I was very surprised to see that this is a no-reserve auction, this 1963 Mercury Monterey S-55 Breezeway Coupe appears to be in mind-blowing condition. And, the seller says that it’s all original, making it even crazier. They have it listed here on eBay in dry, beautiful Riverside, California. The current bid price is $8,100. Thanks to Larry D. for sending in this tip!
A one-family-owned (father and then son) rust-free California-since-new S-55 Monterey Breezeway coupe? Yes, please. What a car. Going through the photos, I was amazed that this wasn’t a nut-and-bolt restored car that the owner was getting ready for a Concours show. It’s original and it’s almost as old as I am. I know, that’s old! I wish I were in this perfect condition, I don’t know if I ever was.
The S-Series Mercurys were sporty trim packages for cars such as the S-22 Comet, the S-33 Meteor, and the S-55 Monterey. Although, the Monterey S-55 included some performance powertrain options along with special badges, consoles with floor shifters, and bucket seats. Ford offered a similar car with their Galaxie 500XL although, with the Merc, buyers could choose the iconic Breezeway opening rear window.
The details on this car really are where the value is, at least for me. A perfect original car is hard to beat and they are rare to find anymore. Anyone can lay down some Bondo and make a nice exterior but this car is all original inside and out, so even the paint is original as is everything else. The interior is a thing of beauty and wonder, as in I wonder how a car can be this well-preserved after almost six decades. The interior is absolutely gorgeous both front and rear, and the seller provides good photos showing most of it along with a lot of detailed photos. In case you were wondering, yes, the trunk looks like new, too.
As expected, the engine and engine compartment are very well-preserved, too. The engine is Ford’s 390 cubic-inch V8 with 300 horsepower and not surprisingly, this one runs perfectly and the car drives perfectly. Everything works inside and out including that fantastic Breezeway window. This is a heritage car for sure, it almost belongs in a museum. Hagerty is at $15,800 for a #2 excellent condition car which this certainly appears to be. Have any of you owned a Monterey S-55?
I usually agree with Hagerty on classic car prices but not for this one. If this truly is an original car inside and out it has to be worth more than what Hagerty lists. Simply beautiful condition from what I can see in the pictures. I know the breezeway option would never pass in today’s safety conscious society but I really like the feature. I know my friend who had a Park Lane sure liked it. I hope whoever buys it continues to preserve the car.
I’m with you as regards values on a car like this. This Merc is absolutely stunning and just exudes class. It’s a turn-key, enjoy-it-as-is classic; it looks like it needs nothing. An all original car that’s almost six decades old is a rarity, especially in this condition. I wouldn’t be surprised if this beauty brought $20k or more; anything less would be a bargain.
Roll down that Breezeway window and cruise
No, roll down that window and get asphyxiated. I know that one from experience. The unburnt gas fumes and carbon monoxide curled back into the rear of the car. Same thing with a Ford Bronco.
If my memory serves me correct, I think FoMoCo/Merc got sued over this. That ended the not so good idea.
The backlight idea is quite clever IMO, problem is the location of the exhaust end pipe. That’s why you want to route your exhaust to exit behind the rear wheel on wagons and SUVs, and of course the Breezeway.
So many claim the Breezeway was such a dangerous design both due to the exhaust issues but also kids flying out the rear – I get the notion it was almost an everyday occurrence back then…?! People seem to forget the same concept was utilized on most every 3seat wagon even many years after the Breezeway was deleted. Also, you don’t NEED to wind the glass entirely down or…?
No they didn’t get sued over the breezeway window. FoMoCo used this from `57 all the way to `67 on various models including Lincolns. Ford stopped producing it due to completely changed styling for `68 and beyond! If what YOU say were true, station wagons would have stopped production, and that wasn’t about to happen.
All station wagons with roll down rear windows are the same. Won’t kill you every once in awhile.
Both explorer sport tracs and newer Toyota tundras have a similar roll down window feature. More vehicles should have this feature
My parents had one when I was a kid, and it never pumped fumes into the car, as long as you were moving, and even when stopped it would depend on the direction of the wind. Heck, I remember getting more fumes from the cars in front of us! But those were the days before smog regs, fumes came with driving! And those fumes didn’t cut our lives short.
Best option, ever! Bought an Explorer Sport Trac just to have another.
back in those we weren’t as dumb as folks are today. If you didn’t sit the car the way Mom or Dad told, you got your backside warmed up, not a happy meal
Will Fox:
Station wagons were deleted. I had my share of fumes from those too.
Now, if I can only get my model A to stop gassing me out, I’ll be good.
I had a 65 Monterey. Roll down back window was awesome. Such a fun can to cruise around in. I was 16.
You know, it is a miracle that so many of us boomers survived childhood. Between the chemicals in our food, toys like Jarts and the Mercury Breezeways, were they trying to thin out the herds? Breezeways were a great way to let your kid fly out onto a freeway with incoming cars! There were no seatbelt or carseat laws after all! And a 390 ought to give it enough yank on acceleration….. A miricle, I’m just saying.
Right? We all rode on the package shelves. Seat belts, useless (and universally unused) even if there.
My older brother had a pill bottle of liquid Mercury, I was fascinated with it and loved playing with it – manipulating it in my hand and watching it meld itself back into form. Over and over, whenever I could sneak it. Hmmm, I suppose this could explain a lot…..
Oh, wait. You meant Mercury automobile. My apologies, carry on.
Matt, don’t forget diving boards.
This car looks very much like an Elwood Engel design, and it probably is, as he was with Ford when this car was in development. By the time the car came out, I think he’d moved to Chrysler. Then in ’65 the slab-sided C-body cars came out. All hail Elwood Engel!
“Anyone can lay down some Bondo and make a nice exterior” Comments like this prove once again you are not remotely skilled in anything automotive.
You’re right, W2n. I made it sound like it’s easy to do bodywork and that wasn’t my intention at all, but I get your point 100%.
Have heard the breezeway is nice, just secure loose paperwork. Exceptional original 87000 mi. car. Hard pressed to find another in this condition.
Not worth anything – carpet fade on passenger floor – hahahahaha
I owned one of these. My first car, bought it from my Mom for $500 in about 1973. Only difference was it had a 351 engine under the hood and a column shift automatic. Black with a red interior, now that brings back memories. And those little crank out side windows in the doors, and the rear window as well. Thanks for the great memory booster.
I’m curious, Jim…the 351 wasn’t an option for the Monterey till ’71, and was first offered by Ford in ’68. Of course one could have been swapped into your Merc, or maybe yours had the 352?
I had its cousin, a used 1961 Monterey convertible with quite similar styling and interior but with bench seats.
The 390 gave it plenty of power.
Imagine driving across the bridge and trying to park an 18 ft car in San Francisco!
I went from that to a new 1969 Fiat 124 Spyder – quite a change!
I had its cousin, a used 1961 Monterey convertible with quite similar styling and interior but with bench seats.
The 390 gave it plenty of power.
Imagine driving across the bridge and trying to park an 18 ft car in San Francisco!
I went from that to a new 1969 Fiat 124 Spyder – quite a change!
PS – the breezeways were considered Grandpa cars at the time
Fantastic car that appears to be in incredible shape. Owner sounds as if they are willing to entertain offers pre auction end.
Someone close to it should swing by with a wad of Benjamin’s, negotiate a little and snag this beauty. Today.
Cash in hand is always king.
I remember one in my neighborhood when I was growing up. I’d see it parked in the driveway or out and about from time to time. The rear window was so neat looking with its’ inward slope. They must have been a bit rare as I only remember ever seeing that one as a bicycle-aged kid in the 60’s.
My father bought one new in 63. Red body and white roof. Black cloth interior. I learned to drive in this car. Love to have one today. 399 auto.
Nice! This Mercury even has bucket seats. Wish it was a fastback style instead. Not a big fan of the Breezeway style.
My friend’s father had one. I thought it was so cool, the one time I had a ride in it. I couldn’t believe the rear window went down. Then I thought, why doesn’t every car have this feature? It really made for “flow through ventilation”. AC was still rare on cars. If I had the spare cash I would be all over this one.
I had a 1964 Mercury Parklane that was fully restored. It had quite a few more options on it, 6 way power bench seat, A/C, power windows, and had 97,000 miles. It was a very nice car but being 6’2″ tall I was in pretty tight with the bench seat all the way back. I have always liked the look of these. I was shocked at this car’s “original” condition. It appears that the valve covers and air cleaner have been repainted. The interior looks too new but if original I am very impressed. Chrome, bright work, and paint, all look in excellent condition too from what I can see. Great find!
Suzie’s mom had one when Suz was a teen (late 60’s). They also had a little dog. One day in a parking lot waiting for Mom to do some shopping, Suz saw a movement and turned her head to find herself staring at their little dog who had climbed out the rear window and walked along the side body ledge to the front of the car. LOL. :-) Terry J
Fantastic car. Hats off to this family and their respect for this museum piece
One like this came in my body shop for detailing in 1976 from the local Ford dealership. It was dark green and only had 20,000 miles on it. It looked new. I had the right rear lifted a little and when I went to close the trunk lid, I noticed a big gap on the other side of the lid. The frame was rusted really bad all over. This was in New York State. I Ford dealer was upset.
I simply love the 63 model and this is one really good looking one kept close to its original condition but for me the 62 design of the Monterey just takes by breath away (especially the rear end taillights even if it does not have the option of the breezeway rear window).
Cristian
I have watched this seller’s offerings on ebay for years. His vehicles are always beautiful and well presented by someone who knows quality. I know he sells for other people. I’m not sure if he ever sells any of his own vehicles.
But they are always clean and usually are original-paint cars in exceptional condition. I would trust this seller 110%.
Up to $12,100 with 3 days left. These Mercs were so much more classy than their sister Fords (IMHO). If I had the cash I’d be snapping this California no-rust car up. You’d stand out at any show or get-together amongst the Mopars, Chevys, and Fords. When was the last time you’ve seen one?
I had a 63 Lincoln with this color inside and out. This Mercury was really taken care of for the paint and interior to be so nice. Especially in a sunny area like Riverside
Always loved that Breezway rear window. Reminds me of a 60 Continental which I love the looks of also, I think the air cleaner design is similar too..museum piece you cant go wrong.
Right you are Tommy, the ’60 Lincoln was also designed by Elwood Engel.
What a beautiful car. I remember seeing these when I was old enough to know what a great looking was. Always loved these.
I had a 1960 Ford Anglia 105E. It had the same roofline, but the back window was quite stationary.
thats a great car my father bought a 63 s55 cp with a 406 tri power 4spd that i still own i used to do alot of street racing love this car
My first car was a 1963 S22 convertible. I love that car, even though I blew-up the motor coming over the hill from Santa Cruz, and it cost me to repair the same amount that I ended up selling it for. I am considering looking for anther one, even though it will cost me 30+times what I paid for it to begin with in 1970.
My grandmother had a ’63 Monterey Breezeway, same color as above, with a cream colored roof. My sibings and I would spend a few weeks each summer with her so my parents could go on vacation and add additional siblings as the years progressed. Anyway, Grandma drove like a bat outa hell on the winding, hilly roads of the Pocono Mountains, with all of us in the back seat and the Breezeway window down. I can’t remember if we ever lost any of us siblings; there were too many to count. My mother’s obstetrician once asked her, “Are you Catholic?” Mom replied, “No, I’m just a sexy protestant!”
Gosh what a beautifully preserved Mercury. I have a 65 Mercury Marauder that Ive been turning into my daily driver for last 3 yrs, and love driving it. Updated heads, pushrods,intake and carb and disx brakes. Other than those updates the rest is original. Its turned me into a Mercury lover!
My brother owned one like this only it was blue. Great car.
Auction update: this one sold for $18,611.
This is a stunning 63 Mercury, and if it sold for $18,000 and some odd change, it was definitely deserved of that price. Nothing to do but drive and enjoy her
And buy your own gas station. My dad had a 390 4v in a big Ford around this period. He is 103 now and still remembers the crappy mileage. Nowadays one would need premium 93 at least in that car. Around here (Calif.) that costs about $5.50/gal.
Brian, I updated my 65 Mercury 390 to new heads, intake, carb and HEI ignition and new plugs, and it gets way better gas mileage than the OEM setup. Price of gas shouldn’t affect a car lover from driving and enjoying their cars anyway
Well, of course you are right. It’s my fault if I am such a cheap charlie.
Glad yours is a bit thriftier. I talked to a guy a few months ago with a 1960 Lincoln project which needs considerable work on just about everything but he already purchased a Holly fuel Injection kit for it even though it isn’t even running! I wonder if that is the ideal cure for 6 MPG land barges. I sure do like those old Mercs.
Brian, the guy with the 60 Lincoln should leave it the way it was originally setup to run. Probably a 430 MEL engine with a 4 bbl. My Mercury gets 15-17mpg in the city after its updates, and better on the hwy.
That is pretty amazing mileage. You must be a mechanical wizard. I had a 1964 Galaxie 500 with a 289 that only averaged 12 MPG (my first car). I think it got 16-17 on the freeway. I had a ’73 Cougar XR7 with the 2v 351 which averaged 8-9. Those huge valves and runners didn’t help (nor did my heavy foot).
Yes I believe he said it was a 430 but he’s all set to convert it to F.I.