1973 Mercury Montego

The first generation of the Mercury Montego was introduced in 1968 and remained in production until 1971. It was a higher-content version of the intermediate Comet, becoming its own nameplate as part of a 1970 redesign. In 1972, the Montego was fully redesigned alongside the Ford Torino. Changes include moving from the unibody to body-on-frame construction and a split-wheelbase chassis measuring 114-inches for the two-doors and 118-inches for the four-doors and wagons.

In compliance with rising safety regulations, the Montego received energy-absorbing bumpers in 1973. Cloth or vinyl interiors were offered. Trim levels included the Base, MX, MX Brougham, and the GT Series. Body styles on the baseline included a sedan and hardtop coupe. The MX and MX Brougham had a sedan, hardtop coupe, and station wagon. The GT was a hardtop fastback and just 4,464 examples were built.

The MX series had rocker panel moldings and dual, upper body pinstripes. Upgrades to the interior included Deluxe sound insulation and color-keyed deep loop carpeting. The MX Series had a base price that was about $80 more than the base trim level.

The MX Brougham series had even more distinguishing features and upgrades to the interior. Deluxe wheel covers and upper body moldings help set them apart from the MX Series. Inside, there were bench seats with folding armrests.

Despite the absence of the Cyclone after 1971, Mercury continued to offer limited versions of performance with the Montego GT. The GT Series had deluxe sound insulation, deluxe wheel covers, deep loop carpeting, dual racing mirrors, a performance hood with non-functional dual scoops, and a sports-type three-spoke steering wheel.

The base engine was an overhead valve six-cylinder engine displacing 250 cubic inches and offering 92 SAE horsepower. An optional overhead valve V8 engine with a 302 CID displacement and 137 SAE horsepower was available. Other engine options included a two-barrel 351 CID V8, a four-barrel Cobra Jet 351 CID V8, a two-barrel 400 CID V8, and a 429 CID four-barrel V8.

by Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2017