Lincoln never built a proper station wagon, which was typical of an American luxury brand. However, who came closest? Mercury used marketing to push its medium-/upper-medium-priced brand upwards, but is our Pick of the Day akin to a Lincoln wagon? This 1966 Mercury Colony Park is listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a dealership in Branson, Missouri.
Mercury had its ups and downs when trying to figure out its place in the market. Though Chrysler Corporation is famous for having trouble from the late-1950s into the 1960s, Ford Motor Company also had its issues after trying to compete toe-to-toe (and beyond) with General Motors. The team of Ford, Edsel, Mercury, Lincoln, and Continental did not last long, unfortunately, and life was not happy in Dearborn by the end of the 1950s. If it wasn’t for the success of the 1960 Ford Falcon (and, arguably, the 1961 Lincoln Continental), Ford Motor Company may not have prepared for the highs it later experienced with the Mustang.
While Mercury was meandering as a fancy Ford in the early part of the 1960s, it regained traction in 1964, when the fancy Park Lane was reintroduced. A year later, Mercury crept into Lincoln territory with its styling. “Now in the Lincoln Continental tradition,” read the brochure. “For 1965, Mercury assumes a new posture” in terms of elegance, interior appointments, and road-handling characteristics. Monterey, Montclair, and Park Lane, plus the Commuter and Colony Park wagons, appeared as a return to form — at least more than just a Ford with different styling and more trim.
Despite Mercury milking Lincoln’s style and reputation, the Colony Park could hardly be considered a junior Lincoln wagon. The Colony Park matched the mid-range Montclair in appointments. “Colony Park interiors are available in cloth-and-vinyl or all-vinyl. Standard appointments include a deluxe steering wheel, electric clock, Interval Selector Windshield Wipers, deluxe armrests and paddle-type door handles, bright-finish seat side shields and windshield garnish moldings. Underfoot is deep-loop carpeting extending the length of regular passenger area.” Of course, the Colony Park also offered “marks of exterior distinctions,” like simulated wood paneling and side rails, deluxe wheel covers, bright-metal rocker-panel moldings, and powered rear window. “All Mercury station wagons feature a new Dual-Action Tailgate which can be opened either in the conventional manner, or in the manner of a side-hinged sedan door to provide passengers convenient access to the optional rear-facing third seat.”
So maybe the Colony Park was not akin to a Lincoln wagon, but it still was a chariot worthy of a family interested in an upscale utility. This Sage Gold 1966 Mercury Colony Park station wagon is powered by the standard 390 two-barrel paired with a three-speed automatic. Features include power steering and brakes, 15-inch steel wheels with wire wheel covers, luggage rack, and air conditioner (converted to R134a). “Car had a recent brake job and new front wheel cylinders, front and rear shoes, rear drums, and master cylinder,” says the seller. “Great running and driving car that you are not going to see another one like it at your local car shows.”
While many automobiles are named after locations that evoke prestige, Colony Park was imaginary, a creation of implied premium suburban luxury. More suggestive marketing from Ford Motor Company? For $40,000 (OBO), you can get this Colony Park, and we’ll give you the thumbs-up and not spoil the secret.
Click here to view this Pick of the Day on ClassicCars.com
