Yesterday’s story about a 1973 Olds Cutlass was Part One of today’s story.
This 1966 Mercury Montclair is Part Two.
Jerry Sutherland
Gary Osbak and his wife Linda Hohol also own a 1966 Mercury Montclair four-door sedan. Gary explained why: “You may guess what happened next — I started looking around on Ebay for a car I knew my wife would love”. This was his response to her purchase of his beloved ’73 Olds Cutlass.
The reason was simple, as Gary explained: “The family car she learned to drive on was a ‘66 Turquoise Frost Park Lane Mercury 4 door Breezeway. I saw the survivor Montclair, same year – very close to the Park Lane and the right color so… well, another Ebay car from the US!”.
The original family Merc was too far gone as Gary explained: “The Park Lane is still at her old farm but totally rusted out and unrestorable. I took a couple of pieces from it and put them on the Montclair, so the Park Lane lives on!”.
Gary was more experienced on this second purchase: “This time I at least phoned the owner and asked a few questions and figuring out the transport etc. was easier the 2nd time around”.
Gary did some research on the Merc’s history and learned the car was originally bought in South Dakota and the original owner hung onto it until 2008—then he sold it back to the original dealership. Gary bought it from a guy in Illinois who “bought it to flip it at an auction”.
He did some more digging and Gary learned that the original owner still lived in Kadoka, South Dakota. Gary and Linda drove there on the way home from Utah and found the original owner: “Stopped at a bar in Kadoka and asked about the whereabouts of the person, and in small town fashion we were told the directions to his place. We had a very nice visit. He was 86 at the time and was simply thrilled to know where his Merc ended up”.
There’s a short list on repairs: “The only maintenance on the Merc was brakes all around, a new gas tank and a rebuilt carb. And I replaced a faulty horn which I got from the Park Lane that Linda learned to drive on”.
This is a true success story because Gary and Linda really enjoy their ’66 Merc: “My wife never actually drives the Merc – too big a boat, but she enjoys riding in it!”.
The other part of the success story is the car itself: “No accidents ever, no rust, no bondo, no paint touch ups, original paint, powertrain, interior, windshield, and factory AC through the dash – we really lucked out on this car”.
Gary summed up Part Two this way.
We were very lucky to get good classics in a very decent price range to fit our budget – and from Ebay! There’s no way I would do that now. We were luckier than we were smart or rich.
Gary Osbak
By: Jerry Sutherland
Jerry Sutherland is a veteran automotive writer with a primary focus on the collector car hobby. His work has been published in many outlets and publications, including the National Post, Calgary Herald, Edmonton Journal, Ottawa Citizen, Montreal Gazette, Saskatoon StarPhoenix, Regina Leader-Post, Vancouver Sun and The Truth About Cars. He is also a regular contributor to Auto Roundup Publications.
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