An American, a German, a Canadian, and a Brit all walk into a bar. What’s the punchline? I dunno, but these four AutoHunter Picks come from different countries. If you think you spot two Yanks, technically, you’re not wrong, but Mercury pickups were not sold in the U.S. Why the need for Mercury pickups when Ford would do? Because Canada back in the day was not as densely populated and there were fewer dealerships in more rural regions. Offering a Mercury pickup kept Ford Motor Company in the running when there was no local Ford dealership around.
Japan also has interesting dealer setups that are beyond the knowledge of this writer, but the Japanese are not part of the joke. Maybe next week?
2007 Jaguar XK Convertible
The first-generation XK was the long-overdue successor to the XJS, a porky GT that never seemed to be the proper heir apparent to the XKE. The XK8 (as it was known then) tried to correct this and mostly succeeded.
This 2007 XK convertible is a pre-facelift version of the second-gen XK. It’s powered by a 4.2-liter V8 with 300 horsepower backed by a six-speed automatic, which is enough for 0-60 in 5.5 seconds. The Radiance Red/tan combo is classic, as is the woodgrain interior trim. This is a car that’s all hat and plenty of cattle.
1962 Pontiac Catalina Ventura
I’ve always found Pontiac Venturas confusing. Basically, they’re Catalinas with fancier Bonneville-style tri-tone interiors, but how they’re presented depends on the year. For 1960-61, it was an actual model; for 1962, it was just an interior package. In other years, the package called for Ventura badging, but not for 1962.
This 1962 Catalina Vista four-door hardtop features the Ventura interior, a 389 two-barrel and Roto Hydra-matic automatic, front seat cushion, wheel covers, tinted windows, and power steering and brakes. Otherwise, this is your basic four-door Poncho with a snazzy interior that’s within reach to many, so jump on it!
2005 Mercedes-Benz E 500
Remember the four-eye trend? These Mercedes-Benzes gave a different face to the automotive world, with several other brands following suit. It’s hard to believe it was way back in the 1995 model year when the first four-eyed E-Class (W210) debuted. Its W211 replacement appeared for the 2003-09 model years. When the subsequent W212 appeared, it evolved the look into something similar yet different—not four-eyed, but close.
This 2005 E 500 was a pricey saloon in its time, no doubt due to the 5.0-liter V8 over the more common V6. With 302 horsepower on tap, it’ll move briskly, even by modern standards. Naturally, a seven-speed automatic harnesses the power. Features include a sunroof, an air suspension, 17-inch wheels, a power tilt and telescoping steering wheel, and so much more. When you buy it, send me a recording of the thud of the doors, please.
1946 Mercury ½-Ton Pickup
I find Canadian vehicles fascinating. Sometimes, especially with FoMoCo-based Meteors and Monarchs, I’ve gotten the impression that the distinctive styling was the result of ideas that were deep-sixed by the design studios. True or not, it seems most of these north-of-the-border specials were tackier than their American brethren.
That’s not the case with this Mercury half-ton. Although this Mercury’s grille is glitzier than that of its Ford compatriot, this truck looks almost the same, aside from owner-made mods, such as the 302 V8 with a four-barrel carb, two-tone blue paint with contrasting wheels, an airbag suspension, and four-wheel power disc brakes, among others. If you like Ford pickups, why not consider this Mercury that carries more distinction on our side of the border?
