8 | 275 | 427 | 12-16 | Note:Fuel economy estimates are based on average driving conditions and may vary depending on driving style and other factors.
Features and Technology: 1968 Mercury Montego
The 1968 Mercury Montego was a mid-size car that offered a variety of features and technology for its time. While not as advanced as some of today’s vehicles, the Montego provided a comfortable and functional driving experience with several standard and optional features.
Standard and Optional Features
The 1968 Montego came standard with a variety of features, including a vinyl interior, power steering, and a heater. Optional features included air conditioning, a power driver’s seat, a rear window defroster, and a radio. The availability of these options varied depending on the trim level and engine choice.
Notable Advancements in Technology and Safety
The 1968 Montego incorporated several advancements in technology and safety features that were becoming increasingly common in automobiles of the era. These included:
- Disc brakes: The Montego offered optional front disc brakes, which provided improved stopping power and responsiveness compared to traditional drum brakes.
- Safety belts: Standard safety belts were a key safety feature in the 1968 Montego, contributing to occupant protection in the event of a collision.
- Collapsible steering column: Designed to absorb impact and reduce injury to the driver in a frontal collision, this feature was becoming more common in cars during this period.
Comparison to Competitors
The 1968 Mercury Montego competed with other mid-size cars of the era, such as the Ford Fairlane, Chevrolet Chevelle, and Plymouth Belvedere. While each car offered its own unique set of features and technology, the Montego generally held its own in terms of comfort, performance, and available options.
Reception and Legacy
The 1968 Mercury Montego was met with a mixed reception upon its release. While some lauded its stylish design and powerful engine options, others criticized its lack of innovation and perceived similarity to the Ford Torino. However, the Montego proved to be a popular choice for consumers, finding success in the competitive mid-size market.The Montego’s impact on the automotive industry was significant, particularly in the realm of mid-size car design.
It helped establish Mercury as a distinct brand within the Ford Motor Company, offering a more luxurious and refined alternative to Ford’s mainstream offerings. While the Montego itself was not a groundbreaking vehicle, it contributed to the evolving landscape of the mid-size car segment, paving the way for future models with similar features and styling.
The Montego’s Cultural Impact
The Montego’s legacy extends beyond its technical specifications and sales figures. It became a symbol of the era, reflecting the changing tastes and trends of the late 1960s. The Montego’s sleek lines and powerful engine appealed to a generation seeking both style and performance.The Montego’s appearance in popular culture further cemented its place in history.
The 1968 Mercury Montego, with its sleek lines and powerful engine options, represented a departure from the more traditional styling of earlier Mercury models. While its design was decidedly modern, it still carried a hint of the elegance found in classic Mercurys like the 1941 Mercury Custom , a car known for its flowing curves and luxurious interior.
The Montego, however, embraced a more sporty and youthful appeal, targeting a new generation of drivers who appreciated performance and style.
It was featured in numerous films and television shows, becoming a recognizable part of the visual landscape of the era. Notably, a 1968 Montego MX was driven by the character “The Fonz” in the popular television series “Happy Days,” further solidifying its association with the 1950s and 1960s counterculture.
Collector’s Interest and Value
While not as widely sought after as its Ford Mustang counterpart, the 1968 Mercury Montego has steadily gained traction in the collector car market, attracting enthusiasts who appreciate its unique styling, powerful engine options, and historical significance.
Factors Influencing Value, 1968 Mercury Montego
Several key factors determine the value of a 1968 Montego, making some models more desirable than others. These include:
- Condition: A well-preserved, original Montego in excellent condition commands a premium. Restorations, while often done to a high standard, can affect value, especially if not documented or performed using original parts.
- Rarity: Limited production models, such as the Montego GT with the 428 Cobra Jet engine, are highly sought after by collectors and command higher prices. The Montego Cyclone, a high-performance variant introduced in 1969, also attracts a premium.
- Historical Significance: Montegos with documented racing history or connections to notable figures in automotive history are often highly valued.
Examples of Values
The estimated values of 1968 Montegos vary significantly depending on the factors mentioned above. Here are a few examples:
| Model | Condition | Estimated Value (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Montego MX | Good | $10,000
|
| Montego GT | Excellent | $25,000
|
| Montego GT (428 Cobra Jet) | Show Car | $50,000
The 1968 Mercury Montego, a stylish mid-size car, was a popular choice for American families. Its sleek lines and powerful engine made it a standout on the road, but the following year, Mercury introduced the smaller, more fuel-efficient 1975 Mercury Comet. While the Comet offered a different approach to driving, the Montego remained a strong contender in the mid-size market, offering a balance of style and performance that resonated with drivers of the era.
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Note: These values are estimates and can fluctuate based on market conditions and specific vehicle details.
Conclusion
The 1968 Mercury Montego marked a significant turning point for Mercury, solidifying its position as a maker of stylish and capable mid-size cars. It offered a compelling alternative to the Ford Galaxie, appealing to buyers seeking a more refined and modern driving experience.
The Montego’s success can be attributed to its combination of attractive design, performance, and innovative features. It successfully bridged the gap between the traditional, larger Mercury models and the more compact Ford offerings.
The Enduring Appeal of the Montego
The 1968 Mercury Montego continues to hold a special place in the hearts of car enthusiasts, capturing the spirit of a bygone era. Its sleek styling, powerful engine options, and comfortable interior continue to resonate with collectors and admirers. The Montego’s legacy is a testament to its ability to blend style, performance, and practicality in a way that remains appealing even today.
Closure
The 1968 Mercury Montego stands as a symbol of a bygone era in American automotive history, a time when muscle cars ruled the roads and performance was paramount. While its production run was relatively short, the Montego left a lasting impression on the automotive landscape, capturing the hearts of enthusiasts and collectors alike.
Its powerful engines, stylish design, and comfortable interior continue to attract admiration today, making it a highly sought-after classic car. The 1968 Montego’s legacy lives on, reminding us of a time when American cars were synonymous with power, style, and a passion for the open road.