For consignment, a 1956 Mercury Monterey hardtop that's been shaved and lowered and features the dramatic and epically '50's Flo-Tone paint scheme and dynamic side molding and trim. It's got some custom features but does not lose its period coolness and barely veers from the amazing cars in the 1956 brochure.
Exterior
Verona Green is sandwiched between panels of Classic White, separated on the body by an ornate and unique side molding is a combination of straight lines, louvered accents, sweeping curved lines, and an integrated gravel guard. There were plenty of bi-colored cars in the 50's but the separation was never as bold as the Monterey's. The roof wears the white and is framed in robust polished metal trim and window frames. Mercurys are known for their use of chrome up front, and this one is no exception with thick crossbars under thinner bars of the grille which travel from one side to the other. Circular ducts added to the hood actually function to bring air into the engine bay which is flanked by two spotlights affixed to the cowl. More chrome is found in the faux side pipes and the rear bumper and bumper bars just under chrome rimmed taillight that are artful ovals. The car has pinstriping and a painted spider on the front fender that had us pause for a second. The paint and metal are great on the car and no noticeable flaws were detected.
Interior
Sharp angles reappear on the door panels where metal trim separates white panels from the turquoise one and both of the big doors are in good shape. A vinyl split bench wraps turquoise vinyl around cloth green inserts over a white base and the pattern is mirrored in the back bench in fine, fifties fashion. A white plastic steering wheel is in good condition and leads to the V-shaped gauge cluster with arching gauges in tiered, delineated rows. Switchgear is metallic and robust, and the center AM radio sits adjacent to a square clock that looks like something out of a country kitchen. Our spider reappears on the floor mounted shifter which rises from the hump covered with turquoise loop carpet showing a bit of usage. The turquoise headliner is in great shape and the trunk is completely lined in a plaid mat and houses a spare.
Drivetrain
A show worthy engine gleams under the hood and it's a 312ci V8 with Lincoln chrome valve covers and a Holley 4-barrel carburetor on top. A 3-speed manual transmission sends power to the Dana 44 out back and drum brakes live at all four corners.
Undercarriage
Relatively clean underneath with minimal surface rust, mostly reserved for the exhaust which is a dual setup that intersects Cherrybomb mufflers and continue on their journey to the back where they terminate with chrome tips out back. Those side pipes? All show! Mostly dry underneath with one small drop of oil on the oil pan. Coil springs are employed up front and leaf springs are in the back and the car has been lowered.
Drive-Ability
Driving this on the road would be akin to Lady Godiva riding a bedazzled elephant down the streets of Morgantown...it is very showy, big, and bright and would get everyone's attention. That said, the car is a cruiser and rolls onto our test loop with a good running engine and a comfortable cabin with a ton of space and visibility from the wrap-around windshield and huge windows. The radio and clock do not work but everything else functioned as expected. While Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were working at the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be working at the time of your purchase.
This is a lot of car, a beautiful lead sled with Flo-Tone paint and a smooth running and shiny V8 under the hood. This is from the era of chrome and this car carries a ton in grand fashion and is an instant show car, amazing from any angle. It's a relatively uncommon car at your local car show so get ready to interact with an admiring public.
56ME77703M
56-1956
ME-Metuchen, NJ Assy Plant
77703-Sequential Unit Number
M-Mercury
WARRANTY PLATE
STYLE BU64C-Mercury Monterey 2 Door Hardtop
08-Pinewood Green Metallic
662-Contemporary Green Cloth & Light Green Vinyl
4F-4th Of June
12-Rotation Number
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8 acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit or call us at 610-901-3804. Contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.
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