Ford’s Mercury division suffered some schizophrenic moments in its history, sleeved between the low-end Ford badge and the high-end Lincoln badge. But in 1955 when it brought out the Montclair, sales told the story: Mercury had a record year. Rumor has it that the name derived from an upscale town in New Jersey, near Mercury’s Mahwah assembly plant. Whether it was the cache of the name or the style statement of its hooded headlights, prominent rear fenders, vertical taillamps, and imposing bumper assemblies, the Montclair drew customers like bears to honey. Here on eBay is a 1955 Mercury Montclair hardtop coupe, with an asking price of $19,900. This two-owner survivor car is located in Monclova, Ohio. We have T.J. to thank for this worthy tip!
The interior is swanky, complimenting the Springdale Green exterior. Even the headliner is quite nice. The car still has its original trunk mat and spare. No engine photos are supplied, but we know this Montclair is propelled by a 292 cu. in. Y-block V8 with a four-barrel carburetor making about 195 bhp. Ford’s Y-block eventually met its end due to niggling reliability issues and displacement constrictions. But parts availability is decent. This car’s motor turns but the seller says it hasn’t run since about 2010. The odometer shows only 30,805 miles. Receipts show service including a new gas tank and fuel lines in the early 2000s. This Montclair is loaded with options: it has a three-speed automatic, power steering, and the “Swift Sure” power brakes.
The stainless trim and chrome should clean up to driver quality at least, the glass is good, and the paint has only nominal flaws, but this survivor has not escaped the tin worm. Rust is present on each front fender. We aren’t shown undercarriage photos, but where there’s a little rust, there’s often more, so bring a flashlight.
The car’s rear shows off those tall taillights and pillarless greenhouse nicely. Styling cues like the wraparound bumper and horizontal side trim emphasize the long, low, wide look. In fact, the Montclair was marketed as the lowest sedan on the sales floor. The appeal of this car extends beyond its design: a car is only original once. The seller even has the original 1955 title and owner’s manual, along with the aforementioned service records. With a good cleaning, mechanical resurrection, and safety check, this impressive beauty could be your next Car at your local Cars ‘N Coffee.
Dang. Used to have houses in both Montclair AND Monterey; thought it would be ‘fun’ to have one of each too, but wiser heads prevailed…
20k ? Could of at least wiped off the dirt.
Great Mercury! I still have my Dads 1955 Montclair that he purchased new. These are awesome cars but can definitely be a challenge to find parts for!!
I love the style of the 1955 and 56 Mercurys. The 292 y block is the best to have because of its 10 year run.
I don’t grasp your meaning-“the Montclair was marketed as the lowest sedan on the sales floor” Montereys would be of the same physical dimensions; and the three models available in ‘55, in ascending order, are: Custom, Monterey, and Montclair. 🤔 I really love ‘55/‘56 Mercs! Especially Montclairs with the horizontal strip painted a complementary color. Really sets them off! FYI: I learned the hard way that a 292 Ford, and 292 Mercury engine are fundamentally different. Crankshaft diameter is larger, in the Mercury engine, and strangely, the bearing surfaces are narrower. Go figure.
Sorry, “lowest” meaning dimensionally. Long, low and wide was all the rage styling-wise in those days, and the Montclair measured from bottom of tire to top of roof just 58.6″ which Sales claimed was the “Lowest car you could buy”.
Look like a very solid car, some minor tin worm to deal with, but should clean up nicely. Don’t understand why the seller didn’t clean it up.