The number of station wagons that have survived to blow out 70 candles on their birthday cake are in the single-digit rare category. We’ve only featured one other 1956 Mercury Monterey Station Wagon on Barn Finds through the years, and it was a sunk-into-the-dirt project car located in the wilds of Alaska. It didn’t look anywhere near as nice as this example that is showing a solid body, presentable original paint, and an interior that’s claimed to be “90% original.” What kind of life has this Merc longroof had? A pretty good one based on the photos and the seller’s brief description. It’s currently enjoying the warm weather of Riverside, California (maybe it’s spent all of its life in the Golden State; the data plate shows is was assembled at Mercury’s Los Angeles plant) and is listed for sale here on craigslist for $22,000 (or a trade up or down for a 1956 Ford Crown Victoria). Thanks to our buddy, Barney, for sending this rare Mercury Station Wagon our way!
The Monterey was Mercury’s top-of-the-line offering in ’56 and their colorful sales brochure promised a model that blended luxury, utility, and versatility. Customers could choose either a 6-passenger or third seat 8-passenger wagon in a wide range of p0pular mid-50’s colors. The paint has a coral look to it, and according to a paint chart found online and a photo of the Merc’s data plate, it is finished in what Mercury called Glamour Tan. It’s supposed to be original and looks presentable with no fading or thin spots visible. The Monterey trim level included the faux wood sides that imbedded stainless side trim. The side frames and window trim were originally a light wood in color, but are now all mahogany to match the dark side panels. The glass, chrome, and trim looks good, I’m not spotting any rust or body damage, and you can’t miss that large Griswold family approved roof rack waiting for a surfboard to be strapped down. If it were mine, I’d dress this rare wagon up by putting on period-correct whitewalls and the Monterey’s full-wheel covers.
The interior of the wagon is quite the time capsule and is said to be “90% original” (the seller doesn’t mention what 10% isn’t original). Except for a wavy black padded dash cover and a worn rear door arm rest, the Merc’s black and white interior looks well preserved with no rips, tears, or excessive wear on the seats. Mercury’s sales brochure said Montery Station Wagons had exclusive interiors that were vinyl and fabrics with woven plastic metallic thread. I’m guessing this interior may have had plastic covers on the seats to keep it in such original condition.
The 1956 Mercury lineup was powered by the new 312-cubic-inch “Y-Block” Safety-Surge V8. Literature says it produced between 210 and 225 horsepower when new. It’s paired with an automatic transmission and “100,000” miles is listed as the odometer reading. Some new parts listed include an Edelbrock carburetor (the original carburetor and air cleaner are available), and a new fuel pump, exhaust system, and shocks. So what do you think fellow Grocery Getter Fans? This may be the most original ’56 Mercury Monterey Station Wagon on the planet. It’s an impressive time capsule, for sure.
Glamour Tan, got to luv those 50’s colors. The car looks amazing as an original survivor.