1968 Mercury Park Lane Brougham Sedan (Post not Hardtop)

[@micmac99]

love that grassy field setting, looks like a magazine advertisement from that era

[@marcusdamberger]

I love the story of how you looked for 10+ years and finally were able to get this one. Going with a hunch on the one owner car and seeing its plate in the pic thinking maybe the car and its owner are still in the same area and posting the want ad. So cool you were able the reassure the older owner it was going to a good home and you knew a lot about these cars. Keep up the great videos on your amazing finds. The stories behind how you acquired them is half the fun of learning about these barges. Makes it really personable.

[@RareClassicCars]

Good suggestion. Thx!

[@erikalbertson7483]

I love that you put dual exhaust on all these big cruisers. They just sound so much better !

[@B3burner]

That color is just nothing short of beautiful. Thanks for posting and sharing it with us.

[@overworlder]

The interior is immaculate. It looks brand new.

[@jamesmyers3773]

That interior is immaculate!

[@Phonejag1]

This is a beautiful car, and I love the story of how you found it. My mom and dad and I actually had one of these cars at that time when the cars were new. Dad bought a Grecian Gold Metallic version of the Brougham… from the local Lincoln-Mercury dealer out of their Dealer stock. It was completely loaded with EVRRY available option available on these car at the time. It was closer to a Lincoln Town Sedan than it was a Mercury. Our car had power vent windows, dual 6-way power seats with 50/50 seat and passenger recliner, power trunk opener, power door locks (vacuum), tilt steering wheel, cruise control, and everything else they had, as well as the very cool “Breezeway” real window. It also had one of the most beautiful sounding AM/FM Stereo Multiplex radios I had ever heard at the time. (It did not have an 8-track tape hang-on unit, which I had seen on one other car back then… I believe as a dealer-installed option.) it had the most beautiful full-wheel premium wheel covers also. We took that car in the Summer of 1970 on a 4,500 mile round trip to Orlando Florida, and it was ~extremely hot and humid~ outside. The Mercury cooled very well, very comfortably…, enough so… that my mother chose to sit in the back seat the entire round-trip with a sweater on… because it was “too cold” according to her… to ride up front. Fine with me… Dad and I took turns driving the new Merc on the long trip. I had just got my Driver’s license 3 months before… so I was thrilled to be driving this new, luxurious air-conditioned baby to Florida. It performed beautifully with the 390-4V premium fuel engine. I kept this car just absolutely stunning, waxing it 3-4 times a year… until 1972, when Dad bought a new Delta 88 Royale, and we had to say farewell to the Merc. I drive it to my Senior Prom in’71. A beautiful car. Wish I had it back again. Enjoy your great find!

[@RareClassicCars]

Great story!

[@auntbarbara5576]

Boy the inside of that car is a nice place to be!

[@mr.lincoln5154]

Beautiful car, Loved 68 Merc’s since I first laid eyes on one on Hawaii 5-0.

[@tracy4good]

That is a nice car. Looks like it's all original. And I agree with you. I've never owned a Park Lane but had two Colony Park station wagons and three Grand Marquis sedans. They were all excellent cars

[@Sedan57Chevy]

There's one of these rusting behind someone's shop a few miles from my house. Seeing yours in such great condition is both happy and sad, knowing that the one I've seen was once every bit as nice. These Mercury Park Lanes are seriously underrated- every bit as handsome and stylish as an equivalent Continental, as far as I'm concerned! I'm glad you were able to get in touch with the owner and purchase this car! It's a great companion to your other '68 Park Lane. And if you like a car enough to own one, why not buy a second if you can afford it!

[@philipfrancis2728]

Adam, the best part of your new channel, and what differentiates your content, are your interesting antidotes, tidbits and experiences. You’re like listening to an old wise automotive sage, even though I realize you’re actual age, background, education and lifestyle are far from being the “Yoda” of car-dom. Thank you so much for your channel!

[@bradhampton6457]

Ford did a good job on those cars. And they were very quiet and rode really good. And the color combo is awesome.

[@johnathanleonardo912]

Unfortunately people nowadays they would say yea but it's still a Ford

[@nolarobert]

Ford/Mercury really nailed it with this color. Our '66 Fairlane 500 had this color and it was beautiful. The interior of this Park Lane looks like it has never been exposed to solar radiation. It is immaculate. This would be the perfect vehicle to take to a classic car show. The odds are that no one will have seen a 1968 Mercury Park Lane in person before. It's also pretty cool that your Mercury shares the Ford 390 cu in engine with the original Bullitt Mustang.

[@3wheelmannc860]

Amazing car...then and now. That color pops...one of my favs. That would be a daily driver for the ages.

[@Doobie1975]

Love the black cherry color of the car, I always loved the late 1960's Mercury Park Lane's.

[@chriscullen1855]

Really enjoy your channel. I too have an affinity for these cars, probably originally seeded by Steve Mcgarett, naturally. I have 2 68’s as well, one pillared Brougham, with the breezeway, and a hardtop without the vinyl roof. Both 390’s, both found within 1/2 an hour of eachother, in BC, Canada, and both from the same original selling dealership in Edmonton, Alberta. Same situation, had been looking, both showed up, and I wound up with both about 2 years apart. They are, as you say, special cars. Very satisfying in every way and a cut above. Your 67 is beautiful as well, would love to find one. I do also have a 65 Park lane Marauder.

[@RareClassicCars]

Wow. How awesome. If you ever tire of them… :)

[@althunder4269]

That's an amazing story on the finding of this car. My dad had a 1967 Ford Fairlane with the same problem with the gear shift safety switch and we just lived with it. On the steering wheels yes; they seemed to change the wheel style every year there for a few years. '66, '67, '68, '70, etc...

[@robertvance1873]

I can't remember if it was the Montclair or Monterey that My Aunt had but I remember being a kid and thought it was so cool that the back window would go down. Such a beautiful Car.

[@discerningmind]

Thank you Adam. Beautiful car. And a remarkable purchasing story. Regarding steering wheels and safety in the '67 & '68 Fords. My understanding is that Ford wasn't able to meet the new regulation of collapsible steering columns in '67, thus a shorter column was used employing a deep dish steering wheel with the big round center cushion. By the '68 model year I thought they had met the regulation but judging by the depth of the '68 steering wheels perhaps that hadn't happened until '69. A video on what actually happened with Ford and collapsible steering columns would certainly be of interest. ???

[@bozodog428]

Beautiful Merc. Had a couple Fords with the 390 and one with the 428 and found them to be strong runners.

[@markdc1145]

Love the setting for this video, the green grass really sets off the body color. These things were boats!

[@rightlanehog3151]

Adam, This Mercury Park Lane is better than my 88 Mercury Tracer and 1991 Grand Marquis combined. And Adam, you are among friends here so you NEVER ever have to justify your collecting hobby to us. We all know how critically important it is to have a SPARE even when it is a spare car. ;-)

[@RareClassicCars]

Haha!

[@RareClassicCars]

I have plenty of spares!

[@rightlanehog3151]

@@RareClassicCars You also have plenty of friends with the count soon to hit 9,000.

[@codyluka8355]

The only justification you have for your collection Adam is that you've been bitten by the "bug"! Great collection and great videos! Very well presented and filmed! I know what's it's like to be bitten by this "bug" but thankfully, my garage can only fit one! Great hobby!

[@blautens]

Wow - stunning interior - and the seat upholstery is amazing.

[@daboyd63]

This is a stunner The grill and headlights

[@SuspenseESCAPEremastered]

Back in the day, Mercury did a great job with styling to differentiate them from the Fords - unlike the divisions at GM, who just changed grilles and tail lights.

[@davepike6170]

I'd love to have one of these to enjoy in today's world! Beautiful car!

[@jimbo3214]

I always considered the 390 as one of the best all around motors Ford ever made.

[@kennedymcgovern5413]

Alright man, I am going to be the one who says it. Those of us who love old classic cars get hooked on your videos. Thank you for making them. But they bring about a level of curiosity and brother, I'd bet that if you made a video telling your story, it would be a hit. In all of them, you say that you own these cars. But then, in one or two, you are filming in your driveway and you live in a fairly modest home. Most people in modest homes do not own a couple of hundred grand worth of classic cars. One would assume that you are a dealer, and that you have built a company that owns them...but you never make a sales pitch, so that assumption fails. You have an interesting story, brother. We don't know what that story is, but you should tell it. We'd watch. Anyway, thanks for the great videos.

[@turbofanlover]

Yeah, I'd love to know how the dude can afford all of these cars. I'm also curious as to where he stores all of these cars. That's going to cost plenty, too.

[@kennedymcgovern5413]

@@turbofanlover I mean, don't get me wrong. I am a fan of success. I begrudge no one their good fortunes. I just think it would make for an interesting story, if he chose to tell it, is all.

[@littlejohnny47]

It is always interesting when you give some of the story about how you find these rare cars! This was a great story. I would have just quit - being heartbroken about the “already sold” story. But your perseverance let you get to the owner and work the sale! Great job!

[@RareClassicCars]

Thx!

[@2flyabove]

Gorgeous car... happy memory for me as my father had one....

[@keithhebert9334]

That is a nice Mercury mcgarrett had one that was a hard top it was black I always liked that car since it has a 4-barrel dual exhaust good idea I do remember how those shifters were that there was issue about them jumping out of park while they were idling your knowledge is very impressive keep up the good work let's see more

[@MichiganMan1985]

Gorgeous automobile. That lawn would be a beautiful place to display your entire collection for us viewers-maybe an Autumn special! What a great story about how you acquired the car. It would be great if you added anecdotes like this about each of your cars. Really enjoy that about Leno’s Garage posts.

[@RareClassicCars]

Thx. Will try to do that.

[@michaelwitas9482]

Regarding steering wheels, 1967's had an energy absorbing steering wheel and padded hub. The 1968's had an energy absorbing steering column. it was a major safety improvement.

[@DSP1968]

I ABSOLUTELY love this car, as well as your three other '68s. Thank you for the tour.

[@paralyzes]

Your taste in vintage luxury rides is phenomenal. Very nice Parklane.

[@ChadQuick270W]

Awesome video! I feel like I’m riding with McGarrett on Hawaii Five-O. Great job there 👍

[@johnroof2663]

What I like about the postcard is the formal roofline. This man must hunt high and low for these cars! This car is a beautiful example. When I was a kid my mom had a 73 Mercury montego MX Brougham With the 351 Cleveland In fact my mom and dad bought it off the showroom floor and we took it to Germany with us. That was a nice writing car and it didn't have a lot of problems keeping up on the Autobon.

[@cdnpont]

I'm surprised Mercury's of this level didn't included headrests by 68. Most GM's seemed to have them by then. Also, I just have to add that I'm right on your wavelength with your addition of factory appearing duals on most all your cars. The twin correct tips peeking out, and the performance improvement that come with it really give these big cars a bit of attitude. It's the very first thing I did when I got my 67 Grande (and all the other big cars I've owned). Thanks so much for this vid.

[@danielulz1640]

Headrests were not federally required on cars built before January 1st 1968.

[@wingman427]

Gorgeous Park Lane. All of the cars on your videos are amazing. You have incredible knowledge about these cars. Like the way you show the cars and explain the maintenance issues. Very well done.

[@brianbalyeat3577]

Adam you're so handsome, you should do all your intros in person. Thanks again for all your info!

[@johnclements6852]

What a lovely car, I was surprised at the excellent panel fit and gaps, not always true back then, you're a lucky fellow Adam to have assembled such a collection of outstanding cars. Thanks for the great videos, a most informative car channel.

[@robertlutgen7636]

What a great pair of 1968 Mercury’s you own!

[@byronpink9061]

Great find Adam! These are very nice automobiles. Great story with this car too. BP

[@General.Longstreet]

Simply stunning!

[@joesbarandgrill5393]

I always loved the 68 full sized Mercs.

[@barryburkholder4000]

I love those mid to late 60s Mercury sedans. Your such a good speaker and obviously are crazy about cars.

[@RareClassicCars]

Thx!

[@OldCarAlley]

Nice Mercury. Never seen one with the rear window like that.... enjoyed.

[@garyruark9506]

The Parklane Brougham has different door panel woodgrain shape than the other Parklanes. Of all your excellent cars I really like this one the best. Great quality and style.

[@davef.2811]

Gorgeous car. Don't know how you do it but must admit, I'm jealous!

[@michaelbrown5601]

A certain 60s TV top cop in Hawaii drove one of these, a hardtop model in black. The early intro credits to the show featured him driving a black 1967 fastback 😎 Love the Park Lane!

[@dennisleporte2327]

What a treat ! thanks for posting. I always felt as though Merc's were always underated. I had a 65' Mercury Comet Caliente in deep sea blue. My uncle had a 65 Fairlane in this same color as yours. Thanks again ! Cheers! from massachusetts.

[@ap1687]

Beautiful car! Very glad I found your channel.

[@StepDownRichardDisney42]

My Most Favorite Mercury Ever Built

[@SoonerDan77]

That is an amazing car, love the interior and that color really fits the body well. Love your content.

[@RareClassicCars]

Thx!

[@alconk7129]

Very interesting subject! Beautiful car!

[@randyneugent]

Adam, this car is simply amazing !!! ....and you have 2 of them. I'm from Maryland (Baltimore ). I'm going to leave you an email. I love the way you are so detailed about cars my friend. You're amazing man !!!!!!

[@calbob750]

The good old days of the large barge. Your ranch style home built in the fifties had a two car garage, but only one and half of these could fit in the garage.

[@rightlanehog3151]

Good point, for a long time I have wondered why garages are so darn small.

[@WitchKing-Of-Angmar]

@@rightlanehog3151 especially for 50's automobiles, let's not pretend those are small, because that would be a good joke. I think anything from a 1953 Chrysler to a 1955 Cadillac, to especially a Lincoln, were around 16-17 foot and as tall as an SUV.

[@adamtrombino106]

I like the rear end treatment and recessed window. The 390 is a great engine, even in 2bbl form. My issue with all of these Ford products is the lack of gauges.

[@steves9905]

oh my goodness that is just breathtaking. beautiful colors. normally I'm all about the hardtop, but that really looks stately, not ostentatious, and the inset rear window is a nice detail. the satiny interior is over the top lux...makes contemporary cars look even more claustrophobic, plasticky, and gimcrackery than they already are. to me luxury is freedom of space and a light, airy feeling, not closed in. I have a buddy with a '66 Tbird and the 390, and it definitely provides the heady rush of power without knocking you over the head over it. Good engine. Front discs on the Merc? Subscriber here...thx for sharing another in your awesome collection

[@stephenholland5930]

Going by the brake master reservoir, I would say it does have front disc brakes.

[@dirkvolknon9515]

Wehry nice,thank you for show this amazing car

[@truman1158]

Always wanted Dad to buy a Park Lane for the roll down rear window. I had two older sisters and had to sit between them in the back seat or between Mom and Dad in the front seat. I never had my own roll down window.

[@timo3683]

Poor guy

[@truman1158]

@@timo3683 Thanks. I lived. I’m 66 years-old with no scars.

[@P.Galore]

This one of your better cars.....my favorite wagon - the 1968 Colony Park - looks very similar.

[@wmalden]

I remember my 4th grade teacher in 1966 had a Park Lane in this color. My mom had a 1968 Falcon Futura Sports Coupe. Same steering wheel and black/chrome knobs as in this Mercury. I also remember having to pull up on the gearshift to be able to start the 200 CID straight six.

[@annoyedatthis1]

You provide a great narrative to go with the display.

[@rustythebailiff9785]

It’s a beauty man. Really enjoy the videos. Thank you. Great to see a fellow Michigander !

[@truman1158]

Dad had a 1965 Chevrolet Impala four-door sedan with a 327 V-8 and air conditioning. That A/C could freeze over the metal gimbal outboard vents and a horizontal metal center vent. Funny thing, Mom smoked and that ‘65 had two ash trays, one on either side of the center HVAC control. Non-air condition Impalas had only one ash tray.

[@golfr604]

When america built real cars , what an era the 60's and 70's were for American land yachts 🤣 great video

[@crankychris2]

It was all over by 1975. By then, even with a V-8, cars could barely accelerate above 80 mph.

[@aaronwilliams6989]

@@crankychris2 And double nickel speed limits. Remember?

[@youtubecarspottersguide1]

ft and rear fold down armrest a true fine car feature

[@craighighmore4302]

Lovely car, very understated. Great interior once again!

[@markbehr88]

Good that you persevered to find the original owner of the Mercury. While Mercury may have wanted to reference Pontiac in the tail lights I am sure the designers also thought it probably wasn’t a bad idea to poach a Cadillac rear styling cue and apply it to their Mercury line. A good way to annoy Cadillac I am sure.

[@mikeyankey7574]

Hi Adam. You and I seem to share the same taste in cars. I have a '66 Monterey convertible and a '61 Meteor 800 sedan. Love your channel! Keep up the great work.

[@markjones9631]

The 390 run away train 🚆 Lay that pedal on floor board and hang on boys.😇🤘👍

[@hawaiifiles]

Beautiful car. I wish I could have driven or owned one. Great story on acquiring this one too.

[@Al-thecarhistorian]

Solid review of a solid car.

[@occasionsphoto]

my mother had the "woody" wagon version of the 68 PL. very smooth!

[@michaelnault5905]

People driving Ford products of that era would habitually hang their left hand over the wheel to pull up on the shift lever well turning the key with their right hand. I think I recall seeing people do the same with other makes as well. Beautiful car.

[@2packs4sure]

In my experience it's almost never the neutral safety switch it's that the plastic bushings in the gearshift linkage have disintegrated and the slop is what makes that happen...

[@chriscullen1855]

I find you can adjust it out with the switch. On some occasions, the plastic tab on the switch itself is broken. They aren’t as easy to find as you’d hope either.

[@genius-no5sl]

What a beautiful ride ! Just epic ..

[@catiesuncle]

Very nice car. It’s interesting to see the difference between the GM and Ford cars of the era, but honestly, they are all nice!

[@mrnovacan2158]

My 2nd car was a 69 ford galaxie 500, 4 door sedan,the same color combination as your 68 mercury, had the 302 v8.It was 3 yrs old when I got it 50,000 miles on it, It was a great car . Kept it 3 years was very reliable, not like the the 3rd vehicle I bought!

[@neilschipper3741]

The quality of the ride Comfort was a big thing that they push cutting diamonds in the backseat in commercials.

[@charliefunboy5210]

Thank you for sharing the information about the previous owner and how you were able to purchase the car. I love those stories. Also, does the NYLON create any static shock and if so, does the car have one of those rubber straps that hang down to ground to the road? Thanks for your time.

[@440mgnm]

Watch the 1972 film 'The Getaway' with Steve McQueen. You'll see a car just like this one do some pretty crazy stuff

[@bdshafer]

I enjoy your entire program. Because of people being injured from steering wheels in auto accidents for the year 1968, the Federal government mandated padded steering wheels and less intrusiveee steering wheel the following year and thereafter.

[@stephenholland5930]

The mandated shoulder belts would also lessen driver and front passenger injuries, although there wasn't a law to "encourage" people to actually use them.

[@SwarthyPlinker]

I love the body color.

[@b58hustler71]

390s are rock solid motors.

[@timothyconwell7529]

We had a63 Mercury Montery Convertible , Boy I want that car back, We put road runner duel glass packs on it !! U would know we were coming from a mile away ...❗❗❗❗❗❗ 👍👍👍☝✌✋❤

[@drakbar5957]

Merc had me with the inset rear window. Never knew there was a two inch down Breezeway option.

[@ThePrissy11]

Beautiful car. They sounded great with a single exhaust. I don’t know if I would have modified the original with dual exhausts.

[@pjesf]

Gorgeous car. Had Mercury moved away from the winged man badge by this time? My Dad had a 63 Meteor that I used to sit inside of for HOURS as a kid pretending I could drive and that winged man was right in the center of the steering wheel. The Mercury brand is extra special to me. EDIT: Winged man at 9:10 ❤️

[@JuanGarcia-vb3du]

That is SOOOO pretty!

[@wtorrescarlo]

Amazing car, evokes some memories. If you ever sell it, please let me know...Haha

[@crumdoggy]

Sweet sound!

[@markthor7865]

Rear of car is very similar to a 1964 Pontiac 🙂 Great car Adam

[@caseyfuqua2656]

I love sedans. Much better looking than hard tops in my opinion.

[@kirbywaite1586]

I was amazed when I first discovered that the rear windshields in some of these models drop down. You wouldn't expect it to.

[@aaronwilliams6989]

That is KILLER cool!

[@jasoncarpp7742]

Lovely looking car. I like 4 door sedans the best. Hardtops are nice, but they don't provide much protection in the event of a collision.

[@drwho534]

Curious to know, how many cars do you own and how are you able to store them all? Love how auto manufacturer's used to offer model variations of the same car such as your Park Lane Hardtop vs. Park Lane Pillared Sedan.