Surf’s up for the prospective new owner of this 1954 Mercury Monterey wagon, listed here on eBay. With a starting bid of $20,000 and no takers yet, this wagon is ready to go after many improvements. We’ll take a tour in a second but first a bit of history: Ford positioned and repositioned its Mercury brand name from its inception in 1938, initially situating it in the mid-price range, then twinning it with Lincoln to distinguish it as a premium product. The quest for differentiation never ends though, and in 1950, Ford added another slice to the Mercury line, using the Monterey name to connote a fancier trim level. Riding high on strong sales, Ford introduced its Y-block V8 in 1954, replacing the aging flathead. Meanwhile, the age of real woody wagons was ending, as customers found maintenance too onerous (anyone know the year, make, and model of the last woody wagon made in the US?) and manufacturers eschewed the expense of making the bodies. Ford dished up a solution, though – “ash wood” fiberglass trim surrounding a plastic “mahogany” decal. This Siren Red example comes complete with a modern surf rack. You can drive it home from Paradise, California.
The 256 cu. in. Y-block was rebuilt just a couple of years ago, and the listing includes the receipt for that work. The three-speed “Merc-O-Matic” transmission and the Holley carburetor were rebuilt around the same time. The car has a new fuel pump, new fuel tank and sending unit, new water pump and thermostat, and a new aluminum radiator with a five-blade fan. About 530 miles have accumulated since the work was performed – enough so we know the car has been exercised periodically. The odometer reads 64,718 which is represented as original mileage.
The interior is charming! The two-tone theme echoes the exterior perfectly: just look at those cool seat-back grips and that cream-colored steering wheel. These are the details we love about older cars. The seller says all the gauges work; only the clock is out of commission. The radio is original and works fine. The glass is perfect, and the car even comes with its factory key set – which works in all the locks.
The trim, the chrome, and the paint look decent, and this cargo area shows off the clamshell tailgate arrangement. The back window slides down as well. While values of 1950s American cars have flatlined over the last twenty years, really nice examples of any mid-1950s Mercury Monterey can bring much more than this one’s asking price. The seller might need patience, but I think his number is reasonable. What do you think?
Good write-up Michelle. The old Mercury looks to be in very good condition. Wouldn’t see yourself at Cars & Coffee. Take the grandkids for a cruise; they would have a blast.
A couple nitpicks: Unless there is something significant or historical about the surf rack, I’d ditch it…. especially since (after I googled it) Shark Bait Surf Wax has been around for only about 20 (not 70) years. And the seller’s description isn’t bad, but sure would be easier to read if that old writing trick called “paragraphs” was employed.
Well, at least Shark Bait isn’t as questionable as using tags for Mr. Zog’s Sex Wax…cool car though. Nicely updated for enjoyment.
I’ve had good luck with One Ball Jay’s wax products.
If you knew about the surf culture then you would see surf racks were put on early vehicles. Why? Because we couldn’t afford newer cars thereby picking up old woodies and station wagons which were cheap. I had a 1930 Model A Coupe which had a surf rack! Woodies and wagons were always associated with the surfing community.
My uncle had one of these when I was a little kid. The thing I remember about it was it was fast. No surprise as my Dad and my uncles all liked fast cars. Nice car here.
Very nice looking 54
It sure is.I don’t think I ever saw a red woodie,and the red interior is beautiful.V-8 don’t hurt,either
That same car was in the first ‘A Star is Born’ movie in 1957. It was a sharp looking car even back then.
‘A Star is Born’ first release was 1954, if you’re talking about the one with Judy Garland in it.
That car is a piece of rolling history! It’s in amazing condition. I think 20k is more than reasonable. I doubt you’ll ever see another one in this condition. Hope it goes to a good owner.
The lack of interest in this car really proves my theory on prices and classic cars. If it’s a car that mom and dad drove, or a car that was popular when buyers were 16 years old, it’s at maximum value. Once that group ages out or dies off, there’s a very sharp drop in value.
This is a 1954 model, which means the group that would have nostalgic memories of it are now around 70-80 years old. Right or wrong, it’s a beautiful car. I wish we had room for it. I’d love to own it.
I know what you mean. 20 years ago, if I’d had the money, it would’ve been in my garage in short order. I love the 40s, 50s & 60s cars but I’m in my mid 70s and unfortunately no longer have the energy or the dexterity to maintain another one.
lol you are rt Jamie I have a love for 1954 Mercury’s and have had since the first time I saw one new on the show room floor I’m now 78 years old
Wow. Will not arrive anywhere unnoticed. Interior color combo is beautifully authentic 50s. Clean engine bay. California car, rust unlikely. For $20,000 I’ll take this over anything new.
Nice write up on beautiful car but I am intrigued how does the “rear window slide down” on a clamshell tailgate? I have never seen or heard that before
That rear window isn’t sliding anywhere — its position in the tailgate is stationary and there is nowhere for it to slide, up or down.
As for “clamshell,” that was 1971-76 GM. In those the window portion retracted into the roof.
I kind of figured the rear window did not slide anywhere but by clamshell I think the writer meant the window opens up and the tailgate opens down like a clamshell opening the GM models weren’t really clamshell as the slid up and down not opened like a clam but it’s all semantics with that. My guess is she meant the rear side windows slide open which they do on this
Last US woodie: 1953 Buick. (Pretty sure)
The cords on the back of the front seats were fairly common and a high trim indicator but were not substantial to use regularly as handles. Called robe rails in some older contexts. The rear most side windows slid horizontally and likely were a nice feature, pre-A/C.
You are correct sir. The cords are a holdover from the days when open cars were the norm and heaters were non existent. The riders would cover themselves with thick blankets.
Yes! Winner! Like this one.
Just a beautiful historical classic piece from automotive history. These young guys today don’t care about James Dean or Grease tho. Interest is just dying off like us baby boomers unfortunately.
“Grease”? That’s a far cry from anything from the 50s lol. But yeah, the new gen’s probably couldn’t fathom that either, japanese jellybeans with a culvert size tailpipe, and video games is about the extent of their comprehension
Yblocker…Meant to write American Graffiti buddy. Jeez see what I meant by the old relics? I’m a 1956 model. 😂 😂 😂
Well that’s a little better, I like American Graffiti, and I’m right behind ya, I’m a 57 model 😁
American graffiti was in the 1960s you young baby boomers lol I’m a 1945 model from the silent generation
Looks like the brakes have been upgraded with a power dual pot master cylinder at the least all good love this car the roof rack could stay but those surf board covers would go
I’m a 45 model and love that car
Beautiful Mercury, and a reasonable price, compared to most of what we see here. Can’t imagine why someone put a hole in the valve cover for a PCV valve, there’s other ways to accomplish it
Just Me, Where would you put a PVC valve on a Y-Block? I have a 1956 Mercury that I am thinking about putting a PCV valve on and I am looking for suggestions.
Source a valley cover from a later Y-Block which has the draft tube at the rear, there’s PCV grommets available that fit the draft tube location. There’s also an aftermarket aluminum valley cover that has a PCV provision
Oh man would I love to park this next to my ’48 Mercury Coup! I was born in ’54, so we have that in common. I have to add this Merc is in much better shape than I am… Also agree I’d much prefer to buy something like this than a newer import or in most cases any newer American made car. Pardon me while I drool over this gem.
As I remember car 54 used 61 Plymouth Belvederes the car number was 54 not the year but I have been known to be wrong
rmac your 100 percent right
Afterthought ?’s…..Michelle, you state: “you can drive it home from Paradise, Ca.” OK, but didn’t that town disappear from wildfires & take lives unfortunately not 2 yrs ago? And #2: Wasn’t this car, in sedan form, the police cars in Car 54 way back in the 60’s? Anybody know in BF land? Thx
Well, the listing says the car is located in Paradise, California. If you look it up, people are rebuilding the area.
Thx Jesse for responding. Legit ?. This world has made us skeptical.
The Star is Born woody was a ’53, much better integration of the rear bumper with the taillight bezels.
Traded my beloved ‘53 BelAir convertible straight across for a ‘53 Ford Wagon to lock surfboards inside. That flathead V 8, was gutless!
I’m surprised that no one has mentioned or asked the question…”what happened to the third row rear seat?” It came from the factory with one, the split seat on the right side and the sliding windows prove it. The seller does not mention that seat. But does say that the car will sit 6 people comfortably … instead of 9. Is the seat just “missing”?
My Grandfather had a 55 Ford wagon it looked just like this one in the back where you see these handles you lifted them up and locked the hidden seat. To the best of my recollection one seat faced backward but that was in 59 some things are a little blurry now.
3rd seat facing backwards was only in general motors cars ford all faced forward till late 60s early 70s they went to two small seats facing each other for 3rd row seating
Al you are correct i looked it up as i said old age is starting to show 73 and still kicking
I had a 54 merc wagon in high school, had the 256 V8 with manual brakes and steering and 3 on the tree with overdrive lever located under the dash. Mine was a 9 passenger with three seats. They changed the exhaust on this one because the exhaust cross over pipe ran over the top of the engine above the radiator.
William if your only 73 your still a youngster to me I was born in 1945 do the math I was walking before you where born but looks like both are alive and kicking lol old guys rule
1945 here also. Must have been a good year for babies. WWll had ended. 😂
I for one am very happy to be here all of family and most friends have passed. Just me my daughter and a grandson
This beautiful wagon reminded me of this one from ‘Asteroid City’… it’s a ’53…
https://www.imcdb.org/vehicle_1772584-Mercury-Monterey-79B-1953.html
The Monterey had a pretty good record in the Pan-am rally in Mexico in the fifties a tough car
The common mod on the Y block is the Mercury headers to get rid of that awful cross pipe I’m sure many have turned themselves on