One of the forgotten “pony cars” of the early 1970s is Mercury’s Montego GT, a sleek fastback, performance-oriented version of the company’s mid-sized model that replaced the former Cyclone.

Only 4,464 were produced in 1973, and certainly almost none have survived as well as this one, shining in Bright Red over Black vinyl interior, from Jim and Carolyn Popp’s Shrine of the Holy Grille.

Recording only 6,688 actual miles at the time of cataloguing, it remains in pristine original condition throughout, and in its fit and finishes can be described as “factory new,” down to the original spare in the trunk.

Such is its condition that, while unrestored, it was awarded an AACA National First Prize in 2005.

It is most certainly the finest example of this rare model available today.