For exterior paint, the boys turned to one of Roger's neighbors who owns Thunder Valley Customs, a shop well known for its custom creations (and as we can personally attest, did an outstanding refinishing job-no easy chore on anything this long and this black). Speaking of black, Ed's car was built without the X-100's usual matte-black Tunnel Roof and trunk lid paint. It seems about half the X-100s were built with this two-tone scheme deleted. Meanwhile, the interior was complete and original, needing only a thorough cleaning, replacement of the carpet, and refurbishing of the center console.
And so, we are thus able to bring you images of the finest '69 X-100 Marauder we've ever seen. By the way, Marauder production was ceased after selling in even lower volume for 1970. So be prepared to have patience should you go searching for one of your own.
The Details
'69 Mercury MarauderX-100
Owner: Ed Zukusky • Bradenton, FL
Engine
N-code 429 4V, stock except for chrome360 hp at 4,600 rpm480 lb-ft at 2,800 rpmExhaust
Stock replacement, with bright tipsSuspension
Front: Stock
Rear: Stock
Brakes
Front: Stock disc
Rear: Stock drum
Wheels
Front: Kelsey-Hayes, 15x6
Rear: Kelsey-Hayes, 15x6
Tires
Front: Goodyear Enterprise, P235/75R15
Rear: Goodyear Enterprise, P235/75R15
Interior
Stock, except for column-mounted aftermarket gauges
Exterior
Refinished in stock black paint by Thunder Valley Customs