One-off Mercury to feature at US auction

Introduced at the 2002 Chicago Auto Show by Ford Motor Co., this concept was built by NASCAR guru, Jack Roush, to gauge interest in a high-performance Mercury soft top, at a cost approaching US$500,000. As there wasn't a convertible in the Mercury lineup at the time, the concept was additionally noteworthy.

The one-off convertible has a 4.6-litre supercharged V8 with 335 horsepower and a three-speed automatic transmission. The exterior is finished in a striking black, and its graphite gray interior features a full complement of power options, including air conditioning.

Other features of note include lowered suspension, 18-inch wheels, dark-tinted head and tail lights, fog lamps integrated into the front bumper, and 'MARAUDER' embossed into the rear bumper.

Mercury's vision with the Marauder was to blend 1960s muscle car experience with modern driving dynamics and safety, wrapped in a contemporary package. Unlike many motor show concepts, this Marauder is fully roadworthy, and only 155 miles have been travelled, but is being sold on a Bill of Sale, which means it can't be street registered in the US.

In addition to being a one-off, the demise of the entire Mercury brand in 2010 has made this car additionally collectable. Auctions America by RM have put a pre-sale estimate on this vehicle of US$50,000 - US$75,000. When last auctioned in 2010, the Marauder concept is believed to have bid up to US$50,000, but failed to meet its reserve.

Auctions America by RM's Auburn Spring Auction takes place in Auburn Indiana this June 1 - 3. Further details on this and other lots can be found at www.auctionsamerica.com