The Mercury Park Lane, a flagship model for the company from 1958 to 1960, made a brief comeback in 1964, only to be discontinued again in 1968. While not as well-known as the Cougar or Grand Marquis, Park Lane, particularly the 1967 Brougham, deserves recognition for its luxurious features and powerful engines.
The Brougham, the top-of-the-line Park Lane model, was available as a four-door sedan or four-door hardtop. It featured the “Twin Comfort Lounge,” a pair of 50-50 split bench seats with deep foam padding, unique thick cloth upholstery, and bespoke ornamentation.
This luxurious interior was complemented by a choice of two powerful V8 engines: a 390-cubic-inch FE-series engine rated at 315 horsepower and 427 pound-feet of torque, or a larger 428-cubic-inch Q-code V8 engine that delivered 345 horsepower and 462 pound-feet of torque.
Despite its impressive features and performance, the Park Lane Brougham was ultimately overshadowed by the more iconic Mercury models that followed. However, it remains a fascinating example of American automotive luxury and engineering from the mid-1960s. The 1968 Mercury Park Lane Brougham, particularly the 428-powered variant, is a testament to the automotive engineering of its era.
This unassuming four-door sedan, often overshadowed by its more glamorous contemporaries, offers a unique blend of performance, luxury, and rarity. Equipped with a powerful 428-cubic-inch V8 engine, the Park Lane Brougham could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in under nine seconds. This impressive feat, combined with its luxurious interior and substantial size, made it a formidable and desirable vehicle. However, its true allure lies in its scarcity.
Only a small fraction of 1968 Park Lane Broughams were produced with the 428 engine, making them highly sought-after by collectors and enthusiasts. The combination of performance and exclusivity has raised the 428-powered model to a coveted status within the classic car community.
The black Park Lane Brougham featured in this article is a prime example of this rare and desirable classic. Despite its age, it retains many of its original features, including the Nugget Gold interior and the powerful 428 engine. Additionally, this particular car is equipped with the trailer tow package, which includes a heavy-duty C6 transmission – a further rarity.
While the 1968 Park Lane Brougham may not be as widely recognized as some other classic cars, its unique combination of performance, luxury, and rarity makes it a highly collectible and valuable asset. For those seeking a distinctive and powerful classic car, the 428-powered Park Lane Brougham is an excellent choice.
