If an award had been given out in 1960 for the new car most likely resembling a mild custom, the 1960 Mercury would’ve won hands down. Just look at that unusual and very bold rear end treatment. The totally restyled ’60 Mercury (which had been totally restyled the year before with sharper lines and those huge, triangular pizza-slice tail lamps) went for the long, low, and wide look and they certainly achieved it. Here’s a 1960 Mercury Hardtop Coupe in the top-of-the-line Park Lane trim (one of only 2,974 produced), that is being advertised as a non-running barn find. The details and car’s history are skimpy with the total description consisting of: “Barn find 1960 Mercury with a title and has not run in many years. Original paint and interior. It has some rust on the quarter panels above the skirts.”
The 1960 Mercury sales brochure stated, “Styled for the discerning buyers, the 1960 Mercury steps years ahead of the crowd with Sleek-Line styling, passenger-planned comfort, and exclusive Road-Tuned ride.” Styling cues, such as the narrow concave grille and wide headlight spacing, helped to visually give the Merc a long, wide, low-slung look. And notice the huge “Panoramic Skylight” windshield which was Mercury’s largest ever at the time. The enormous wraparound back glass and slanted C-Pillar also gives the car a look of motion. It also makes for quite the greenhouse effect in the Merc’s comfortable cabin. The car’s original Tuxedo Black paint is said to be original and looks presentable based on the photos. The chrome bumpers, glass, and Park Lane trim look good as well and appears to all be there.
With its sharp-looking silver and black interior, I bet this Mercury was stunning when brand new. The original interior appears to be in very good condition for a 65-year-old car. I spotted one 3-inch tear on the driver’s seat, the steering wheel hub medallion is missing, and the black padded dash is wavy on the passenger side.
But based on the photos, the front and rear seats, headliner, and especially the cool door panels look very well preserved. No information or specs are shared about the Merc’s power plant, but the sales brochure states that Park Lanes were equipped with 430-cubic inch V8’s that generated 310 horsepower when new. It’s mated to a Merc-O-Matic automatic transmission. The engine bay is dusty and we don’t know how long it’s been sitting or if the engine turns over. Hopefully it does.
Perhaps this Merc has been a California car since it’s currently located in Hesperia, California. It is for sale here on craigslist for $11,000 and another atta-boy goes out to T.J. for sending us this rare Mercury. With only 2,974 of these 1960 Mercury Park Lane Hardtop Coupes produced, there can’t be many survivors today. Especially in this highly original condition. I’m hoping the next owner will get the low-slung big black coupe road worthy again and keep it as original as possible.
Ron I just pictured this ParkLane towing a metallic paint ski boat, with a 200hp Mercury Black Max motor.
I thought the 1960 Mercury was indeed a beautiful design, but can’t find who took the credit for it. I read, this was Mercurys version of the 1960 Starliner, another beautiful design. Before the 406 in 1962, the 430 was the motor of choice for racers. While advertised at 310hp, many said it was closer to 400, but design limited it to Mercury, Edsel, and Lincolns (MEL). Nice car.
The 430 was also offered as an option for the ’58-’60 Thunderbird. Rated at 350 (gross) hp.
My mom bought my dad a ’60 TBird for his birthday and it had the 430 … his brother had a ’62 Vette (don’t remember which engine) and they raced on a local rural road – the Vette blew the engine and it was replaced under warranty … my dad never let him live it down … he let me drive it home from church (I was twelve years old) and I asked him how fast I could drive … he said use my judgement … I drove at 80-85 … mom had a fit but dad said I had to learn … one of my best early driving memories …
Buddies family had that T-Bird with the 430…..passed it by in my youth on my bicycle and in later years was offered it but just couldn’t fit it in my hoard.
The 1958 Edsel Corsair/Citation had the one year only “410” w 475 ft/lbs of torque..same family as the 383/430.
Howard, `60 was also the last year Mercury had their own body–by `61 Mercury shared their bodyshells with Ford from then on. This is my second favorite Mercury design behind the `55. This looks very solid for being the same age as me (almost 65)! These are scarce enough that I would replace the mags with mfr. rims/wheelcovers, and a set of period-correct Coker whitewalls. You’ll likely have the only one at any show you attend.
This is a beautiful design. I may be in the minority here, but I think the 4 door hartop is beautiful as well. I like how the rear window compliments the windshield too. Not too many of these around either.
Henry II was in charge of FMC. I think Joe Orosz was the chief stylist. 🤔
getting the lottery ticket in a few minutes, winning with tonight’s drawing, pick’n this one up first thing in the morning. After a factory perfect restoration will have one of my sons drive me around in it just so I can sit in the back seat. Only cars with better back seat viewing were the GM 4-door “sport sedan” versions of 1959-1960. Please, leave the lights off, I’m enjoying this dream!
Terry M,
I have some money on tonight’s game.
Do not sit too long on your Lottery money.
Or you will be sorry :)
I hate to think how difficult it would be to track down a replacement rear window glass for this in the unfortunate event that it was damaged.
Friends of my family had a 60 Montclair with that one year rear windshield. They actually had a kind of venetian blind added because of heat and discomfort.
Ah! A Unicorn! Would love to have this Merc in my dwindling stable. But the tax man cometh…
Price is right at $11k.
Description mentions “Rust on quarter panels above the skirts”, but no pictures.
Hmmmmm
Cool 😎 Rw. Must have been a real rocket. I can still remember the smell and sound of the motors.
Doesn’t get much better for a kid, than water skiing w friends and family 👪
Stan, you made me remember. Not just the smell of leaded gas, and also 2 stroke oil but the smell of fiberglass as well. I loved that combination with a boat.
When I was about 14yrs old, A guy in my hometown had one. It was a very tan colored car. Stupid me, one day I wasn’t watching where I was riding my bike and I ran into the back of it. Ended up laying on the trunk lid. This kids dad was a local doctor.
What a beautiful 60 Mercury, and fairly priced as well, she will be gone soon, I’m sure. So was the engine pics from the actual car, or a stock photo? 430 MELs were great engines
My old man got a new Merc every year from his work. This land yacht really brings back great memories. Too bad Ford didn’t use the 430 in anything else. Upgrades from aftermarket companies would have made the big rare engine a real ground pounder, and would have given Chrysler hemi a run for it’s money in a smaller car.
At least it used Ford parts, I had a 56 Chrysler once. Finding parts for it was a nightmare compared to the 57 Chevy I once owned.
Car like this would be a luxury vehicle 60 years ago. Time to remember it at its best years.
Even Before Mercury put the GRAND in Marquis, this was a genuine LAND YACHT. 👌 BTW, where are the other members of The GREAT AMERICAN LAND YACHT SOCIETY? Happy to see I can once again Post! Thanks Jesse!