In the beginning of 1962 all engines built for the full-size Mercury were called “Monterey” engines and the Marauder name disappeared, but a turn around of the Marauder name began late in the year. In the spring of 1962 Ford's new 406 engine became available in two forms, 385 and 405 horsepower, the latter being a return to an exotic 3-carb engine like that used in the 1958 Mercury. (Ford used a 3-carb 390 in 1961-2, but it was not available in a Mercury) Initially called the Monterey 406, Mercury quickly changed names to the “Marauder” engine for the 406 4V, and the “Marauder 406” for the 406 6V. These engines were available in all full-size Mercurys except wagons. The Marauder 406 was the highest horsepower Marauder engine offered to date. However, 1962 would also be the year with the lowest production of Mercury Marauder engines ever.
The biggest Marauder news for 1962 was the Mercury Marauder convertible concept car that made the show circuit that year. The car used what would turn out to be 1963 sheet metal and looked very much like a 1963 Monterey convertible with 1964 wheel covers. This was the first time Mercury put the Marauder name on a car. The car is not well known and information on it is very hard to find today.
After looking for this picture for over a year, and not having seen it in some 20 years, I stumbled on it today while looking for something else. Here is a picture of the original 1962 Mercury Marauder concept car. This is the very first Mercury Marauder automobile.
Engine production:
Marauder 41 estimated
Marauder 406 83 estimated
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