The 1953 Mercury Monterey Woody Wagon was the first wood-paneled station wagon Mercury produced, making it relatively collectible. The cars have a totally beachy vibe, and the way this example was styled exaggerates that. It’s easy to imagine this Woody cruising on the highway blasting the beach boys. This example is listed on craigslist in Huntington Beach, California for $12,500.
The exterior of the car has patina throughout which is always a cool look. The seller notes the Woody has new distressed wood panels. The glass is said to be in good condition as well as the floors. New 15-inch tires wrap the original wheels which have been painted red. The car is equipped with a surfboard rack, original sun visor, and custom decals. The car presents well and is unique and quirky. If patina isn’t for you, this might be a pass but the seller’s restoration choices elevate the car’s overall energy.
The interior has a very ’50s diner vibe and appears to be in good condition. The seats are finished in red and white vinyl and the door panels match. The door panels and upholstery have been redone as well as the rear cargo areas. The car has had new carpet padding installed as well as a new red carpet, a new antenna, and new chrome mirrors.
The Mercury has a Flathead V8 that isn’t running. At its prime, it sent power to the wheels via a 3-speed manual transmission. This vehicle is a great option for someone who loves the look of it and is willing to replace the engine. It could be extra cool with something a bit more powerful in its engine bay. It has been well cared for and really only needs an engine swap to be a fun cruiser to take to car shows. If you’ve been on the hunt for a Woody and want a project through the winter contact the seller on craigslist.
Posting deleted by author. Just as as well. Looks pretty lame for a woody. I mean I see the wood trim but where is the rest?
“The 1953 Mercury Monterey Woody Wagon was the first wood-paneled station wagon Mercury produced”
That’s not even close to correct.
Since the body was all metal with a little wood trim.
Still not correct. 1941 was the first year for a Mercury wood-bodied wagon, 1949 was the first year for a steel-bodied wagon with wood outer panels, and 1952 was the first year for an all-steel wagon with wood trim.
CC Fisher, your right on the money. I just finished a painting, for a client, of a ’48Mercury woody, on the beach in Santa Cruz, CA.
By the way, the first Mercury Station Wagon “Woody” was the 1941 model.
Blast The Beach Boys? Don’t mind if I do,,”Let’s go surfing now, everybodys learning how, come on a safari with me”…1st, tis’ no woody, I think just a Mercury wagon someone hung varnished boards on. Looks a bit cheesy for a woody, and the surfboard may have more appeal today. It’s been long disputed what the original “Surf City” was, some say Ventura Beach, others Malibu, but was settled on Huntington Beach, and why this car and props hail from there, I bet. Engine is fine, but needs an automatic.
Too bad the seller focused on interior before taking care of the engine and other mechanicals first. $12k for just a roller wagon with lots of patina isn’t for me.
Sold
Seller invested in cheapo props but never bothered to get it running. There is no wood on this car just Di-Nok woodgrain applique and fiberglass wood-like trim. Kitchy decals and bogus Naugahyde interior all combine to make this an offsetting steaming pile. No thank you.