Available by special order on most 1958 Mercurys was a 430-cubic inch V-8 engine built to near NASCAR specifications, with three two-barrel carburetors. It was known as the Super Marauder and pumped out an honest-to-goodness 400 horsepower. When dropped into the lightest of Monterey bodies, it resulted in a Mercury muscle car—six years before that term was actually invented over at Pontiac. Take that, Chief!

The handsome Montclair Hardtop Coupe offered here, though born with the 383-cubic inch V-8 with a four-barrel carburetor and 330 horsepower, has been uprated with an original Super Marauder engine believed to have been dealer-installed in period. Unusual for a Super Marauder car, it is also well optioned, with power steering, a push-button Merc-O-Matic transmission with “High Performance,” a Town & Country signal-seeking radio, dual outside mirrors, a factory clock, tinted windows, dual exhaust, a rear-mounted “Continental kit” spare, and fender skirts. Mileage shown is fewer than 50,000, which is believed to be actual mileage from new.

The car was formerly part of the highly respected Jerry Capizzi “Cappy Collection” in Illinois and was later owned by Wayne Davis, of Texas, prior to its purchase by the present owner. More recently, the current owner proceeded to have the carburetor rebuilt along with the transmission and rear end to ensure the car drives as good as it looks. Furthermore, the Mercury received new air shocks and new whitewall tires.

From an era when bigger was better and too big was just right, the 1958 Mercury was virtually unparalleled in chrome-bedecked opulence. The installation of the Super Marauder engine upped the ante to an incomparable combination of power and comfort; combined with incredible originality and fine provenance, that makes this the 1958 Mercury that belongs in one’s collection of American performance machines.