1972 Mercury Montego GT

Introduced in 1968 , the Mercury Montego was an upscale version of the Mercury Comet. (It was basically a twin of the Ford Torino.) In 1972 and 1973, a sporty fastback coupe called Montego GT was offered.  

With the "Muscle Era" heading for it's demise, both the Torino and Montego nameplates and their engines carried over, but that was about it. Both models got an extensive overhaul. Wheelbases for the two door's shrank, and for the first time Ford's mid sized line up sported a frame, as opposed to a "Unit Body Construction."  The rear suspension became a coil spring four trailing arm system, replacing the leaf spring version of the prior year, and the track was widened a full 2 inches both front and rear. 

Styling was evolutionary.  The prior excesses of the 1970 and '71 models were scaled back, and while the nose was still contoured, the protruding center section and Egg Crate Grille theme wasn't quite as prominent. Unfortunately, 1973's suffered the consequences of the Government's new bumper legislation.

However, power ratings dropped. The standard Montego GT 2 barrel Windsor 302 V8 put out only 140 hp, the optional 2 barrel 351C V8 was rated at 163 hp, the two 4 barrel Cleveland options (both with and without the Cold Air Cobra Jet package), were rated at a respectable 266 and 262 hp, but the once mighty N-Code 429 V8 had been trimmed back to 205 hp, 50 horses less than the smaller Cleveland 4 barrels. 

And yet, the Midsized Mercury's direction toward pure Luxury somehow worked. Montego sales not only shot up over the last year, but it also took up a larger piece of the Mercury sales pie. But, the writing was on the wall...not only were Muscle Cars dying, sales of luxury versions drove the final nail through the Big Block V8 coffin. (And now...a moment of silence...shhh!)

Still, even though they were bigger and more luxurious than Muscle cars of years gone by, Mercury Montego GT's are very attractive, and a nice change of pace to break up the usual offerings displayed at car shows and local cruise nights.  And, one has to admit..after standing around all day, chatting up other car owners and spectators, it's comfortable seating, smooth ride and A/C is an absolute Godsend!