At the 2002 Chicago Auto Show, Ford introduced the revival of the Marauder name on a concept car that raised eyebrows all around. It was a two-door, four-seat convertible based on the Grand Marquis/Crown Victoria, and it was absolutely stunning. Under the hood, Marauder borrowed the supercharged 4.6L/335 HP V-8 from the Mustang Cobra, promising not only fabulous looks but stellar performance. The car was a complete throwback; the name hadn’t been used in some 30 years, and a large, lengthy four-seat convertible like this one hadn’t been built in an equally long amount of time, particularly with such a muscular engine. When production commenced, the convertible was gone, as was the supercharger, but much of the rest remained. The 4.6L V-8 engine was tuned for a more manageable 302 HP, all Marauders were equipped with a 4-speed automatic transmission, and they were all entirely based on the Grand Marquis chassis and body. Four doors, monochrome paint, big 18-inch wheels with sticky Goodyear tires, front bucket seats upholstered in Nudo leather with an embossed Marauder emblem, a center console with the T-bar shifter and a couple of auxiliary gauges nestled under the dashboard for a more Hot Rod look. It was as if the NHRA got to design a Grand Marquis. In 2004, just a year later, Mercury ceased production on the Marauder, with only a little over 11,000 built between two years. This 2003 is presented in the popular black on black color motif and was delivered new to Richmond Ford Lincoln Ltd. in Richmond, British Columbia, Canada, and it still retains its window sticker. Complete with the Performance Handling Package, it’s equipped with traction control, power steering, power brakes, cruise control, air conditioning, power windows, power locks, power seats, a trunk organizer and, of course, the 4.6L DOHC V-8 engine and automatic transmission. With the car optioned with the rear trunk spoiler, an Audiophile stereo system provides a more modern way to enjoy tunes.
