The Mercury badge was aimed at buyers aspiring to luxury but looking for affordability. As part of Ford’s Lincoln-Mercury division, Mercury offered a dizzying range of options in the 1950s. The Montclair was considered the top of the line, distinguished by trim level; the Monterey and Custom were very similar cars occupying lower-priced berths. Body styles included the four-door Phaeton sedan – an interesting choice since “phaeton” generally referred to any vehicle without weather protection. Mercury’s Phaeton was a closed car. Roughly 90,000 Mercury Montclairs of various body styles were sold in 1956 alone. Here on eBay is a 1956 Mercury Montclair Phaeton project for sale, with one bid at $1,000, reserve not met. The car is located in Beaverton, Oregon. Thanks to Larry D. for the tip! This design is laden with chrome and features the beginnings of the pillar-less ‘bubble top’ styling that reached a zenith in the late 1950s and early 1960s.
This car is well along toward completion. The matching numbers 312 cu. in. Y block V8 was rebuilt, though we don’t know how long ago. With the Holley four-barrel carburetor the combination produces about 210 bhp. When installed, this will mate up with a Merc-O-Matic automatic transmission, also original to the car. This combination was an upgrade versus 1955, when most models came with a 292 cu. in. V8 rated at about 198 bhp. That said, various options were available in each year to increase horsepower from the same block.
According to the seller, the car comes with most of the parts to finish the job. A tough task would be finding the stainless trim; the owner thinks it’s all with the car. Door latches and window cranks are cleaned and working correctly. The power booster vacuum has been refurbished. The car wears a three-year-old coat of Imron paint, and several of its parts have been painted to match. The front chrome looks decent, though it’s difficult to tell given the photos.
Cars of the 1950s and early 1960s featured really jazzy interiors. This example is somewhat restrained but still more appealing than today’s bland options. The interior is not completely installed, but the seats, panels, and carpets are fresh. Hubcaps are new and the car rides on new Firestones. The wiring harness needs to be installed. These 1950s cars have fallen out of favor but still offer style for the bargain-seeker. This one needs an owner willing to bring her back to the road.
Just what I need, another project!
It’s a beaut!
“….the car has most of the parts to finish the job”. That right there is a HUGE red flag. A cold beer says the owner’s not even sure what’s missing.
An unfinished project is always a complete crap shoot. Start working on one area and come to find out you don’t even have half the parts to finish it. Find one that’s a bit more complete, maybe even running, and you will be alot better off.
This looks like it would be very rewarding for someone with time, knowledge and the proper facilities.
e,
We had neighbors who had one of these,
a two door in Pink.That was in the early ’60’s.I think
they bought it new.
My parents had a 2 door hardtop Custom. The 312 engine w/ the Merc 3 speed automatic transmission was fairly potent for the times.
Back about 1960 I think it was one of my older brothers who was in the Army (stayed for 26 years) and was stationed at Ft. Lewis Washington bought a really nice 55 Mercury in a darker shade of blue. It was a 4 door, but I don’t remember if was a sedan or hardtop. Like me he went through cars like water so he probably didn’t keep it long. Buying cars unfinished is a crap shoot for sure, but Parts are readily available. You’ll likely end up spending more than its worth, but then if you’re in it for the money open a used car lot. Classics like this don’t come along everyday.
God Bless America
I came home from the hospital in a 1956 Persimmon and Gun Metal Gray Montclair hardtop. While mom was having me? Dad was trading in the 1955 Buick Special he dropped her off in! Priorities!
Even though I’m too young to remember much of these 50s cars, being born in 69 I’ve always thought these 56 mercury’s were nicely styled cars. Cool 50s looks without being overdone and garish.
I’m into 80s cars but if there were something from the 50s that would give me pause to consider it, a 56 would be it.
Even being a 4 door the proportions look good. I’m no paint expert but I thought imron is well past its sell by date and more modern paint systems would be preferred.