Mercury’s automobiles were all new for 1957 and – for the first time – the brand had bodies that were not shared with any Fords or Lincolns. In the process, they eliminated an entry-level model, meaning that “minimum”’ Mercurys were better equipped than before and as a result, they lost sales to Ford (or other marques) in doing so. The 2-door hardtop, now called a “Phaeton Coupe”, was popular and more than 42,000 were built like the seller’s car. Located in St. Petersburg, Florida, this one has been modified a bit, with changes to the drivetrain and the interior. This Mercury is available here on eBay where the Buy It Now price has been set at $7,000. Thanks for another great tip, Larry D!

These cars had massive front bumpers with two huge “intakes” cut into each side, and the rear bumper was set up to emulate it. Four series of Mercurys were offered, and the new Monterey was the starting point. The cars were so well-received that the folks at the Indianapolis Speedway chose the 1957 Mercury to pace the 500 that year. Two engines were offered with a variety of horsepower ratings, either 312 or 368 cubic inches. The seller says there’s a 351 in this car now, a motor that Ford didn’t begin using until the 1970s. So, either that’s in error or there has been a motor swap. Looking at the photo provided, a swap is quite probable.

This Monterey is finished in Tuxedo Black and Classic White with no mention of originality. It doesn’t look to be all that great and there’s “plenty” of rust to be repaired, though the seller says it’s “fixable.” Also, the passenger side fender is “messed up” (don’t you love technical talk!). But we’re told you could drive the car while you work on it or just use it the way it is. The Merc’s main activity the past year has been going to car shows.

We’re told that whatever engine is under the hood that it fires up and runs okay but could stand a tune-up. The brakes, on the other hand, will need attention as the brake pedal doesn’t return to its normal position without help. The shifter on the floorboard is not factory, so it’s a safe bet that the 2-speed Merc-O-Matic automatic transmission got replaced at the same time as the engine. The interior is original, though the front seats are from a Fox-body Ford and need to be redone (I’d try to locate an original bench seat). This baby is said to have 190,000 miles on it, so the car has been no garage queen.