This 1963 Mercury Monterey S-55 is a tidy classic with only minor cosmetic needs. It features a 390ci V8 under the hood and the distinctive power “Breezeway” back window. The LPG conversion adds versatility, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting the Mercury listed here on eBay. The seller set their price at $24,000 OBO. The biggest challenge for potential buyers could be getting the Monterey home, because it is located in Sint-Oedenrode, a town in the Dutch province of North Brabant. Therefore, shipping may significantly increase the cost of this classic.

Mercury introduced the S-55 in 1962 as a performance version of its new-for-1961 Monterey range. Initially available only in two-door Hardtop and Convertible body styles, the company added a four-door Hardtop in 1963. The two-door variant underwent the most significant styling change for the 1963 model year. The “notchback” joined the dinosaurs, with Mercury offering buyers a choice between a traditional Fastback and one with the reverse-rake “Breezeway” rear window. Our featured S-55 is the latter, finished in a two-tone combination of Ocean Turquoise and Sultana White. The seller describes the exterior as “well preserved,” which seems to be a fair assessment. The paint isn’t faded or significantly damaged, the panels are as straight as an arrow, and there is no evidence of rust. The Breezeway window functions as it should, and the remaining glass looks excellent. Rounding out the exterior is bright trim that is at least as impressive as the paint.

Buyers ordering a 1963 Monterey S-55 automatically received a 390ci V8 under the hood. Mercury quoted power and torque figures of 300hp and 427 ft/lbs, with this car’s first owner teaming the motor with a three-speed Merc-O-Matic transmission and power-assisted steering and brakes. The S-55 provided an almost perfect blend of luxury and performance, with a drivetrain that was essentially bulletproof. The seller indicates that this S-55 received an IMPCO LPG conversion at some point, which will probably divide opinions amongst our readers. LPG tends to be pretty consistent globally, unlike gasoline, which can feature varying octane levels from one country to the next. If the buyer returns this Mercury to its home shore, reversing the change would be pretty straightforward. Although not expressly stated, it appears to be a turnkey classic with no mechanical issues.

The combination of performance and luxury is perfectly demonstrated by scrutinizing this Mercury’s interior. It features air conditioning, bucket seats, a console with a shifter for the Merc-O-Matic, a clock, an AM radio, and acres of bright trim. The listing suggests that the first owner may have taken this a step further by ticking the box beside the optional leather trim on their Order Form. I consider this interior to be tidy and serviceable, though there are a few shortcomings. The front seatcover bases are slightly stretched, although this could also be a sign of collapsing foam. Seam separations are developing on the driver’s seat that might respond positively to attention from a leather specialist. Otherwise, the interior has no significant problems requiring immediate attention.

Some readers may feel that The Netherlands is an odd location for an American classic like this 1963 Mercury Monterey S-55. However, nothing could be further from the truth. I’m subscribed to a YouTube channel called “Ed’s Auto Reviews,” which is produced by a man from that region. It reveals an exceptional number of such vehicles in that location, demonstrating the global reach of the American vehicle manufacturing industry. That brings us to the potential sticking point with this Mercury, because the seller’s price looks quite realistic. Once you factor in the cost of returning this S-55 to its home country, it raises questions about its financial viability. Of course, with only 3,863 of these classics rolling off the line in 1963, it may represent your best opportunity to secure a good one. It’s certainly something to think about.