The Montclair was a mid- or top-range Mercury on two occasions (1955 to 1960, 1964 to 1968). It was introduced on a new platform in 1955, and 2-door hardtops like this one were more than two-thirds of Montclair sales in its first year. Back in the day, this ’55 Merc was probably a thing of beauty and has been in the same family since new. No doubt everyone with an emotional connection to it has passed on, so it’s now on the market, flat tires and all. Located in Freeport, New York, this vintage project is available here on eBay for $7,400 OBO.
Rumor has it the name of the car came from Montclair, New Jersey, which was near a Mercury assembly plant in Mahwah (that would have really been a funny name). The first generation ran for two years, just like the new cars over at the Ford division of FOMOCO. These machines were powered by a variant of the Thunderbird’s 292 cubic inch V8 that produced 195 hp. While more than 71,000 of these 2-door hardtops hit the streets in 1955, when was the last time you saw one?
This white-over-blue Mercury was last registered in 1987, which means it’s been dormant for nearly 40 years. At 42,000 miles (or 47, 000 as both figures are used), the car was parked by its original owner for reasons unknown. Did the 292 Y-block have a problem, or perhaps the automatic transmission? The car is said to be complete and original, making a restoration a more likely proposition.
We’re told the floors, trunk, and frame are all solid, but what about the exterior sheet metal? The interior may clean up well enough with proper detailing. The big Merc even has rear fender skirts, a popular thing on big cars back in those days. This vehicle is too nice to be a donor, so are you willing to pull a Full Monty on it?
I’ve always liked the look of this Mercury. It has that ” forward look ” with those headlight housings. Even being in bad shape, that interior says it all. I really believe this car being totally original from ’55, it’s definitely worth the time and money to restore back exactly the way it was.
I agree John. Those headlight brows really made for a crisp design feature. I grew up in an era when these were not exactly plentiful but not rare either. Car is certainly worthy of a restoration and I hope it is. Just please don’t make it a resto-mod with the wrong company PowerPoint. Do it right.
Absolutely restore it to it’s former glory and beauty. It would be a sin for this to end up in the hands of a resto-modder. What a class ride back in the day!
That the seller couldn’t be bothered to put some air in the tires shows how much interest they have in it.
An excellent “All There” car for a handy DIY person to restore back to original. Get it running, then determine if you have to mess with the power train. Ford Y block parts are still available, BUT if you have to replace any of the drive train, PLEASE stay with FOMOCO!!!!! While going thru the brakes, I would add a power boosted dual master cylinder, and possibly front discs?? This will be a heavy car, so it will need some help to stop.. Being a 55 it still might be 6 volt positive ground?? I am in favor of a very SLIGHT restomod, 12 volt, better brakes, ETC to make it a safer driver in todays traffic. I think Freeport is out on the Island, so you will have some BIG$$ tolls to trailer it home.
looks like it has been laying in the driveway for 40yrs. too lazy to even air up or get tires that hold air. some way to treat a car the supposedly they bought new. should have been the garage that sits in front of it but it most likely full of s**t. good luck especially a New York car.
As a young lad in the 50’s southern Calif., my parents had one they bought used in 57’. It had the 292 v8 and was tangerine in color. Loved that car. I keep looking but have never found one in that color. I remember the exhaust exited through rear bumper. Taking a family photo one time, my younger bro backed into the exhaust, leaving a perfect tattoo on his calf.
Okay first, it might be the angriest looking car ever made. This is the type of car that after RESTMOD, yes restmod, you absolutely have to name it. And find the greatest pin stripe painter ever to hand write the name. I’m thinking Oscar… Or maybe something angrier as a name.
Second, it’s definitely a restmod candidate. You can keep 80% of it original but it’s almost a guarantee that all mechanical items from engine to wipers needs replaced. So get her done and done quickly. The faster the better so you can really enjoy driving it around and scaring the crap out of every other car on the road.
Lastly, people are complaining about the tire. I see it as a direct message from the seller for someone to please just make an offer and get it out of our driveway. You can probably get it for 5k
Not an outrageous asking price for a pretty solid, non rusty Mercury 2 Dr Hardtop. Looks like no PB or PS. Hopefully, it turns freely or even turns over. Would make a solid entry level project for someone who is partial to mid 50s Mercurys.
These cars always appealed to me, which is a bit strange because I’m not a real fan of barges. But Mercury cars of this vintage catch my attention.
There was a guy in our town who was getting on in years. He drove a ’56 Monterey and he drove the hell out of it. One day, Dad pulled up to the post office in his pickup, got out, got the mail then headed back out to the truck. Several spaces down, ol’ Nyal pulled up in his shiny Monterey. He got out, nodded to Dad and went in.
A few friends congregated beside Dad’s truck to share one of the latest stories/male gossip. Nyal came out, got into his car, gunned it, slammed it into gear and shotgunned it in reverse–directly at Dad and his friends.
It looked like Nyal was going to crash right into Dad’s truck. Dad and his friends scattered and ran for safety while Nyal continued his speedy demolition race move. Just at the last second, he slammed on the brakes, threw it in drive and sped away.
Dad looked down at the rear wheel of his truck and saw the hubcap crushed flat. He drove down to Nyal’s son’s office and showed him what his pop had done.
Sad day for Nyal; that was the last time his Monterey was driven for several months. The family got together and took their father’s license. Too bad for Nyal because he didn’t last six months after that…
These were great cars and fun to drive the price seems reasonable with some room- money required but being a two door but should also be thoroughly checked out before purchase?