by Mike Gulett –
I spent a few years of my youth riding in the back of a 1964 Mercury Colony Park Station Wagon usually driven by my dad with my mother, two brothers and me as passengers. I also learned to drive in this Mercury taught by my mother a few years later and then I was the driver.
I have fond memories of those times and this station wagon. As a young person I was not impressed by the specifications listed below but was enamored with the time our family spent on the weekends and on road trips driving and riding in this station wagon to the mountains, to the beach and cross country.
What was special about this Mercury was that it was my family driving and riding in it. You may have had a similar special experience with a different car like a Ford, Chevrolet, Chrysler or AMC – maybe a Range Rover?
The 1964 Mercury Colony Park station wagon epitomized mid-century American automotive luxury, blending spacious practicality with upscale design (Though I did not think this at the time). As Mercury’s top-tier full-size wagon, it offered families a comfortable and stylish mode of transportation and it must have been inexpensive, too, for my parents to buy one.
Performance & Specifications
Engine Options: Standard was a 390 cu in (6.4 L) FE V8 engine, delivering between 250 to 330 horsepower and 427 lb-ft of torque, depending on configuration.
Transmission: Typically equipped with a 3-speed automatic transmission, though a 3-speed manual was also available but the auto was more suitable for the family.
Performance: 0–60 mph in approximately 10 seconds, with a top speed of around 115 mph. I thought for sure it was faster than this when I drove it and believe me, I did test the limits.
Fuel Economy: Estimated at 10–12 mpg. My experience was maybe it was worse than this but, at 25 cents per gallon for gasoline, I did not care much.
Dimensions
Wheelbase: 119 inches.
Curb Weight: Approximately 4,500 lbs.
Brakes: Drum brakes on all wheels.
Design & Features
Exterior: Notable for its simulated woodgrain siding (oh yeah), a hallmark of luxury wagons of the era, complemented by clean lines and a prominent grille.
Interior: Featured plush seating with high-quality upholstery, accommodating up to nine passengers with a rear-facing third-row seat (lots of fun).
Convenience Features: Equipped with power-operated tailgate and rear window, enhancing usability. This was a great feature.
Color Options: Offered in various colors, including vibrant choices like Phoenician Yellow, Bittersweet and Teal (our car’s color).
The 1964 Mercury Colony Park holds a special place in automotive history (and my history) as a symbol of family-oriented luxury. Its blend of performance, comfort, and distinctive styling makes it a very cool classic.
Let us know what you think in the Comments.
Research and some text by ChatGPT 40. All images compliments of Mercury.
One of my brothers sent in some old photos of my 2 younger brothers and me next to the Mercury in Mar 1964 according to the date on the photo.
Another photo shows my dad ready to drive with his 3 sons waiting (I am seated eager, to go).
Mike,
Nothing beats the old wagons from when we were growing up – the true SUVs of our time. Where I grew up on the South Shore of Nassau County on Long Island, New York, it seemed that every family with more than two kids had a station wagon. Probably, the most popular was the Ford Country Squire, followed by the Buick Estate Wagon, and then maybe the Chevy Kingswood. For families that had a slightly more moderate budget, the Olds Vista Cruiser was incredibly popular, with that cool glass skylight panel in the middle. It is now immortalized forever as Red and Kitty Foreman’s car on “That 70’s Show”. Alas, the days of a real station wagon are pretty much over, although some European companies still offer them. Don’t get me started on Crossovers or SUVs. Thank you for sharing your personal memories of wonderful time growing up in the USA.
Glenn in Brooklyn, NY.