One of the most fascinating aspects of cars from the 1950s was the variety of interesting model names selected by manufacturers. I mean, can you imagine a modern company releasing a vehicle called the Turnpike Cruiser? That is the handle carried by this 1957 Mercury, which is a two-owner survivor. It is a turnkey proposition that a new owner could preserve or restore. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder T.J. for spotting this gem listed here on Facebook Marketplace in Austin, Texas. They set their price at $14,500 for a classic you won’t see every day.
Mercury introduced the Turnpike Cruiser as its premium model in 1957, but it only remained available for two years. This first-year example stands out, courtesy of the first owner’s decision to order it in Sunset Orchid and Classic White. The seller purchased this Mercury from its original owner, naming it “Connie,” in her honor. The paint shows deterioration, but its general condition is acceptable if buyers consider it purely as a driver-grade vehicle. The visible corrosion in the lower extremities causes me concern because this doesn’t rate a mention in the listing. It could indicate deeper issues with the floors, although if it has spent its life in its current location, the dry climate may have done it a few favors. The trim generally looks nice for a vehicle of this vintage, and the tinted glass is free from visible defects.
The Mercury’s interior is generally presentable and serviceable, with the Black and White upholstered surfaces providing a striking contrast to the exterior. The photos are limited, but what can be seen of the seats is promising. The dashpad has lifted and collapsed, but since there are no splits or rips, fitting new foam might improve the situation. The dash and bright trim should respond positively to some TLC, with the car retaining its factory radio and clock.
Mercury adopted a “one size fits all” philosophy with the ’57 Turnpike Cruiser. Buyers received a 368ci V8, teamed with a three-speed automatic transmission. It may tip the scales at 4,190 lbs, but with 290hp and 405 ft/lbs of torque at the driver’s disposal, these were considered energetic performers at the time. Potential buyers can consider this a turnkey proposition. The seller recently replaced the transmission, carburetor, battery, starter, brakes, brake lines, the electrical system, and the radiator. They say that it runs and drives well, which could allow the buyer to fly in and drive it home.
Mercury produced 16,861 examples of the Turnpike Cruiser in 1957, with the Convertible the rarest of the breed. However, with a tally of 7,291 vehicles, the 2-door Hardtop is still a car that you won’t see every day. These aren’t currently strong performers in the market, and recent sales results suggest that the seller’s price might be on the optimistic side. Still, it only takes one enthusiast with a passion for these cars for the situation to change in a heartbeat. I won’t be surprised if that happens.
I thought that Turnpike Cruisers had vents on the
top corners right above the front windshield.
I’ve got an old magazine (Special Interest Cars?)
with a road test,somewhere,& I remember seeing that.
Good catch, this is just a Montclair with a “Turnpike Cruiser” motor. The 312 was standard, but the 368 motor was an option. The Turnpike Cruiser convertible did not have those vents, but all hardtops did. I read in ’58, they put the hammer down, offering a 383 and 430 V8s. The “TCs” had a slew of options including quad headlamps, bigger windshield, and Breezeway rear window and cost almost $700 more( $3871) than the Montclair.( $3188)
Since I’m here, we don’t think twice about a “turnpike”, but in the late 50s, the Pennsylvania Turnpike was considered the epitome of travel. Just think, 4 lanes and NO STOPPING!!! Oh, it will cost you, but just think. I remember riding on the PA. Pike in the 60s, it seemed so odd not to have to stop. Well worth the quarter, or whatever. That 4 lane travel spurred cars like this, that had no problem with the speeds, it was our version of the much talked about Autobahn at the time. In fact,,The PA. Pike was one of the 1st interstates( aptly named I-76) in 1956 and a fitting name for what was the best way to travel, and with cars like this.
To Add to Howards Turnpike comment. The NJ Turnpike was completed in 1952, I believe it was over 200 million dollars if I remember correctly, a large sum back then. ( We are taking care of my FIL with dementia and my wife is convinced its spreading to me so memory is 50/50 at this point.) But these highways were the wave of the future, and it sure seems Mercury was on that bandwagon.
Great find/write up Mr. Clark.
The color reminds me of a relatives 1955 pink and white Crown Vic. It was the same faded pink in the late 50s color pictures I saw as this Merc is now. It must’ve been something else when Connie bought it new. That black interior is a nice contrast. I know theres some rust peeking out but for the age it might not be that bad.
I believe the 430 was shared with the first Edsel too. And I liked the “Breezeway” window which came out in ’58 and lasted until ’66. It was discontinued because of safety concerns, a little kid could crawl out and end up on the turnpike.
They do. This car is NOT a “Turnpike cruiser”….it’s a Montclair series coupe WITH the “Turnpike Cruiser 368 c.i. V8. The round badge on the lower front fenders is the indicator. This engine was available on all models. A beautiful car, but technically not a Turnpike Cruiser.
The only saving grace of this car is it doesn’t have fender skirts to go along with that awful non-factory continental kit.
Terry, the 58 Edsel ONLY had a “410” cu in w/475 lb/ft of torque as indicated on the valve covers… Alot of the the 383/430 Mercury parts would interchange with the 410 in the Edsel.
yes they did plus they had a rear window that was flat and went down this isn’t a turnpike cruiser I was 12 years old in 1957 remember them well saw them new on show room floor
That’s the first thing I look for when I see 1957 Mercury Turnpike Cruiser is the vents in the upper corners of the windshield. It’s supposed to have a short (maybe inch and a half) antenna thingy sticking out of the center pointing straight forward. Maybe someone knows what that’s for. This can’t be a real TC without those. Could be they just found a set of valve covers and put those on. Needs further inspection.
TC engine (368 MEL) valve covers don’t fit on the 312 Y Block . it’s a totally different engine block
I was told the short antenna projections stopped a whistling sound from the wind. I also skewered a small bird with them once.
Parents friends had a black 58 Turnpike Cruiser (with the vents, which I believe were on the 57s).At any rate, this is a rare survivor of an era of two and tri tones, styling excess, and creative and aspirational names. Unfortunately we will never see that again. Speaking of names, CONNIE could also refer to the Continental rear. So, here goes. 😲 As Co Founder of The GREAT AMERICAN LAND YACHT SOCIETY, I hereby declare this a genuine Bon Marche! BTW, we are now accepting applications for membership! 😉
I remember a long time ago (in the 60s) a neighbor had a black one with red trim. I don’t remember much but I remember those window “vents”. Made the car look “space age”. It didn’t have a continental kit, which if I bought a TC is an option I could do without.
I think the TC was the Indy 500 pace car in ’57.
Good catch, guys! 👍. I went back to the photos and Montclair is plainly stamped in chrome of the front fenders. So NOT a genuine Turnpike Cruiser. Still, a beauty.
Crazy bout a Mercury!
Al, totally agree! 🎵 If I had money, 🎶 I’d buy this 🎵 MERCURY too.🎶 Some of my best cars have been Grand Marquis and Town Cars! 👍
The 50s were a banner decade for Mercury, they came out with several interesting models with nice styling, including the Turnpike Cruiser (which this car is not). I wouldn’t mind having any Merc from this period.
Glad it’s “just” a Montclair,much lighter than the Turnpike Cruiser and with that engine it’s a potent car by 1957 standards.Love my Big M’s
If not for distance and not being able to close the garage door on it, I would have to own this!
You could close the door if it didn’t have that ridiculous 3-foot-long continental kit.
Well Fred, back in the day, neighbors found their new Nash AMBASSADOR was too long for their garage. So the husband built an extension on the back, just high enough for the front end to pull under. American 🇺🇸 engineering at its best. Where there’s a will, there’s a way!
I didn’t see anything in the write ups, but is that an under dash air conditioner? It looks similar to what my grandparents had in their 55 Buick. That was popular before most cars had factory air. If the under hood components are still there, it’s a nice addition. I wish I had some extra money lying around.
Yes, Dave that is an aftermarket air conditioner. I had one installed by Sears on my 66 Olds convertible. BUT, does this one work 🤔?
That’s no Turnpike Cruiser. My grandfather had one new and I remember it. It was spectacular. Nothing else was like it.
The Breezeway rear window and quad headlights were offered in late ’57 my parents bought one in 59 from a friend of theirs we had it until 65
There’s not a belt on the rusty A/C compressor, so prolly not.
I love old Mercurys, but appears it’s not a Turnpike cruiser.. true Turnpike in a 2dr Hardtop version would be something very special. Still a great 57 Mercury. And fairly priced. Breezeway rear window and front windshield vents are MIA on this girl.
No need to add to the Non-TC comments. I always liked the 57 Mercs in a strange way, particularly the hardtop wagons. My dad sold L-Ms in those days and these are among the first cars I remember riding in. But the 57s did have quality issues resulting in unhappy customers. That, with the recession of 58, not to mention the Battlestar Galactica Lincolns, made 58 L-M sales abysmal. My dad winced every time 1958 was mentioned. Next year he was saddled with Edsel as well. In the end the “Dream Car” 57s never phased Olds-Buick sales as Hank the Deuce had hoped.
The ’57/’58 Mercs were huge gorgeous cars. Look at that front bumper. Chrysler had great bumpers in that era also. You never see anything like that even in the 70s. Now cars bumpers are hidden behind plastic that falls off at the slightest bump.
Had a cousin who had a ’58 Turnpike Cruiser. Golden yellow and white, push button auto, vents above the windshield. Very cool car. Powerful & fast. That was around the early 60s.
About time you weighed in on this Beauty! Hope your Holidays were great. When last heard you were in Armadillo 😉. Happy Trails, until we meet again. 💐 🌹 💐.
Hello Rick,
It’s very difficult to chime in when you’re flying down the turnpike.
I’m almost at Baltimore. Was going to go for an all nighter but weather advisory is snow tonight. I haven’t driven in snow in over 10 years. Decided daytime snow driving is better so I took a motel room in Salem, Virginia. Should be in Baltimore tomorrow.
It’s freakin’ freezing!!! 31° all day. Colder now. I don’t have any winter clothes. 🥶🥶🥶
Please check the weather! Weather report indicates storm warnings and icing conditions for Va and Baltimore. It might be best to stay in the NO TELL 😉 motel rather than risk an accident. You are much too important and cared for to take that risk. And you won’t be able to help your friend if you’re injured. We seem to be snow free for the next few days, but today’s high was 24* tonight below 0. 🙏 are with you ❤. STAY SAFE! Find a winter coat and some winter boots 👢 to stay cozy. That’s an order! 🤣 YEAH I know nobody gives YOU orders. LOL and take care of yourself.
You went right by me! I hate driving I81,
unless I don’t have time to take the back roads.
When I moved to the Roanoke area,I lived
at the Howard Johnson’s right next to I81,up the
hill from Salem.Great view,but lousy hotel.
I had trouble with the heat in one room,so the
manager moved me to another room,where I had
another problem.When I complained about the second-
room,he replied “I gave you my best room”.
If that was the case,I’m glad I didn’t see his worst room.
I remember my farther, who preferred Mercurys, decided to gift me a used ’58 4door HT Montclair to take to college. It was Plum Purple with pushbutton transmission, black & cream leatherette interior and originally belonged to a older widow lady in Modesto. It looked a little out of place in the school parking lot filled with VWs, Corvairs and Falcons, but what made that tank really stand out was the motor. There was a stock police interceptor engine under the hood and that land yacht would literally fly down the 405…those very few times it wasn’t bumper to bumper, of course.
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I had a black TC back in high school. Paid $300 for it with twin cherry bomb mufflers. Loaded up a bunch of friends for a night of cruising the downtown.
Steering wheel was so big it was flatten out on top to see over. What a ride!
Thank you, Rick. It’s nice to know someone cares. And I’m rarely given orders. I don’t follow them anyways. 😁
I stayed at Motel 6 last night. Finished my journey at 2 p.m. today, Sunday January 5th. Still no snow but cold as a witches ***.
My SUV did remarkably well. Sans the overheating debacle in Albuquerque and the front tire needing air in Tennessee. Ran good, performed well, got good milage for a 17 year old car with now 160,000 miles on it.
First things first, I need to get the oil changed, tires rotated & interior detailed. The salt here in the north east is going to ruin my car! It’s been in the east before & up north but spent most of it’s life in the southwest
Hope you & yours have a great new year. They only go by faster now.
Angel, I think a lot of people care about you. So happy to hear you’re safe in Baltimore. As several of us here in the BARN seem to agree you’re a good person and Caring Angel. As you can, please keep us up to date on your friend and yourself. 🙏
@angliagt
I guess I did go right by you. Was the HoJos in Salem? Is it now a Motel 6? I stayed at a 6 in Oklahoma, a Super 8 in Tennessee and another 6 in Virginia. This last one was horrible. The building itself is old, decrepit & falling apart. The room, although clean was falling apart, full of nail holes, caulk & insulated foam. The tub was disgusting, the toilet was child sized. The security bolt was missing and the TV needs new speakers. Sounds like we stayed at the same place. You’re right, the views are beautiful there, but that motel……
Anytime you want to get together and peruse a junkyard or car show, I’m only 4.5 hours away.