A thread was started for you Jim. Many people reminiscing about Mercury cars they've had, or had in the family.
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=278627&highlight=mercury
For $1600 , I was able to get my GF a near turn key single owner Grand Marquis with barely 100k on her. Just needs a few window motors and a front trim piece to be a fully functional, extremely comfortable, reliable and good looking driver. Not a very thirsty V8 too.
