Priced at $25,000, this 1956 Mercury Custom wagon offers an intriguing case to examine for the current state of the classic car market. Located in Zellwood, Florida, you can check out this hauler here on Craigslist. Would you pay $25k for this classic?
By 1956, the car manufacturers were in full song, trying to outdo one another. Everyone tried adding more chrome and baubles to their cars to surpass the competition. Some of these models were very successful, but some missed the mark. The Ford cars from this era don’t get much attention compared to their GM counterparts. There are many reasons for this, but these Ford models are solid classics. Maybe they don’t quite have their GM counterparts’ panache, but they have clean designs and can provide good value to those who want to drive a 50s-era classic.
This Mercury is an interesting car to consider. It is described as a daily driver, but it also says that the overdrive is not working. There is plenty of paint and bodywork to be completed on this car if you are not into the patina look. Fortunately, the Y block is running well, and the purchase includes an under-dash AC that needs to be installed. The interior looks fairly complete, but the upholstery needs some work, which the seller also mentions. Of note is the unique shaped steering wheel. What is it like to drive with this shape?
Looking over the pictures and reading through this ad brings about some skepticism over the price of this rig. Maybe during the Covid times, this car could realize this number. But with all the needed work, it seems like a long shot. Some points, though, could entice some buyers, especially those who are into original cars. This is not a common ride, either, so there definitely won’t be many of these at your local cars and coffee. What is your take on this car? Is it overpriced, or is this a fair deal? Thank you so much to T.J. for sending in this tip!
The writer is right, it’s a cool car, but they are asking a lot of money for a car with more than a few pending issues. There are better cars for a fraction of the asking price. Unless the seller is fishing for an overseas buyer, he’s probably in for a long wait until one comes along.
Steve R
When was the last time you’ve seen a ’56 Mercury station wagon, in the flesh, ot for sale?
I’ve never seen one, but I haven’t looked. Rare doesn’t mean valuable
How much demand is there? Yesterday this site ran a feature an ad for three Mercury cars from the same era, one with the rare plexiglass partial roof, which was an original Arizona car, the seller wanted $8,000 for all three, yet there had been no takers in 6 months. I don’t think the market for a Mercury wagon like this is strong enough to haul in $25,000. It’s not in the same league as first generation Broncos and Blazers.
Steve R
Im trying to figure out that steering wheel. I dont believe its stock. It kind of looks like its out of a Chrysler product or perhaps an old boat? There couldn’t have been too many Mercury wagons with a stick and overdrive. I’d like to see it restored. (With the correct wheel).
You’re right about that steering wheel. I have a 56 Merc wagon, like this one in the ad, so I’m 100% positive on that. My first thought was Chrysler, but you might be right about a boat wheel. Also the engine air filter is not original. These cars originally had an oil bath type filter. This unit looks like it came from a later 58,59 Ford or Merc.
$25k???, don’t think so. Unfortunately this is the state of collector cars, overpriced. $25k can get you a nice car with no issues. This car is interesting but not for that money.
$25k might be a fair price if you’ve got to have one of these Mercury wagons. Though I’d rather have the fake wood-grain Villager version, that one is very rare. One thing about the Y-blocks too, put dual exhaust and glass-packs on them and they make sweet automotive music.
The steering wheel does have the Mercury symbol on it. I don’t think I ever saw this shape however. I’m sure there are BF readers who know for sure. And at least this Craigslist ad has photos of the engine. As far as the asking price is concerned, I can’t blame someone for trying to ring the bell. But unless you are into keeping the worn out patina look; you’re going to be digging deep to restore this.
For those readers interested in this steering wheel, one copy is currently for sale on EBay (item number:116259448041). Quote: “Aluminum frame vintage motorboat steering wheel. Probably dates to 1960’s-1970’s. Marked Kiekhaefer Mercury, #31268. It’s an unusual square oval form. Approx. 17″wide x 15″high x 6″deep. Perfect for a vintage powerboat restoration.”
I think they call that steering wheel a Squirkle but I have no idea if it’s original. Like one of the other posters said it’s more of a Chrysler thing. This Merc looks good in those colors and restored would really shine. Good luck to whoever buys it but 25k is too much.
$25,000.00 is a bit ambitious, although it is unique. I’ve seen plenty of Ford wagons of this vintage, but a Mercury? Don’t think so. The 312 was a pretty powerful engine for the time. Hopefully, the seller and the buyer can meet somewhere in the middle.
I agree it’s a bit optimistic on price. However, the chrome on the bumpers looks good; a rechrome would eat a lot of the $25k, so maybe it’s not as far off as it seems… ;-)
That steering wheel is definitely not original, how would you even blow the horn. Maybe it’s from a boat with Mercury outboard and steering? I could see a restored car bringing $25k to 35k, but not one in this condition. I did see one for sale a couple weeks ago for $38k, but it was near perfect and in resale red.
For those readers interested in this steering wheel, one copy is currently for sale on EBay (item number:116259448041). Quote: “Aluminum frame vintage motorboat steering wheel. Probably dates to 1960’s-1970’s. Marked Kiekhaefer Mercury, #31268. It’s an unusual square oval form. Approx. 17″wide x 15″high x 6″deep. Perfect for a vintage powerboat restoration.”