2002 Mercury Marauder Convertible Concept

The 2003 Mercury Marauder sedan goes on sale this summer. Pricing will be announced closer to launch. At this time, the convertible is purely a concept, but public reaction will be closely monitored to gauge whether sufficient demand exists to justify a full development program.

The Marauder Convertible concept’s monochromatic body is finished in black gloss paint. Dark-tinted headlamps and taillamp bezels flow from the black exterior to continue the serious, but understated appearance. Unmistakable but subtle performance cues include the high intensity Cibie© fog lamps integrated into the fascia, the three-inch chrome exhaust tips and the Marauder name embossed on the rear bumper.

The car’s lowered front suspension gives it an aggressive, muscle-car stance that is reinforced by the large 18-inch wheels and tires. The classic image of the Roman god Mercury is cast into each of the wheel caps to further communicate the car’s personality and heritage.

Like the Marauder sedan, the convertible is true to classic Mercury and Marauder heritage with added luxury touches for comfort. Inside, dual eight-way-power reclining bucket seats are appointed in rich black leather with classic French seam stitching derived from vintage Marauders. The seats have extra padding for better thigh, lumbar, and shoulder support. A modern rendition Mercury god’s head is debossed into the front seat backs.

2010 Mecum Auction.

At their Kissimmee, Florida Auction, Mecum offered the sole Marauder Convertible with only 107 miles on the odometer and on a bill of sale without registration. It failed to sell with a high bid of $50,000 USD and was described as follows:

This one-of-a-kind 2002 Mercury Marauder was built by the Ford Motor Company for the Chicago Auto Show to test the public’s appetite for a full-size convertible. Ford invested over $300,000 in this unique contender, which features a supercharged 4.6 liter V-8 rated at 335 horsepower, 3-speed console-shifted automatic and a full complement of available options. With just 107 miles on the clock, the car is still in marvelous condition and will make an attention-grabbing addition to any collection.

Highlights:

– Concept car built by Ford Motor Company for over $300,000
– 107 miles
– Introduced at the 2002 Chicago Auto Show to test potential market for full size convertible
– Sold on bill of sale, not street legal
– 4.6 liter 335 HP engine supercharged
– Automatic transmission
– Great attention getter