Had things gone to plan, our feature car would have become the 1961 Edsel Ranger. However, when Ford’s bold plans for the Edsel brand collapsed, the company recouped the development costs of the new Ranger by rebadging it and releasing it as the 1961 Mercury Meteor. This Meteor is the entry-level 600 variant, and it is genuinely special. It has a mere 8,100 miles showing on its odometer, and its condition is stunning. Its most pressing need is a new home, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Zappenduster for spotting the Mercury listed here on Craigslist in Clinton, New York. The seller set their price at $22,000, and they aren’t interested in trades.
Once the dust had settled following the Edsel debacle, Ford’s management team devised strategies to reposition Mercury to its original location within the company’s market offerings. It recouped some of its outlay by releasing the stillborn 1961 Edsel Ranger as the Mercury Meteor, positioning it as the company’s full-size model below the Monterey. This first-year example is a Meteor 600 2-Door Sedan, ordered by its first owner in Regency Turquoise. If it is all that the seller claims, it is an extraordinary survivor. The paint holds a wonderful depth of color and shine, with no evidence of patchiness or other shortcomings. There are no dings or dents, and I can’t spot any rust. The trim and glass are in good condition, and the combination of fender skirts, full wheel covers, and whitewall tires gives this car a classy look. The deal includes another set of wheel covers, spare skirts, and a set of dog dish hubcaps.
Trimmed in Turquoise vinyl and cloth, this Mercury’s interior makes a positive first impression. There appears to be a developing seam separation in the center of the front seat between the cloth and vinyl, and having it addressed by a competent upholsterer quickly would be wise to stop the problem in its tracks. Otherwise, there is nothing worth criticizing. The remaining upholstered surfaces are spotless, as is the dash. The gauges feature clear lenses and crisp markings, and while this is a radio-delete vehicle, everything inside this classic is said to work as it should.
The “600” was the entry-level Meteor, which is reflected in this car’s mechanical specifications. Unusually for anything wearing the Mercury badge, buyers didn’t automatically receive a V8. This car features a 223ci six, developing a factory-claimed 135hp and 200 ft/lbs of torque. The power feeds to the rear wheels via a three-speed manual transmission, and there is no power assistance for the steering or brakes. Performance would have been modest by the company’s standards, but hitting the road and cruising at 70 shouldn’t cause this classic to raise a sweat. The odometer reading must be taken with a grain of salt, because the seller doesn’t mention verifying evidence. The car’s condition makes it plausible, but most readers would expect something more concrete when assessing a ’61 Meteor in this price range. The seller indicates that the vehicle is a turnkey proposition that they would drive anywhere. Included is a spare new clutch and some tune-up items that may be handy in the future.
The Edsel brand wasn’t the sole casualty of the financial recession of the late 1950s. Declining sales also saw De Soto fall victim, while Studebaker managed to stagger on for a few years before bowing to the inevitable. That situation almost resulted in our feature car never seeing the light of day. Still, Ford’s determination to recover something from the Edsel financial disaster saw the Meteor hit the market wearing Mercury badges. The seller’s price for this 1961 Meteor 600 is well above the market average, but if the mileage claim is verifiable, the figure could be justified in the minds of some Barn Finds readers. Do you share that sentiment, or do you feel that the seller might be optimistic? So, it’s over to you for comments, and to discover if anyone is considering pursuing this classic further.
This one is a real head scratcher.
First off, I personally have never even heard of this model, but I was only 3 when it came out. Hagerty only lists a Meteor 800, which I would assume has an automatic transmission and maybe some other amenities not afforded in the Meteor 600.
Here’s the kicker: Hagerty lists a Meteor 800, in CONCOURS condition, at an astonishing $13,100. All I can say is the next 13 grand I get my hands on, I’m buying a concours Meteor.
the Meteor 8 had a small V8, but could also be had with a 3 speed manual, possibly with O.D. (I also still have my old owners manual for my Meteor 6 along with a Dealer sales catalog or flyer and remember reading of the differences back in the day. There was also a different trim option on the side instead of the single stainless seen here. SOOOOO very ‘upmarket’ for that buyer with a few 50s more in his bank account to splurge with. (I seem to recall the retail on my car was originally $2100 and change as noted on the yellow bill of sale….. it did not show a trade in, so if he DID trade for it there may have been a reduction in value. The old guy wrote a check for the car nearly a year into 1962 model year, so it was a carryover more likely due to its lack of amenities
I had a 1961 800 4dr sedan several years ago with low miles. It had been kept inside all its life. Original paint and interior and chrome was exceptional. It had set for a while and several valves had stuck. The 292 got a valve job and new carb and it run fantastic. Put a set of 17″ polished torque thrust wheels in 2004 it made a great driver. The first time I saw it in 1980 stored in a building that a Lincoln Mercury had cars in.
I had similar thoughts as Rex. Not that I have much familiarity with early 60’s Mercury models, but I had never heard of a 600. This one is a stripper, amazing that one would be kept at all, let alone be in excellent condition.
I believe the mileage, that engine bay looks better than the car not long ago with only 6 miles on it.
I believe the mileage claim too. Under the hood is not only clean. But its in such original condition. This is probably as close to a factory original ’61 Mercury as you could get. The 6 and a stick is a bit of a surprise, but I like everything about this one.
I bought my ’61 Meteor 600 in 1985 with exactly this same trim level. Mine was also a 2 door sedan, radio and lighter delete and was never even given a left hand side view mirror. It was a 223 six as the photo of the feature car shows, a 3 speed column shift with no overdrive. I too had never seen one before. It had the small hubcaps (poverty style), on painted wheels same color as the exterior which was light turquoise, and had grey cloth interior and rubber floor mats. It was bought new in Valley City, ND by a bachelor farmer near Adrian, ND and had traveled around 88,000 miles when I got it for $125.00. I also still have the title for it, but the car I gave to a friend on a trade for a ’68 Ranchero GT 390 and he took out the great running six and put it in a 1950 Ford 2 ton. I still have the Ranchero but have lost my friend to a sudden death several years ago, and the last I saw of my old Meteor was on top of a pile of cars to be crushed. I wish I had it yet to this day for it served me well for another 90,000 miles; the 223 – six never used any oil EVER and never failed to start sitting outside in minus 32 degree F weather. Looking at these images brings back good memories of a very faithful mode of transportation which back in the day was merely a “nothing kind of car” as many told me straight to my face. I only saw one other which was exactly built out to the same low level trim, and it was a red 2 door with white top. It was a Minnesota car and nearly rusted out up to the door handles. I am doubtful many of these were constructed and if there are any left I am sure none exist today in this condition. I am frankly amazed that there is this beauty left to admire ~~~and I hope it goes to a great home and loved for the true beauty it is.
I should note upon looking at the C/L photos, that the feature car has several trim options my car did not have. The full width trim panel between tail lights (my panel was unadorned and painted body color), and the foot operated pump style wiper fluid acc. I note it also had the same style double pumper fuel pump to operate the vacuum wipers which upon replacing my pump at around 150,000 miles, no available pump could be located in America. I had to replace with a fuel pump without the double diaphragm in it which then negated use of the wipers. I carried a squeegee and bottle of windex for wipe downs on the road in dirty weather…… which always got a few mixed reactions from folks at stop lights. Arm out window and goofball leaning forward over steering wheel “one handing it” at the redlight.
The solution to the wiper situation was running a vacuum hose from the wiper motor to the intake manifold fitting that had originally connected to the vacuum side of the fuel pump.
Back in 1978 I had yanked the 272 V8 and Ford-O-Matic out of a ’57 Ford 4-door and swapped in a 302 V8 and C4. The 272’s dual action fuel and vacuum pump would have bolted into place on the 302 but I used a single action fuel pump and the wiper motor hose to the intake manifold trick. The wipers didn’t work so well under heavy load but they did a great job when cruising along.
I never saw one of these before, and didn’t know you could get a six cyl. in a full size Mercury. I never really understood where the Edsel was supposed to fit in the line up of cars. GM had Chevrolet, Pontiac, Oldsmobile, Buick and Cadillac at the top. Chyco. had Plymouth, Dodge, DeSoto, Chrysler, and top of the line Imperial. Was it supposed to be Ford, Edsel, Mercury and Lincoln? Was Edsel going to be the Pontiac-Dodge fighter?
Exactly. Moving a car, or any well known product upmarket is a risky strategy. Ford also made the Continental a full line marque above the Lincoln for a true five step Sloane ladder.
I always thought that Mercury was an “upmarket” car compared to a Ford. I don’t understand the idea of stripping down a Mercury (6-cyl, 3 speed, radio/lighter delete, little exterior trim).
If someone was that parsimonious, wouldn’t a Fairlane be nicer and cheaper?
Your photo of the red and white FORD notes a Galaxie, as seen with the ornament on the C pillar for that model. I also have a white 2 door sedan of 1961 vintage. It is a standard trans. 3 speed on column with no o.d. and a radio delete car, same plain cloth interior, 223 six. It has 60,000 miles. My bro and I bought a 1960 Turquoise FORD for our Dad with this same drive train, but a 4 door sedan. We gave it to him for his birthday 20 years ago
It has 56,000 actual miles and color wise matched the 60 Galaxie he had until he bought a new 1964 Belvedere. THAT Ford had everything including a 4 bbl. 352, dual exhaust, and auto.and would be a like model to the one you pictured. Back in the day, one could order whatever he wanted and get it. A loaded baked potato or a plain white baker with no butter for the frugal
Agree. No PS or PB, a six and three on the tree and crank windows? I’m surprised it wasn’t driven into the ground by the cheapskate that owned it.
But it’s a nice looking car.
My guess it was owned by an old man or lady with a value minded objective. Rarely driven except the 6 blocks to church or the 8 blocks to a grocery store, perhaps sitting in a garage the last 30 years of existence because of life in a care facility. THANKFULLY someone saw fit to preserve it, not roll it behind the garage so the relative could park their worthless Kia or Hyundai with an engine guaranteed to blow up before 80,000 miles
Nice car and a bit of history from when economical cars were merely modes of transportation. Most cars today are little more than living rooms on wheels. Back then you drove the car, it didn’t drive you. Unfortunately most guys (or girls) that can appreciate cars from this era are of an age where experiencing a drive in this would aggravate any number of physical issues. Me included. However I can appreciate this survivor and the memories that it brings.
“Most cars today are little more than living rooms on wheels.”
Huh?
Most cars today are so cramped with no stretch-out room that we older drivers are nostalgic for the days when cars actually could be referred to as living rooms on wheels.
Like Rex, I’ve never heard of a Mercury Meteor 600 before. With a 6 banger, 3 spd manual, no Ps or PBs, meant the buyer was pretty frugal. I can certainly appreciate the pristine condition, but had rather have a 260 instead of this 6 banger. The double pump fuel pump that also operated wipers was also on the same year, Ford Starliner and is unobtanium. Guy I knew rebuilt his because they are so hard to find.
When I was 17, my friend’s dad traded a 53 Mercury for a new Meteor, 4 door, dark blue. He only had it for about 2 years and his son was racing and rolled it. Sad Father, Grounded Son. I beat it dragging with my Dad’s 60 Rambler Rebel V8 on Waterville bridge one night. Beautiful Car in it’s day, also very rare.
We are a fairly knowledgeable bunch here, and like some I never heard of the Mercury Meteor prior to now. It did seem to sell fairly well though. Oddly, the Meteor remained for the 1961 model year as a Fordish vehicle for Canadian Mercury dealers to sell. Completely different car.
As someone from across the pond might say, “Simply lovely!” Yes, just the way it stands… you’ll never meet a twin to it, pretty much guaranteed. I think the exclusivity/rarity and condition do justify he “ask.”
As for comments about an alternative having been a Fairlane, to me it looks like the original buyer was buying “show” in that, although a stripper, it was still a Mercury (ahem!) and not just a Ford.”
clean as a pin. i have never seen 1 of these models. 22k is a bit high for plain jane nothing fancy merc.
cool
Spread the picture of the interior out and look at the clutch pedal…no way that low miles. Nice car but I say nice try on the low low mileage claim. Still a nice car but I wonder who told him to ask such a high price. I know asking doesn’t mean selling so good luck.
I see what you mean,the carpet is worn thin,front seat is split and the back seat looks a little worn,but the paint and chrome sure look nice…
A number of years ago, I was driving my 1946 Ford Super Deluxe Tudor V-8 in the Woodlawn area of Schenectady, where I spotted a 1962 Ford Fairlane sitting in a back yard, with grass growing up under and around it. A man outside the house waved at me because of what I was driving, and so I stopped and let him look it over. He loved the red-lettered gauges on black backgrounds and he was stunned that the clock was working and set to the correct time (you could not miss the ticking). Mercury had the same clock with a somewhat different face, but theirs had fiber spacers between the movement of the clock and its frame, and between the frame and its mounting to the steel dashboard — all to dampen the ticking of the clock. But they did not use those fiber spacers in the Ford, so it sounded like a time-bomb: I loved it!
But I digress. I asked him about the 1962 Ford, and he told me it had sat there ever since his Dad had passed away suddenly at age 91 12 years before. It had been his Dad’s car, and he hadn’t wanted to face parting with it, somehow. But now he needed it to be gone, because the City wanted it removed from the yard.The tyres were soft but not completely flat, and even the interior looked okay, though faded a bit. He told me it had not been started since his Dad had passed, so he had no idea if it would run. Under the hood was a 223 six-banger, and it was a three-on-the-tree standard shift. It had an A.M. radio, but no clock, just a fill-plate where a clock would be. Other than the radio, it was pretty sparce. He said, if I could start it, I could have it. Since my car was six volts, I got a friend with 12 volts and some starting fluid, and we took a chance, once we saw that we could turn the engine over by hand. We filled the battery back up with distilled water, attached jumper cables, sprayed starter fluid into the carburator, and turned the key. And she started!!! We looked at each other, and then removed the jumper cables, and she kept on running!!! We hadn’t thought to check either the oil or the anti-freeze, and so we shut it off and checked both. Antifrezze was too low to see, but the oil was down only about a half-quart. We remedied both things, and started her up again. The gas-gauge was near empty. So we got the title, registered this thing and put plates on it, started it up again, and drove it to the first place we could put air into its tyres. By the end of the day, we had new tyres, oil changed, full tank of gas, and a fresh inspection. The battery was beginning to take a charge, so we let that alone. But the frame was like Swiss Cheese, where grass had literally bored holes in it. The brake lines were shot, too. But here we had a sure-fire “beater” of the highest or lowest order, depending on how you wanted to look at, along with the strong smell of mice (and the nests were all over under the seats and even on the engine!). Oh, and the radio WORKED.
One step at a time, though, we turned this into respectable transportation, and we put more than 200,000 more miles on it! It had “left outside” patina galore, and we drove it just that way, garnering more than a few stairs in our “jalopy”. But it gave us economical gas-mileage and never any back-chat. One day, several years later, I hit a pothole, and that was the end of our run: the frame broke. This Mercury deserves far better than what I gave that Ford … but you CAN’T KILL one of these!