Some classics possess the “wow” factor, either due to their overall condition or their performance potential. This 1962 Mercury Monterey S-55 ticks the boxes on both counts, leaving the new owner with little to do but slip behind the wheel and enjoy all that it offers. It is ideal for enthusiasts seeking a turnkey vehicle, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting the Mercury listed here on Craigslist in Langley, British Columbia, Canada. The seller set the price at $32,995, though it is unclear whether that figure is in US dollars.
Mercury introduced the S-55 as the performance-oriented variant of its Monterey range in 1962. Buyers could choose from Convertible or Two-Door Hardtop body styles, with our feature car a first-year example of the latter. It makes a bold visual statement in Presidential Black, and finding anything worthy of criticism is virtually impossible. The paint has exceptional depth of color and shine, and any defects are too minor to appear in the listing images. Black is excellent for revealing panel bumps and bruises, but this S-55 is as straight as an arrow. The seller states it is rust-free, which is positive news for potential buyers who are unwilling to perform any restoration work. The glass is clear, and the sparkling trim contrasts beautifully against the dark paint shade. The Mercury sits on a set of American Racing wheels, although sourcing the correct steelies and wheel covers should be easy if the buyer prefers authenticity.
The 1962 S-55 was V8-only territory, with Mercury offering buyers a choice between two large powerplants that gave these classics excellent performance credentials. The least potent was the Z-Code 390 found under the hood of this classic. However, with factory-quoted power and torque figures of 300hp and 427 ft/lbs, this motor was anything but an automotive lightweight. The first owner paired the 390 with a four-speed manual transmission, a 3.50 Traction-Lok rear end, and power-assisted steering and brakes. The seller indicates that the Mercury’s drivetrain was recently refreshed and that the deal includes boxes of additional parts. The car runs and drives well and is a turnkey proposition, ready to hit the road with its new owner behind the wheel.
One thing that caught my eye when I examined the seller’s interior images is that this S-55 doesn’t feature a center console. It may have been removed at some point or deleted by the original owner, but the stick shift for the four-speed looks purposeful poking through the floor. The “Black” theme continues inside this classic, and it is another aspect that presents extremely well. There is no visible wear, and the seatcovers aren’t badly stretched. The dash is excellent, and the only visible additions are a few aftermarket gauges.
I am typically not a fan of Black cars because most manufacturers have color palettes with shades that are far more interesting. However, I will make an exception with this 1962 Mercury Monterey S-55, because it imparts a menacing air that is hard to ignore. The listing images suggest that it needs nothing, while the motor and transmission combination hint at a rewarding motoring experience. The seller’s price sits toward the top end of the market, but the car’s overall condition seemingly justifies it. However, the fact that it has been on the market for approximately ten days suggests the seller may not have received many serious inquiries. Are you tempted to right that wrong?
Here’s another of the defying logic cars. I figured maybe these family cars were column 3 speeds converted to a 4 speed, but the hump shows, it always was a 4 speed. Goes without saying( but I will anyway)S55s were extremely rare, 2772 hardtops, and while no breakdown for 4 speeds, it’s thought in the hundreds. Generally speaking, Mercurys didn’t attract that sort of buyer. I read, the S55 here cost about $3600 bucks, or almost a grand more than a Monterey or Galaxie, and not a big seller. Most of the 107,000 ’62 Mercs were Monterey 4 doors or wagons. While my manual transmission choice is well known, I think there is still a market for this, just not at $30grand, sorry, bub. Nice car, my moms favorite car. We had a ’62 4 door, and she worked 2nd shift at the hospital,, much to the old mans dismay, and it never failed to get her home on those cold Badger nights.
Remember when cars used to be exciting and fun?
Since the car is advertised on Canadian craigslist the price is in Canadian dollars unless otherwise stated. $33,000 Canadian is equal to $24,000 US, which seems like a pretty good deal for this car in this condition.
I had the Ford version with 4 doors. Loved it.
For a 4 door, still a classic look…..nice.
Thanks
Very rare car in great shape. One thing you may have issues with is body parts, if needed at any time. The upgraded, and I saw one awhile back, was the 406 CI with 1, 4-barrel or the optional 3, 2-barrels putting out 405HP. I believe the 406 could only be had with a 4-speed. PS: these cars may not fit in today’s home garages as the length was near 17.5 feet.
I remember my late Uncle and a close family friend built his rangoon red 62 Galaxy in our driveway. It was a factory 406, 4 barrel, and factory automatic.
When they finished it with 2 4s on top, that bad boy would lift the front tires at will. And to this day I’d love to pry it away from him. This Ford was built in the 70s and runs strong still. Great memories
If it actually is missing the factory console….good luck finding one. Cool car. :-) Terry J
390, 4-gear in a Merc? Whoda thunk it? Even as a die-hard MoPar guy, this ticks the cool-factor boxes.
I LOVE the looks of the top-trim 1962 Fords and Mercurys, and, having had the Ford version, I can attest to the reliability of these cars, and the great visibility out over the hood for a short person!. That said, “exciting” is an immediate turn-off for me, as are especially those aftermarket “sport” wheels! The wheels betray a “muscle-car/hot-rod” thinking on the part of the owner: see me OUT!. I would LOVE to own and drive one of these! — a fully-equipped four door sedan, bench seats, with the smallest V-8 available for that model and automatic trasmission, factory air-conditioning, all original. I buy a car to DRIVE it reliably, not to show it off to the drag-race “American Grafitti” crowd. Hard pass on this one!
This is a beautiful 63 Merc, and as big bird pointed out, this is a big car. Remember when this was an average size ride? As Curvette pointed out, it’s $33k Canadian, which makes this car, in this condition, look like a bargain. GLWTS
Rare Mercury!! These are really cool and underestimated!
If the price is $33k Canadian funds it would be around $25k American making it worth all the BS you’ll go through getting a US title for it and bringing it into the States unless you’re in California, then God help ya making it emissions legal lol.
You don’t have to worry about emissions on pre 1975 cars in California.
The seller says that it was manufatured in St. Louis so there would be no duty to bring it back across the border
I really like this one. But it is not a realistic choice for me because of several factors; the two biggest factors being I can’t afford it right now and the location is about as far away from me as it can be. I wonder what shipping would be to the Mid Atlantic coast? Just another beautiful car located in the upper Northwest; in this case north of the border. GLWTS.
I friend in our Ford V-8 club here outside Philadelphia told me that he had a pickup truck transported from his brother’s house in Washington state to his door for about $2,000 a year ago. He had a pre-arranged deal with the shipper, who later tried to add on costs, which he successfully fought. So, if you have the signed paperwork, is the cost worth it? People here many times say the distance is a turn off, but if the vehicle is desired and purchase price is right there may be a way. Now crossing the border is possibly another issue. Others may speak to that.