l know the Marauder is basically a Grand Marquis or Crown Vic w a performance package but how do l know by visually inspecting it if its the real deal?RUnning the VIN is an option but l cant do that away from home while Im out looking at a Marauder.

If it is any color besides black, that'd be your first clue.

Marauder owners say that authentic Marauders have VINs starting at 600000, with the code 2MEHM7 apparently another constant.

3 things a marauder has that is not available in a grand marquis. one the rear bumper says marauder, 2 it has a floor shifter(not on the coloumn). 3 it has a dual overhead cam 32 valve motor. now l guess someone could have modified a grand marquis to have all that but they would have spent a whole lot of money.

the engine

you can get a Marquis with the floor console (LSE) or a Vic with the LX Sport package but not that engine.

The Vic or the Marquis also wo not have the center gages nor will it have the brushed aluminium trim alongside the interior door panel & dash.

Seats in the Marauder have the ''Marauder'' insignia on the front seat backs.and different style seats not available in the vic or marquis.

EDIT: they were available in more than black & the ''H'' in the VIN means side door airbags, available on the grand marquis

It is black, has a black out grill, two exhaust pipes, and kicks ass.