tell us that you’ll constantly be fettling with the car’s many electric motors for the seats, windows and hydraulic power top.
1969–70 MERCURY MARQUIS
The full-size Mercury (and Ford) lineup was comprehensively restyled and re- engineered for 1968, and the Mercury version was offered in four trim levels: Monterey, Montclair, Park Lane and Marquis. Most were powered by 390- or 428-cubic-inch versions of Ford’s venerable FE block V-8. The higher up the food chain, the more luxury and convenience equipment came stan- dard. Why consider a Mercury over an equivalent Ford? Generally, you’ll find a more refined interior, and some col- lectors enjoy the Mercury’s “orphan” status. The Marquis got a redesign and hidden headlights for ’69, making it one of the prettier full-size cars of the decade, plus the smoother and more powerful new 429 V-8 was also available. For collectibility, skip the lower trim levels and seek out a Mar- quis; it will have the most goodies and the best engine offerings.
1969–70 PLYMOUTH FURY III / SPORT FURY
Plymouth has always danced on the line between being Chrysler’s price leader and its youthful sporty brand. If you want a full-size Plymouth convert-
ible from this era, it’s going to be a Fury III or top-of-the-line Sport Fury. It’s a massive car, with hood and trunk panels that would double for pool tables were they upholstered in green felt. The Furys come with tough Chrys- ler V-8s and Torqueflite automatic transmissions, as well as sturdy if not particularly luxurious cabins with room for everyone. These were not ex- pensive cars when new, and they still aren’t, although they are somewhat rare. Just over 4,000 Fury III convert- ibles were produced in 1969, and only 1,952 the following year.
The Lincoln Continental and Cadillac Eldorado (above and far left, with Chrysler) all offer great style and V-8 performance and reliability at an affordable price.
1966–67 AMC AMBASSADOR
Dare to be different. Over time, a convertible model came and went from the Ambassador lineup, de- pending on the company’s fortunes (or lack thereof). The car’s vertically stacked quad headlamps are a unique
1969–70 Mercury Marquis Number Produced: 3,552
1969–70 Plymouth Fury III Number Produced: 6,081
Original Price: $3,324–$3,415 (Fury III)
Current Price: $13,200–$38,800 (383 V-8 only)
Original Price: $4,107–$4,047 Current Price: $8,200–$22,700
1971–76 Cadillac Eldorado Number Produced: 54,640
Original Price: $7,751–$11,049 Current Price: $8,500–$62,500
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