It appears that life has been quite kind to this 1956 Mercury Monterey Hardtop. The majority of that life has been spent in California, and this has no doubt helped the vehicle to remain solid and rust-free. It now calls Waverly, Florida, home. However, that might be set to change fairly soon. It is being offered for sale here on eBay, where bidding has reached $9,223, but the reserve hasn’t been met. If you would like to give this 1950s classic a new home, now might be the time to consider submitting your bids.
I have to say that this car poses a bit of a mystery in one sense. The owner lists the paint colors as green and white, and there is little doubt that the lighter shade is Classic White. The green is a bit more confusing because the way the light hits it from one side of the car to the other gives it a very different appearance. However, I do believe that the actual color is Grove Green. The panels look to be nice and straight, while there are no obvious signs of any rust issues. The owner clearly states that there are no patches to be found anywhere, suggesting that rust has never been a past problem. He also states that the floors and trunk are extremely solid. As far as the external trim and chrome are concerned, the news appears to be good. There are no signs of corrosion, peeling, pitting, or dents. The majority of the trim shines nicely, although some of the chrome is beginning to show its age a bit. There is nothing bad, but the luster has started to disappear from items such as the rear bumper. It would be interesting to give it a once-over with a quality polish to see if it would respond. It isn’t at the point where it needs a trip to the plater, and there is no reason why it couldn’t be left as it is. One thing that I did notice is that the wheel trim is missing off the front wheel on the driver’s side. It isn’t clear whether this has just been removed, or if it is missing. If it is missing this shouldn’t be a problem, as there seem to be plenty of nice secondhand examples out in the marketplace.
The Monterey’s interior is one of what seem to be numerous highlights with this car. It’s pretty hard to find much to be critical of, with the seats and door trims appearing to be free of significant rips, splits, or stains. There are possibly a couple of small marks on the front seat, but these are barely visible. The headliner looks really good, and one of the few identifiable flaws that I can see is some cracking in several spots on the steering wheel. When it comes to classic cars like this, one of the best indications that you can receive about how well the car has been cared for is to look at the state of the kick panels. Next to the carpet, these are the items that are most prone to unintentional abuse. The kick panels in the Mercury look really good, and even the carpet seems to be free of any major problems. The dash looks original, with the factory radio and clock both still in place.
The 1956 model year ushered in a new top-spec motor for the Monterey, in the form of the 312ci V8. That is what we find occupying the engine bay, pumping out 260hp. This is sent to the rear wheels through a 3-speed Merc-O-Matic transmission. In a 1956 context, this combination made the Monterey a spritely performer for what was a 6-seat family car. It was capable of launching through the ¼ mile in 17.1 seconds, which was nothing to be sneezed at back then. Even the more sporting ’56 Thunderbird could only better that time by around a ½ second when equipped with the 312. The owner says that the Monterey runs and drives really well, and I have to say that the engine bay presents quite nicely. It is worth noting that the current owner is in the process of installing power steering into the Mercury, but this is a task that the next owner will need to complete. Thankfully, all of the parts required are currently sitting in the trunk, and they will be included in the sale.
This is a nice, original example of the 1956 Mercury Monterey Hardtop, and it looks like it is a very clean survivor. It is not pristine, because if it was, then that would potentially see bidding push up as high as $50,000. Having said that, I wouldn’t be surprised if this one has a way to go on the bidding front, because examples in this condition can still achieve prices of around the $25,000 mark. Therefore, if the next owner can secure this car for a lower sum than that, then they have probably scored themselves a fairly good buy. Do we have any readers who are willing to try their luck on this one?
Ford really nailed the fast back roof line with this model, check the door latches,mom and dad had a 55 ,I watched my three year old brother fall out while leaning on the door as mom made a left turn one day,she slammed on the brakes, jumped out and ran back and picked him up,no injury but she was freaked out.Dad had a new 64 Ford custom setting in the yard within short order after that malfunction. Maybe redo the fuel line after the hack job to install the fuel filter on this one.
I heard it was 1958 when it was legally required to have car doors with secure latches that won’t allow the door to open merely because it gets leaned on. Around 1959, my dad took a curve too fast in a 1952 Plymouth. I was sitting right beside him and I remember seeing his driver side door opening before the car went in the ditch. Thankfully nobody was hurt and dad was able to drive it home.
I guess if you are in FL you add power steering before you fix the heater.
TouringFordor:
I currently live in Florida, and this summer the heater core “went out”. I have had a few days when it would have been nice to have a heater but I miss the defogger function more. At least fixing the heater on this car won’t cost the $1200 it will on my 09 Crown Vic.
This sled is is demanding that the next owner go restorod on it. Heck…the roofline is already done for you.
BS
Leave it alone
A ’56 Merc is definitely on my short list. Just not at this time. I saw several very nice ’56 Fords & Mercs at Hershey this past year and for my (imaginary) money either is far superior to the Chevy.
The colors on this one are interesting. Not first choice, but interesting. I saw a ’57 Ranchero in this combo and it was actually quite attractive.
Nice to see a survivor that can validate the transition lines for the colors, too. I’ve seen them with the lower panel color wrapped around the headlights, split on the headlights and following body panel breaks.
A little wax, some Q-tips in the corners and a hubcap or 2 and you are done with this beauty!
A good 35+ yrs ago, saw one a co-worker of my ex’s husband was rebuilding. Iowa winters hadn’t been too kind to it, there had been a lot of rust repair on it then. He still had a lot to do to it, including paint, engine and transmission, interior etc.
I liked the look of it then, still like the looks of them.
Heck, like JR said, a little of this and that and you are done. Don’t change a thing. The 1955 and 56 Mercurys are my favorite years from this decade.
Owned a ’56 Montclair hardtop from ’86-02, would still have it but traded it for a ’40 Ford coupe which was higher on my bucket list. I understand completely wanting to add power steering with these unless you’re Jack Armstrong. Beautiful cars, a high water mark for Mercury!
Awesome ’56 Merc! New paintjob & a nice set of proper rims-Done!
I always liked this version of Mercury. This style really had everything in order. I wouldn’t change a thing except change out the 2-storey carb for a more modern version…
Yeah, this is a jewel, for sure… Getting it out of the humidity of Florida would be the best thing for it, followed by a meticulous clean & service project. Make it like new and drive it! These cars are not only beautiful, but ride down the highway like you read about!
I am not a Merc man, but this is a really nice example of one. I hope the new owner keeps it as stock as possible.
John S. I live in Florida too, but my garages are either air conditioned or dehumidified which really helps stop any rust from appearing.
One of my brothers had 55 Merc back in the early 60’s during his first army enlistment, he stayed for 26 years. His was aqua blue/white. Really nice car, loved the sound of the dual exhaust on his. Had a deep rumble sound. These are great cars, wish I could buy this, but waiting for another car of my dreams.
God bless America
Nice example……
Very nice. I can visualize this car pulling a camping trailer to car shows.
Auction ended at $9.4k didn’t meet reserve!
This nice Merc is still available!
It appears to be a 312 but it’s not the 260HP version. That would have 2 – 4’s and a unique air cleaner setup. This car is equipped with the 210 HP version of the 312 and standard oil bath air cleaner. Motor Trend gave ‘the “55 Mercury Montclair their “Car of the Year” award which was well earned. I own the exact duplicate to the ‘55 Montclair that my dad purchased new in 1956 right down to the Carmen red and Alaskan white two tone paint. I was 4 years old then but I never forgot going with him to pick it up from the dealership and no car he ever owned or I ever owned impressed me more than the ‘55 and ‘56 Mercury’s…awesome automobiles then and still are today.
I think the ’55-’56 Mercurys were some of the prettiest cars Ford Motor Co. ever built. The Monterey 2 dr. HT was the 2nd most popular model of the year, with 42,863 built. Factory price was $2630, and shipping weight was 3590 lbs. I wish I could afford to bid on this car. I’d love to have one.
This car is perfect just the way it is!! It’s got style comfort and could cruise all day without breaking the bank on fuel with the 312 V-8!!! Disc breaks would be nice though!!!
Today is July 7,2020, is the car still available?
If so can you email me your asking price?