Ford vs Chrysler wagons

http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/dak/cto/4917753823.html

1970 Mercury Colony Park Stationwagon - $4500 (Hastings, MN)

108,000 miles. Strong 429, runs great, good tires, Factory AM 8 Track, vinyl roof, interval wipers. Have the original window sticker. More photos available upon request. $4,500 or best offer. The car is in storage but accessible for viewing. Contact Ed at 651-437-8830 if interested.

 

My suggestion: Go big, or go home. Take your time, and find the nicest '77 or '78 Ford Country Squire or Mercury Grand Marquis Colony Park you can.

Reasons:
- If you are at all concerned with replacement body parts, the Fords/Mercurys would be a better choice because there are so many more out there.
- Both came with covered headlamps
- Both were available with engines up to 460 cubic inches
- 4-wheel disc brakes were an available option
- All the luxury equipment you would want.

Here's links for the factory brochures on the '78 LTD and the '78 Grand Marquis:

Click on the individual thumbnails to blow up the separate pages....
LTD:
http://www.lov2xlr8.no/brochures/ford/78ltd1/78ltd1.html

Grand Marquis:
http://www.lov2xlr8.no/brochures/mercury/78mq/78mq.html

Happy shopping....

Marshall

 

If you take Krash's advice, I would add that you avoid one with the 400 engine. My Dad bought a new 77 Country Squire with the 400 back in the fall of 76. The car was constantly back at the dealer for repairs. It didn't have enough power to get out of it's own way, and got about 10 miles per gallon (7 when towing a trailer).