The Mercury Monarch shared almost everything with the American Ford Granada - a car that did not garner many praises from the motoring press, but the two models still sold a combined 2,64 million cars over the course of 5 years.
The Ford Granada and sister model Mercury Monarch were supposed to capture the market's demand for smaller cars and stem imports from Europe and Japan. To save money, the models inherited the Ford Maverick's rear suspension and power transmission with roots going back to the 60's Falcon - with a rigid rear axle and leaf springs - which the first Mustangs actually had. American Ford Granada and Mercury Monarch had roughly the same external dimensions as the previous Mustang mk1.
Drivelines sourced from the Ford stable
The Mercury Monarch could be supplied with two inline-sixes and two V8s, – the 302 engine (5,0 liters) and the 351 engine (5,7 liters). Buyers could choose between three gearboxes, a 3- or 4-speed manual or a 3-speed automatic. All from what the Ford group already had in its stable.
Hit the market – not the car press
The automotive press of the time was devoid of enthusiasm for the Ford group's new mid-range cars. There was nothing wrong with the cars, but there wasn't much new either. In a review of the Granada 302 V8 in American Road & Track from the 1975 launch year, the journalist concludes by saying that he thinks the car would suit his mother well. Nevertheless, the cars became popular. They were delivered with color-matched dashboards, seats, carpets, door panels and seat belts - as only American car manufacturers can. The Coupé version with fake vinyl landau top was fashionable design for the 1970s. As you know, the Ford Mustang mk2 had been heavily scaled down, and could not be supplied with a V8 engine when it was launched. That may have lured buyers over to the Ford Granada and Mercury Monarch. And even though the two models were virtually identical, the Mercury was considered more luxurious than the Ford.
About the pictures
The photos of the beige/light brown car with 4 doors were taken in a car park in Vestby, 2024. The coupé version with a burgundy-coloured landau top was photographed outside a private house at Saltnes in Østfold.
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