Maniacal Marquis: 2003 Mercury Marauder Trilogy S/C

When Mercury reintroduced the Marauder in 2003, it was a breath of fresh air for performance enthusiasts, and it was instantly likened to the Chevrolet Impala of 1994-1996, largely for the imposing size both vehicles carried, the monochromatic finish (usually in black), and classic front V8-rear drive platform. The Marauder packed a healthy punch, thanks to the 300hp, 4.6L, 32v, DOHC Mustang Cobra V8 under the hood, although the high-revving engine and taller rear gearing left some a little jaded at the off-the-line acceleration, or lack of. It was quick, but didn’t have the grunt people expected – it built power and speed with higher revs, making up for time as it moved further down the line.

A few customers opted for a Trilogy Supercharger package, which gives the Marauder more spunk out-of-the-hole, and presses power closer to about 380hp. The package looks factory correct under the hood – the styling, fit, and finish of the Trilogy Supercharger were always well regarded. With just a little over 7,000 built, only a small batch were fitted with the Trilogy S/C, and this is one of them. Having covered just over 100k miles, it’s finished in the all-black motif inside and out, and all Marauders are fitted with leather interiors, bucket seats, center consoles, floor shifters, and 17” chrome wheels. In fact, the only options were a rear trunk lid mounted spoiler and moonroof, neither of which were installed on this car. Presenting very nicely, it appears to have been well kept and cared for – the seller says they have all documents dating back to day one, and while it’s got a few miles on the clock, these cars were known for crossing the 300k-mile barrier with ease when well cared for.