The “Breezeway” was something of a styling gimmick and novelty on certain FOMOCO products in the 1950s and 1960s (but not on the Fords). It was a slanted reverse rear window that was retractable at the touch of a button or switch. Mercury used it in 1957 and 1958, then Lincoln took a crack between 1958 and 1960, and then Mercury one more time from 1963 to 1968. Most of the full-size Mercurys had this feature in 1963 except wagons and convertibles. The seller’s car has been sitting alongside a house for many years and Mother Nature has begun to claim it.
Did the Breezeway work better than a convertible or a sedan with air conditioning? I don’t know as I’ve never ridden in a Mercury with this feature during summer months when it could have been beneficial. It certainly seems more practical than the complicated retractable hardtop that Fords could be ordered with from 1957 through 1959. More than 10,000 Monterey and Monterey Customs were built this way as a 4-door hardtop in ‘63, so the Breezeway is somewhat rare today if even 5% have managed to survive.
The seller’s automobile may have been loved at one time as it was given a name, “Justine.” Perhaps she’s a distant relation to “Christine” from the 1983 movie of the same name! We’re told it ran when it was parked, but we suspect that was eons ago. Were told she’s still complete and the electronics still work, though we don’t know how as there is no battery. Rust is said to be minimal as it was living in California for some of its life. But the 390 cubic inch V8 may now be seized, and the body is covered with pine needles, even under the hood, which attracts corrosion.
This car’s interior may be okay, a least the upholstery. But we’re told the headliner is toast. We’re told this car has four doors, but the photos don’t make that a certainty. If you’re looking for a project, this one might come really cheap. 11 bids have only raised the ante to $22.50 here on eBay (yes, not $2,250), and there is no reserve for a car that resides in disarray in Spokane, Washington. Worth the gamble? BTW, thanks for the “barn find” tip, Mitchell G.!
That’s been sitting there for a really long time. The carb and intake are likely the most valuable part of the car.
Steve R
Picture #3 clearly shows it is a 4 door. I’ve always thought it would be cool to adapt that rear window setup into another way different vehicle, like an El Camino or Ranchero, maybe a full size pickup, perhaps side windows in a 70s cargo van? Endless possibilities.
An uncle in Georgia had one of these with a 4-speed manual … probably shouldn’t have driven as fast as he did with us in the car but I remember being in awe of the sound of burning rubber and the air rushing past my head and out the back … one of the many cars of my childhood that I wish I had today ..
Nice looking car. I’ve always been interested in Mercury cars with the *”Breezeway”* rear window. Assuming parts are available, I can imagine this car would make a great resto project, maybe with some upgrades. 🙂
Bidding stopped at $455.99. Said it is sold.