Inventory Listing

Largely original car with one older repaint. Original color combination with 256 cubic inch V8. Everything works, including clock and original radio with FM converter inside.

This 1954 Mercury Monterey hardtop received a repaint in the late-90s, and was refurbished with an eye towards putting it on the road. Careful inspection will indicate that this was never a rusty car, and it has been finished in its original combination of Lakeland Blue with a white top. The workmanship is quite good, with very straight panel work, good gaps, and beautiful details like the curve of the rear fender with its bright trim accents. It’s also clear that someone spent a year’s worth of mortgage payments on restoring the chrome, because it’s excellent throughout. The stainless side trim, as well as everything around the windows, has been polished and shows s soft shine today that fits perfectly with the rest of the car. All the emblems, from the Monterey script on the quarters to the “Merc-O-Matic” badge on the deck lid, are beautifully finished.

The two-tone white and blue interior appears to be largely original and in excellent condition for being 60 years old. Although the photos make it look otherwise, the beautiful door panels match the seats correctly, and are holding up rather well. Of note, all the instruments are fully functional and the mileage shown is believed to be authentic. Even the clock keeps time as it should, and the original AM radio has been fitted with a hidden FM converter that works perfectly. In the trunk, there’s a full-sized spare, jack assembly, and a reproduction mat. Also note that this car is quite solid with a clean trunk pan and door hinge pockets that show zero issues.

A truly modern design, the 256 cubic inch V8 in this Mercury lights off as quickly as a fuel-injected modern car, and idles with a muted V8 rumble that suggests great power without being too up-front about it. The engine bay is nicely detailed and was clearly maintained well in the intervening years, with bright Mercury Turquoise paint on the engine itself, and proper finishes throughout. Notable upgrades include a replacement 4-barrel carburetor in place of the original (and troublesome) “teapot” Holley, as well as a dual-reservoir master cylinder with power assist for the brakes. The Merc-O-Matic 2-speed automatic transmission shifts easily, and the car can cruise easily at modern highway speeds without apparent effort, thanks to a 3.91 gear set out back. Four 215/75/15 wide whitewall radials have been fitted to the original wheels and hubcaps, giving it a modern ride with a vintage look.

This is an out-of-the-ordinary ‘50s cruiser in ideal condition to drive and enjoy with no needs, and cruises effortlessly at 65 MPH. Reliable, powerful, and fun, it’s a great choice when you want to stand out among all the tailfins and glitter of the usual ‘50s lineup.