Randy, thanks for the message. I certainly don’t know for sure it is factory or as discussed a dealer option. I will get the details for you with pics loaded up tomorrow as I would like to know too. 
Brian
If there were such a thing as a factory antenna it would be called out on the Marti Report. Mercury didn’t offer one as an option, so it simply is not credible to say that you have a factory power antenna.
Until a factory invoice shows up… LOL!
Royce, I was probably jumping to early to that conclusion since it was on a car that I know had not been modified at all. I think I was clear that I was not sure if it was factory or a dealer option so forgive me for claiming it was factory! I certainly rely on you experts for this stuff as I am just a newbie still.
Here is a pick though of what was there as a power antenna: Would like to know if it is worth getting fixed or to pitch it for a new one.
Here are a few more pics.
I did not see any markings, numbers, or names.
Brian
Looks like a very common after market antenna from Harada. About $60 new.
In my opinion if this was a factory Ford antenna it would have some sort of marking on it that said it was a Ford product, the Ford logo, a part number, something. Plus if Bill says it looks like an aftermarket unit then I would say that he is correct. If this antenna does not work and you want to have a power antenna on your car then I would say throw it away and buy a new one.
Randy Goodling
CCOA #95
Agreed, thanks, that is one good reason for pics!
I appreciate all your feed back.
Brian
If the reception is bad, it might not be the antenna.
The cable between the antenna and the radio itself could be the culprit or the cable might be loose. The contacts might also be dirty.
My 68 has the original AM radio complete with the 8 track tape player no less.
The reception is okay, but the speakers aren’t exactly top of the line, more like the speakers on a CB radio. That was the state of the tech at the time.
I plan on leaving the original one in. For one thing, there’s actually a lot of eccentric AM channels I’ve never actually listened to before.
A more modern radio with more sophisticated electronics would probably interpret the signal better.
The speaker location under the dash where the mono speaker is installed would be a great place to set up a mini base speaker.
Combined with the front ones or even front and rear, there’s potential for a great sound system if I want to go that route later.
I’ve seen some classic muscle cars with those super long antennas sticking out of the center of the trunk before. Those can look a bit cheesy of they aren’t done right.
Using the stock location is always the path of least resistance.