A while back we featured a Harley Servi-Car and a Model T that had been found on a ranch in Wyoming. We didn’t have the full story then, but the seller of both vehicles has since contacted us and filled us in on the details. They also have a 1955 Mercury Montclair that came from the same collection and thought someone here might be interested. It has been parked since 1968, but appears to be very complete and original. They are asking $12,800 and you contact them by email here. The story about this ranch find is interesting, so keep reading to learn more!

From Rhonda K. – Tracy (my husband) had known of a 1930 Ford Model A coupe that was about 70 miles from us for while. He knew the man whose farm it was parked on and he had tried to buy it, but it was not for sale. It belonged to the farmer’s brother-in-law and he claimed that he would eventually restore it. In 2009 we got a call from this guy’s good friend, who also knew Tracy, and he wanted to know if he could bring an older gentleman to our shop for a tour. They showed up that afternoon, the older gentleman was the brother-in-law, and they had sad news. The guy on the farm had died in an accident.

So Dale, the older gentleman, owned a sheep ranch in the middle of Wyoming. He decided he wanted us to restore the car. He said he wanted the car “just like new”. Tracy told him we could not make the car “just like new”, for instance we would not be able to dip paint the fenders like Henry Ford did, but Tracy said the car could be better than new or not. Dale said he wanted the car to be “perfect.” He had the financial means to afford the restoration and we did our best to achieve “perfect”. We completed the restoration in 2011 and the car was beautiful. Dale was a very pleased 84 year old.

Dale passed away on Thanksgiving Day in 2014. He left everything to his neighbor; the land, the sheep, the house, and all the misc vehicles and stuff. However, Dale had told him that when he was ready to sell things he needed to give Tracy the first opportunity. So we have made 6 trips to the ranch and purchased several vehicles; the 1955 Mercury Montclair, 1960 Mercury, a 1927 Ford Model T, 1942 Harley Davidson servi-car and lots of parts & pieces.

The 1955 Mercury Montclair was driven into a barn in 1968, 47 years ago. The last oil change sticker is still in the door jamb, dated 2/29/68 with mileage at 110,5420. The car is in very complete and original condition. Dale had told Tracy that he had an airplane engine, so they are going through sheds and barns looking for it. In the upstairs of the house garage they found the airplane engine and leaning against the wall were the fender skirts for the Mercury.

We have completely cleaned the car, including removing the seats & carpet. There is one spot of rust on the front passenger fender and we suspect there was a fender bender at some point and this is a replacement fender. No rust anywhere else on the car though. Before starting and driving it, we inspected the gas tank and checked the brakes. We have driven the car about 30 miles, but the tires are not great. This car has certainly achieved survivor status.

We had always hoped that Dale would leave the Model A coupe to us. He didn’t, but the neighbor guy is delighted to have the car.

Thanks for sharing this with us Rhonda and good luck with the sale!