Mercury highlighted its “S” (Special) models as the choice for performance-minded buyers, and this 1966 Mercury S55 in Standish, Maine doesn’t disappoint, packing a four-barrel 428 under its shiny dark-green hood. The listing here on Facebook Marketplace claims the big Merc “runs and drives flawlessly.” Forgive yourself if you haven’t hear of the S55 as only 2916 of these hardtop coupes were built, along with 660 convertibles. If this sounds like your blend or rarity and performance, fork over $33,000 and it’s yours. Thanks to Wikipedia for some details and reader RichardinMaine for spotting this well-kept cruiser.
The Q-code 428 cid (7.0L) V8 made 345 HP (gross) in 1966, and while optional in Ford’s Thunderbird (over the base 390), every S55 got this top-line mill. The S55 was essentially Mercury’s version of the 428 Galaxie, which Jay Leno famously tricked his father into buying as a teenager. As befits the upscale Mercury, this one comes with air conditioning that works, according to the seller. Ford Motor Company began applying this corporate blue engine paint in 1966 across the board.
Fastback styling invaded the full-sized lineup, and looks great on this Dark Green Metallic hardtop coupe. Nifty “S55” badging and 428 fender callouts hint at this model’s performance aspirations. Well before driving age I enjoyed catching those details from a distance, dreaming of owning the baddest ride in town one day. Gray and chrome torque-thrust style wheels make a period upgrade that suits the sporty S series. Factory wheels accompany the sale.
Plenty of bright trim adds a classy touch to the all-black interior. Power windows add some luxury. Those Thunderbird-style seats blend comfort and luxury in a compact bucket making them a popular choice for customs beyond the FoMoCo universe. There’s not much to complain about here. If everything checks out, the new owner can enjoy this New England classic immediately. Would you take this hot S55 over a similarly-equipped Galaxie?
Thanks Fitch. 🎸 🎶
” If i had money tell you what I’d do
I’d go downtown and buy a Mercury or two
I’m crazy ’bout a Mercury, I’m crazy ’bout a Mercury
I’m gonna buy me a Mercury and cruise it up and down the road ” 🎵 😎
Which version of Mercury Blues you going with Stan? I got dibs on the David Lindley version
🎯 Mitchell 🎸 🥁
I like the Jimmy Thackery & the Drivers version.
I like Alan Jackson’s version. Great song!
Nice! I’d have to say this was Mercurys version of the 7 litre Galaxie. By ’66, Mercury had begun to lose some of it’s race car drivers, like the early 60s, and focus was more towards “Gentleman Cruisers”, sorry ladies, that’s what they were called. GP, Riviera, Monte Carlo, T-birds, this, all aimed at the big shot, or big shots kid, to wisk them to and from the country club, while schmoes like us went to work. I don’t recall too many S55s in the foundry parking lot. Wonderful cars, power to pass. I read, while the 4 speed, even more rare, was a tick faster, no shame here. It did 0-60 in 7.2, and the 1/4 mile at 15.3 at almost 90, and bury the speedo it would, at 126mph. Yes sir, when cars were cars!
In 1966, Car Life tested the Ford version (1966 Galaxie 500 7-Litre hardtop coupe) with the 428, automatic, 3.25 rear axle and a slight (100-lb) weight advantage over the Merc and got 0-60 in 8.0 secs and a standing quarter-mile of 16.4 secs at 89 mph.
Second paragraph of Fitch’s writeup:
The S55 was essentially Mercury’s version of the 428 Galaxie…
I always thought these 66 Mercs looked better than the Galaxies.
The green and Torq Thrusts really make this one pop.
I was bidding on a ’65 Monterey back in the early 2000’s. 390, 4 sp, no rust, etc. I bid $8000, the wife thought I was cray cray. It went for $8500. I won’t show her this one…
Cool car, not commonly seen.
“Generous Proportions”, as bot-stated in a recent Marauder X-100 listing.
The only way I’m a fan of green is on an exceptional car. This is it!
So nice. You’d be the envy at your local caffeine and gasoline.
My high school band teacher’s nearly new ‘69 Cougar was rear ended and the dealership lent him a ‘66 S55 while it was in their shop. The big Merchant was black with a red interior and I’ll never forget the incredibly cheesy black painted sheet metal brackets that mounted the factory 8 track to the console. I also put my elbow through the punched fiberboard rear speaker grill trying to get it into the back seat on a ride home from practice.
I would certainly take this S55 Mercury over the 66 Galaxie. I’ve had my 65 Marauder for a a few years, and no, you don’t see many S55’s like this, ever. Love the 428 and the Thunderbird style seats and the console. Mine had the same AC and huge clutch before they died. I replaced them with an alluminum York and 4 seasons clutch, but kept the 2 braces that support them. This S55 is rare and beautiful and worth every dollar.
Was the test with a standard or automatic transmission? Makes a difference.
Don’t see these often. When I saw S-55, I immediately saw $$$$$. Looks like this one is worth it. Questions for you Mercury experts. Are those emblems or cornering lights on the front fenders? Vinyl or leather seats?
Cornering lights. Seats were all vinyl (leather option was Park Lane only).
Thanks, Vance!
My folks had a green 66 Mercury but a 4 door sedan, no such luck to have one like this. Their Mercury was the one I took my drivers test in.
Wow
Thanks, Vance!
No problem.