Ultra-Rare '68 Mercury Monterey Convertible Project Car

1968 Mercury Monterey Description

Meet "Red". Red is a '68 Mercury Monterey convertible. One of 1,515. Factory candy apple red, red interior, power windows, power VENT windows, power steering, power front disc brakes, and power trunk. 390 two barrel, automatic transmission. An AM-FM cassette and dual exhaust were added.
I followed Red home twenty five years or so ago. Red was not for sale, but I somewhat stayed in contact with her previous owner( PO ).
Fast forward to last spring. Red's PO was going through a life change. I purchased her and mostly enough parts to make her somewhat whole.The first photo is what she looked like when she was first delivered last April. The rest are current.Red was wrecked more than once I believe in those twenty five years. Her PO had a tendency to misjudge speed,distance etc, and damage front sheet metal. Red's title is still clean however.Red sat in the PO's parents back yard with no front clip long enough for a 5-6 inch diameter tree to grow BETWEEN the the rear of the frame and inside of the rear bumper.
Red needs total restoration, which is beyond my current budget.
As far as I know, the engine is original. There is water in the crankcase from the engine sitting uncovered. The transmission fluid looks good.When I put the front clip back on, I accidentally shut the hood, now I cannot open it. The passenger door does not open, and the driver door does not latch. There are no keys.I thought I'd be a smart guy and remove the glove compartment lock and have a key made for the trunk. $45 later( it was $25 last time ) and a new key that wouldn't open the trunk.It actually hurt, but I had no choice to break her trunk lock.There, was the 'motherlode'. The radiator, hub caps, driveline, trim pieces and the missing front license plate.
The front end pieces are not correctly installed with all fasteners. Some of the side trim sections are held on with clear packing tape.
Red has been off the road for many years.She could be the ONLY '68 Monterey convertible left with power VENT windows.
The title is clean and clear. It is still in the previous owner's name. I have a bill of sale from him to me.
The car is located in Salem,OR one mile from Interstate 5.
If I am not able to find a home for her, I will have to take her a part and sell her pieces individually.
If you have any questions, please call (503) 569-8045 PST. Please no text messages.
I will add some under the car pics ASAP.
A $50 non-refundable deposit is required within 48 hours of auction end. If I don't receive it, I will contact eBay, file an unpaid item case and relist her.Transportation is the buyer's responsibility.Winning bidder has two weeks to pick up the vehicle unless other arrangements are made.
Thanks for looking.