This 1963 Mercury Meteor makes a striking first impression. The paint combination is extremely attractive, and its initial appearance makes the seller’s claim that it has a genuine 37,000 miles on the clock seem plausible. The seller has been its custodian for five years, but feels the time is right for this Mercury to head to greener pastures. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting the Meteor listed here on eBay in Heber, California. The seller set their BIN at $20,500 with the option to make an offer.
Manufacturers were shuffling around their model ranges during the early 1960s as they attempted to lock vehicles into the appropriate niche positions. Mercury was no exception, releasing the Meteor in 1961 as a full-size model. It changed tack in 1962, unveiling another car wearing the Meteor badge as an intermediate in 1962. The latest offering didn’t taste the success envisioned, and would disappear at the end of 1963. This final-year example wears an attractive color combination of Oxford Blue Metallic and Corinthian White. Its presentation is extremely impressive, with no evidence of major cosmetic imperfections. The seller doesn’t mention any accident history or rust, and I can’t spot anything that would ring alarm bells. The trim and tinted glass are in good condition, and the narrow whitewalls are new.
We’ve reached the point where the mystery deepens with this Meteor. The interior image quality is so poor that while it is evident that the vinyl trim is primarily White, it is impossible to determine whether the contrasting elements are Dark Blue or Black. The seller also hurts their cause by concealing the seats beneath aftermarket slipcovers. Therefore, it would probably require an in-person inspection to clarify questions regarding colors and condition. The listing indicates that an aftermarket stereo is installed, providing in-car entertainment. We also receive no engine bay shots, though it appears the first owner equipped the Meteor with a 170ci six, mated to a Merc-O-Matic transmission. The motor will deliver 101hp, meaning that performance could best be described as competent. However, on a positive note, the seller confirms that this Meteor is in sound mechanical condition and is currently serving as a daily driver.
Occasionally, a car crosses our desks at Barn Finds that is frustrating. This 1963 Mercury Meteor is one such vehicle. The exterior images show promise and appear to support the seller’s mileage claim. However, they don’t mention verifying evidence, and the condition of the upholstery beneath the seatcovers is a mystery. The harsh reality is that, with the seller’s BIN a long way above the market average, this Mercury needs to be essentially flawless to come close to justifying it. Therefore, it remains a mystery machine that requires an in-person inspection. Do you agree?
I was admiring this Mercury a lot when I saw it on Fast Finds ( Thank you Curvette!!!). Its a gorgeous deep blue and a white top, looks great together. Adams right, some interior shots would go a long way. Even if it needs work, the exterior looks so nice, I really think it would be worth it address whatever needs it has. I’m a little surprised at the smallest 6 available in this one. I thought by looking at it, they would’ve sprung for the 260 V8. Its a really handsome car. Thanks Adam, great write up.
Hi Dave, yaahhrr, matey, I likes it too. I think it’s entirely possible for it to be original, seats clearly take a beating. While I read, the 170 was the smallest for Mercury, there was another( Yoda) Falcon had a 144, even less power. This is a pretty fancy car, I’m wondering if this may have been an equivalent to the Fairlane “Sport Coupe”? ( C pillar badge?) Ford sure had such wonderful cars in the 60s, hey?
The Mercury Meteor equivalent to the Ford Fairlane 500 Sports Coupe was the S-33. This is a Meteor Custom (a step up from the base trim level) 2-door hardtop.
The “F” engine code in the VIN indicates this car left the factory with the 260 V8. The other engines offered were the 170 six (standard) and the 221 V8.
Have to agree with Steve R. on the pricing. People seem to think every old car in decent shape is worth at least $20k these days (not to mention that ’63 Corvair priced $5k above the highest Hagerty value) but don’t see how this car can bring that much. An even rarer S-33 with the 260 in No. 1 concours condition is only $18.7k per Hagerty.
The ad says it’s a V8 (probably 260), and it has dual exhaust , so score another point for this Meteor! Nice looking car but I too am starved for what the seats look like and for that price, they should be revealed. I would have to call the 37k mile claim into question too, again because of the “hidden” interior.
The asking price of $20,500 is a stretch. It may be pretty, but how strong of a following does this year, make and model have? If you want to ask an aggressive price, earn it, this ad lacks substance and decent pictures, it gives almost no useful information as to the cars condition, they don’t even show a picture of the speedometer as “proof” of the claimed mileage of 37,000.
Steve R
I love the exterior of this Mercury, but the seller did himself no favors with no engine bay pics and hiding both front and rear seats with Mexican blankets. Someone here mentioned that the vin indicates it left factory with a 260. That would be great, but with no pics, who knows. Price is overly optimistic with these unknowns. But it’s on the wrong coast for me anyway.
Nice car but . . . Meh.
Who would be likely to spend $20k on this car?
It’s kind of invisible. Take it to a local cars and coffee and it will get a nod and then they move on. Probably wasn’t a very popular car in 63 except for bookkeepers (although a 260cid might indicate a younger bookkeeper). The color combo was nice but not unique or outstanding back then.
So, IMO, only very small number of people who may have purchased one early in their career would be interested. It certainly won’t be bought for it’s investment potential.
Not sure if the seller is stupid or if he thinks all the buyers are stupid. Maybe the seller just doesn’t want to sell it, because the ad would be perfect for that.
Put Curvette on the payroll. lol
why are the seats all covered. if the car is as clean as the seller says then show them not cover them
Is it 1963 Ford products celebration day? A sweet Galaxy, an affordable Falcon and a somewhat mysterious Meteor here on BF. When is the last time you saw a Meteor you know the vehicle variety? The convertible Falcon would be my “value” pick of the day. I’m thinking that the Meteor seller will need to improve their advertising and asking price to garner much interest. The Galaxy will sell because it is so nice and desirable. 1963 was right in the middle of some of the most appealing automobile designs for we boomers. You could easily park any of these cars in my driveway. Are you listening,Santa?
These were nice looking cars. It’s a shame they weren’t successful in the market.
Don’t understand how the car “appears to have a 170 six”, when there are no underhood pics, and the VIN decodes as a 260 V8. I respectfully disagree with mick’s opinion that this car would be invisible at a local car show. The colors are striking, and it would stand out in a crowd of more common cars. $20k is stretching it. Maybe with documentation of the low mileage…? Or, if it was an S33. Nice ride in any case.