Mercury Grand Marquis Nameplate, 1980-1990

THF150755 / Mercury Grand Marquis Nameplate, 1980-1990
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Artifact Overview

Car model names might seem straightforward (especially once they are well-established and familiar) but most are masterpieces of allusion, rife with references to glamorous locations, social rank, rugged environment -- all tied to the self-image and aspirations of potential car buyers. Different styles of lettering -- whether bold, high-tech, freehand, or formal -- offer further reinforcement to the power of a model name.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Nameplate

Date Made

1980-1990

Location

at Henry Ford Museum in Driving America

Object ID

2011.285.1

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Metal
Enamel (Fused coating)

Technique

Plating (Metal coating)

Color

Silver (Color)
Black (Color)

Dimensions

Height: 0.5 in
Width: 6.75 in
Thickness: 1 in

Inscriptions

Obverse: GRAND MARQUIS Stamped verso: E8MB-5429 / IB62-AF / Ford (logo)
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Related Content

  • Poster, "Pictorial History of the Mercury Car," 1955
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    Mercury

    • 23 Artifacts
    Ford Motor Company introduced Mercury for 1939. The mid-price make fit neatly between the economical Ford and the extravagant Lincoln, and it broadened the company's product range to better compete with General Motors and Chrysler. In the decades that followed, Mercury offered distinctive sedans, station wagons, muscle cars, and minivans. But the 21st century brought slowing sales and shifting priorities, and Mercury was discontinued in 2011.