Tuesday, April 15, 2014

1967 Mercury Parklane Convertible



This 1967 Mercury Parklane convertible is 1 of only 1,191 made. This car has had one repaint in the original factory color, Sage Gold. Still has the original interior (Medium Saddle) in good condition. I have the factory Build Sheet and a copy of the original title for this car. It also has power steering, power front disc brakes, dual exhaust, wire wheel covers and stainless rear fender skirts. The body is laser straight with no rust. Never wrecked. I recently had both front and rear bumpers re-chromed. Actual mileage is unknown. The VIN of 7Z65M584817 decodes as follows: 7 = Model Year: 1967; Z = Build Plant: St. Louis, Missouri; 65 = Body Serial Code: Park Lane 2 door convertible, bench seat (1,191 produced during the 1967 model year); M = Engine: 410-4V Marauder V8, 330 hp @ 4600 rpm, 444 ft-lbs @ 2800 rpm, 10.5:1 compression ratio; 584817 = Consecutive Unit Number (CUN): 84,817th Mercury car scheduled to be built at the St. Louis, Missouri build plant during the 1967 model year (Job 1 was CUN 500001). The door tag information decodes as follows: Body 76F = Body Style Code: Park Lane 2 door convertible, bench seat (1,191 produced during the 1967 model year); Color Z = Exterior Paint Color: Sage Gold (medium gold/green metallic); Trim 6F = Interior Trim Color, Material and Front Seat Style: medium saddle "Corona" pattern vinyl cushions and medium saddle "Crinkle" pattern vinyl, bench seat; Date 27D = Scheduled Build Date: Thursday, April 27, 1967; DSO 54 = District Sales Office: car was originally sold in the Seattle, Washington sales district; Axle F = Rear Axle Ratio and Type: 2.80:1 power transfer (locking); Trans U = Transmission Type and Shift Location: C6 Select Shift Merc-O-Matic 3-speed automatic, column shift.

Source: Barrett-Jackson Auction Company
7400 E Monte Cristo Ave
Scottsdale, AZ 85260
Phone: 480-421-6694
Facsimile: 480-421-6697
Website: www.barrett-jackson.com Auction:
2008, Scottsdale, Arizona

Sold at a high bid of $16,000

1955 Mercury Montclair Sun Valley Hardtop

1955 Mercury Montclair Sun Valley Hardtop
Look at this beautiful two tone Mercury Montclair

292 cid overhead valve Y-block V8 engine rated at 198 horsepower, Merc-O-Matic three-speed automatic transmission, four-wheel power-assisted hydraulic drum brakes; wheelbase: 119.0"

Having unlimited visibility was a major plus in the world of cars and the Mercury Division of Ford Motor company answered the call with the Sun Valley glass-top hardtop. Fitted with a panel of dark green tinted Plexiglass mounted over the front seat of the car, both driver and passenger could look up and see whatever was in the sky above. Heavy tinting was to help control the amount of heat coming through the panel, but if it got too hot, a zip-in liner could be put in place to protect the interior and occupants of the car. Produced for just two years, this is one of those rare final season models. Listed with same price as that yea's convertible, the Montclair Sun Valley was expensive, $2,712, with just 1,787 buyers stepping up to see what was above them. Our inspection found a solid car that needed a few minor fixes but was reported to be a good runner and had factory radio, heater, clock as well as power steering and brakes.

Source: Worldwide Group Auctions
The Old Car Heaven Museum Auction
June 19 - 20, 2009
Website: www.wwgauctions.com
Auction Results: $27,500

1955 Mercury D-528 "Beldone" Concept Car

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Experimental Y-block V8, two-bbl carburetor, two-speed automatic transmission with overdrive, separate frame, coil sprung suspension and four-wheel drum brakes. Wheelbase: 120"

One of the least known of Ford’s concept vehicles built in the mid 1950's is the “Beldone,” or D-528. The name D-528 stemmed from the fact it was the 528th "design" project. It was unique in the fact it was less concept and more research inspired.


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The D-528 was conceived to test advance concepts in air conditioning, seating, ingress and egress, lighting, front frame crash absorption, as well as being Ford’s first car without "A" pillars and initially designed as Ford’s first car with four headlights.


The exterior styling of the D-528 was designed by Gil Spear, while the interior was crafted by John Samsen. Spears believed sound engineering was a necessary component of the cars he designed and this was reflected in the D-528.


Air conditioning was seen as becoming a popular option in the future, but because the AC evaporators were so large they had to be located in the trunk. Thus, to provide adequate luggage room the spare tire was positioned in one rear fender and the gas tank in the other.


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The roof of the D-528 was shaped like a "T," and hollow to act as a conduit for cold air from the air conditioning evaporator. Cold air would flow-up through the hollow "C" pillars, into the roof section, and exit through perforation panels in the headliner.

For ease of entry or exit, each panel was individually raised or lowered by an electrical motor when a door opened or closed. The hooded, reverse backlight, later a Mercury styling cue, was first seen on the D-528 and was manually operated.

The D-528 and a companion car, the D-526, were also the first full-sized, fully operational cars built by Ford personnel with fiberglass bodies. Both the D-528 and the D-526 were started, but not finished, at the Design Department due to corporate restructuring. Engineering was given its own design studio under Gil Spear’s direction and it was here the D-528 was further developed. The D-528 was finished, but was revised several times, remaining a work in progress when this design studio was disbanded in 1958. Subsequent revisions were then made, some of which included the roof structure. The A-pillars and an interior framework to hold the roof up were also installed. The D-528 was moved from place to place, often being used to test some new engineering concept.




 

In the early sixties the D-528 was sent to Hollywood for use in the movie industry. Who better to do the work than the iconic George Barris? Barris removed the name "D-528" from the front fenders and replaced it with "Beldone" – a name selected by its new owners, Paramount Pictures. The Beldone was used in the 1964 Jerry Lewis movie, The Patsy, and later in several other movies and television shows while still in the possession of Paramount Pictures.

After a number of changes in ownership the Beldone was sold to a group of Canadian investors and the Guild of Automotive Restorers who painstakingly restored it in the late 1990s. The restoration was executed to concours standards and special attention was paid to ensure that all its original factory developed quirks were retained. Now presented in gleaming gold paintwork and finished with a fresh white interior, the D-528 is an eyecatcher that is truly unique in every respect. It is a welcome entrant and display car at events throughout the country as there is truly nothing like it, attesting to this, the Mercury was shown at the Meadow Brook Concours d’Elegance in 1997.





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Powered by its unique version of a Y-block V8, then still at the experimental stages, the D-528 / Beldome represents excellent value given its long history, provenance and rarity, especially when compared to recent sales of “concept” cars at auction.

1948 Mercury Woody Station Wagon

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Driver's side view
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Rear view
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Passenger Side View
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Front View

1953 Mercury Monterey


An automobile marque of the Ford Motor Company, Mercury was founded in 1939 with the purpose to market entry-level-luxury vehicles that were slotted in between Ford-branded regular models and Lincoln-branded luxury vehicles. All Mercury models are today based on Ford platforms. The Mercury name is derived from ‘messenger of the gods' of Roman mythology. In the beginning years, Mercury was known for performance. The 1950 full-size near-luxury car Mercury Monterey represented a choice that the Ford Motor Company had to make. At the time General Motors and the Chrysler Corporation were producing a plethora of ‘hardtop convertibles' and Ford realized that it couldn't convert its year-old bodies into hardtop models at a reasonable cost. Determined not to stand idly by as GM and Chrysler attempted to dominate the car market with its attractive new pillarless coupes. Ford decided that the only solution was to customize existing two-door bodies into a new line of specialty models. These included the Ford Crestliner, Lincoln
Capri and Lido, and the Mercury Monterey.
 
1953 Mercury Montery Wagon All of these vehicles were developed from the same formula with grained top coverings that were harmonized with a very limited number of pain colors. Color-coordinated interiors also matched the external theme, while special trim and badging were used both inside and out.
1953 Mercury Montery Custom Convertible Responsible for the Mercury Monterey's special touches, William Schmidt took over the design work. A choice of either canvas or vinyl roof coverings were offered on the all new custom coupe, along with either fabric-and-leather or all-leather seats. A deluxe steering wheel was showcased, and bright trim edged the windows on the inside. The base price of a 1950 Mercury Monterey was $2,146. Mercury's flagship sedan from 1950 through 1974, the classic ‘Monterey' was considered to be '4,000 lbs. of Pure Decadence.' Still coveted even today, the sleek lines of those earlier models makes the Monterey a popular collectable classic. Featuring the same chassis and running gear used on all other Mercurys, the Monterey featured a 118-inch wheelbase that ran between coil-and-wishbone suspension up front and leaf springs under a live axle in the rear. Achieving 110 bhp, the Monterey received its power from an L-head V-8 that displaced 255.4 cubic inches. In early 1951, Ford decided to replace the Crestliner with the first hardtop, regardless of the cost. For 1952 Mercury and Lincoln came out with all-new bodies that were designed to include hardtops. The Monterey name continued on, but on a premium series of Mercury's in three body styles. The Monterey later shared the same body style with the slightly more upscale Marquis, the Montclair, and the Park Lane. After the 1968 model year, the Montclair and Park were eliminated from the lineup. The Marquis-Monterey body eventually shared the same body as the Ford Galaxie, the Ford Custom and the Ford LTD. From 1961 through 1963, the Mercury Monterey was sold in Canada as the Mercury Meteor. Available in three trim lines, the Meteor was sold as the LeMoyne, the Montcalm and Rideau. After the United States Monterey was retired, Canadian Meteors were still marketed from 1964 until 1976. They were re-badged Marquis models following the deletion of the U.S. model Monterey in 1974. The Monterey nameplate was resurrected in 2004 for a minivan, though it was essentially a re-badged Ford Freestar with more features and newly modified cosmetic features. The Monterey comes with a high level of equipments and several styling cues from Mercury. These minivans were made to fill the gab in Mercury's vehicle lineup following the discontinuation of the Mercury Villager. Offered in only one trim level, for 2006 Mercury Monterey was offered in the fully-loaded Luxury edition. The Luxury edition was featured in front-wheel drive, and is powered by a 4.2 liter V6 engine that was matched with four-speed automatic transmission and anti-lock braking system. The inside of the Monterey featured amazing standard features such as cloth upholstery, dual-zone air conditioning, first and second row captain's chairs, power sliding doors, tilting steering wheel and much more. The all new Monterey also came with a great safety warranty. Standard occupant-sensing front passenger airbag, heated power-adjustable side mirrors that featured built-in warning/turn signals, perimeter anti-theft system, and Safety Canopy curtain and side-impact air bags. Optional features were Traction Control and Advancetrac electronic stability control.

1967 Mercury Cougar

1967 Mercury Cars
The Trans-Am racing series has inspired some legendary rivalries - most notably, Boss Mustang versus Chevrolet Camaro Z/28; however the series' most intense battle took place in-house between the Ford and Lincoln-Mercury divisions in 1967. Carroll Shelby's Mustangs had won the first-ever Trans-Am manufacturer's trophy for Ford in 1966. Eager to promote its new-for-1967 Cougar, Mercury entered the series with a team led by NASCAR owner Bud Moore. Trans-Am cars of this era were much different than their modern counterparts. Series rules required stock dashboard padding, stock inner door panels and working glass windows in the doors. The stock unibody was drilled and lightened but relied mostly on its roll cage for stiffening. In essence, they were actual production cars that went through a series of performance-minded modifications, rather than a purpose-build racer. The Cougar's 289 V8 received a four-barrel carburetor, a hotter cam, headers and as much porting and polishing of the valves as the rules allowed. Brakes and suspension were left virtually stock. Moore hired Parnelli Jones, Dan Gurney and Ed Leslie as team drivers. The 1967 season opened with a Dodge Dart victory at Daytona, followed by a Mustang victory at Sebring. Then, at Green Valley, Texas, team Cougar finished first and second. This set the stage for a seasaw battle with Mustang and Cougar trading the points lead back and forth right through the final race at Kent, Washington. Team Cougar was poised to win the series with cars in second and third place when disaster struck: one car failed to restart after a fuel stop and the other lost time after being black-flagged due to a fuel leak. The series ended Ford with 64 points, Mercury with 62. This car was restored to period correct condition by its current owners, Ross and Beth Myers of 3 Dog Garage. Originally driven by Dan Gurney, this is a significant car from one of America's most exciting racing eras. Source - AACA Museum

1965 Mercury Comet Cyclone Sportster


 The 1965 Comet Cyclone Sportster built by Gene Winfield was featured in the Lincoln-Mercury Caravan.

1941 Mercury Club Convertible Coupe

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1955 Mercury Montclair Convertible

1955 Mercury Montclair Convertible

AUCTION RESULTS: Car was Sold at a price of $60,500

198 bhp, 292 cu. in. overhead valve V8 engine, Merc-O-Matic automatic transmission, independent front suspension, live rear axle and four-wheel power assisted hydraulic drum brakes. Wheelbase: 119"

The Montclair featured an attractive, narrow color panel surrounded by chrome trim below the side windows, as well as bright rocker trim panels. In addition, a round medallion was placed near the tip of the front fenders, while the model name was written in chrome script just above the mid-body spear. The car was also longer than its predecessors, with a more robust chassis design as well as a powerful V8 engine, enlarged to 292 cubic inches of displacement and producing 198 horsepower with a standard dual exhaust system. Pioneering road tester Tom McCahill of Mechanix Illustrated achieved zero-to-sixty times of less than 13 seconds, earning "hot car" status for the Montclair. While nearly 11,000 buyers were fortunate enough to own a Montclair Convertible in 1955, few examples remain today and fewer still are as attractive as the fine example offered here.

Finished in a striking red exterior with a spotless red and white interior, this Montclair is well equipped with power steering, power brakes, an AM radio and a clock. Other accessories include dual chrome-plated rearview mirrors, bumper guards, chrome-plated exhaust tips, red painted steel wheels with full wheel covers and whitewall tires. Indicated mileage is just over 42,000 miles, and while this figure cannot be verified conclusively, it is certainly commensurate with the excellent overall condition and presentation of the car.

This Montclair is both a rare and desirable automobile in the pantheon of great 1950's cars. It benefits from a comprehensive professional restoration and its paint, chrome, interior and engine bay detailing all appear fresh. Remarkably stylish with undeniable presence, it is a show quality car through and through.

Source: RM Auctions
Automobiles of Amelia Island
March 14, 2009
Website: www.rmauctions.com
Sold at a price of $60,500

1953 Mercury Monterey Woody Wagon

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$45,000 2008 Barrett-Jackson Auction Scottsdale AZ


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This stunning black example of the 1953 Mercury Monterey Woody Wagon has spent most of its life in Southern California and sports the following original features: Flathead V8 (255cid/125hp), 3-speed overdrive manual transmission and two tone turquoise/black interior. This Monterey Wagon has been upgraded to a 12-volt electrical system. In 1953, the Mercury line was divided into Custom and top of the line Monterey models. The VIN indicates that this Monterey was produced in Los Angeles, California, plant (code LA). The data plate indicates a 118" (code BG) 8-passenger wagon (code 79B) with black exterior (code 377) with Turquoise and Black interior as well as that it was the fourteenth car produced at the Los Angeles plant (code 14) on May 7, 1953 (code 7E). While it's not known how many have survived, the international Mercury Owner Association (IMOA) 2006-2007 Registry has five listed, including this one. A little Mercury and Woody wagon history: In 1939, Ford Motor Company created the Mercury Division and vehicle line to plug the midsize/price gap between the utilitarian Ford line and the luxury Lincoln line. (Lincoln had been purchased by Ford in 1922.) Unlike the later Edsel experiment, the Mercury experiment was very successful with a consistent sales rank through the 1950's of 5th to 8th in relation to all manufactures' lines in the US. 1951 was the last year of wood wagons for both Ford and Mercury. While both divisions shifted to all steel wagons in 1952, for those who had difficulty accepting the transition, both divisions offered wood grain appliqués and trim to sooth these customer's nerves (and serve their market). 1953 was the last year that the outlining trim of the wood grain appliqués and trim was real wood. Due to continued demand, these steel Woodys were offered into the 1960's and 1970's.


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Source: Barrett-Jackson Auction

1964 Mercury Monterey Convertible

1964 Mercury Monterey Convertible

When Ford Motor Company had introduced the Mercury in 1939, it instantly became as success, adding prestige and a step-up model between the low-price Ford and luxury priced Lincolns. Always a styling leader, the 1964 models celebrated the 25th Anniversary of the marque with a special medallion in the center of each steering wheel. More than just a "big brother" to Ford models, Mercury had built-in luxuries such as full instrumentation on the dash, a quieter ride and higher quality construction.

1964 Mercury Monterey Convertible
352 cid overhead valve V8 engine rated at 245 horsepower, three-speed automatic transmission, four-wheel power-assisted hydraulic drum brakes; wheelbase: 122.0"

Powered by a big-block V8 engine, the Monterey series complemented the entire line-up of great looking cars. This example is equipped with factory AM radio, heater, and clock, and also has extras like power steering, brakes, and top. Another accessory was the use of glass in the soft-top's backlight. The odometer shows a little over 14,000 miles, but those numbers may be on their second time around. The medium blue exterior complements the all vinyl bench seats. Popularity on the race track made Mercury a sought-after car when new, and this Monterey convertible should be at the top of list for every "quick-silver" fan.

Worldwide Group Auctions
The Old Car Heaven Museum Auction
June 19 - 20, 2009
Website: www.wwgauctions.com
Auction Results: $8,250

Thursday, April 10, 2014

1940 Mercury Lead Sled Hot Rod Stardust


1940 Mercury Lead Sled Hot Rod Stardust

221-cid Flathead V8 with 3 carburetors and a 3-speed. "Stardust" was created by premier builder Bill Reasoners. This is a real 'Old School' Hot Rod that has a timeless style that is copied today.

Barrett-Jackson Auction Company
7400 E Monte Cristo Ave
Scottsdale, AZ 85260
Phone: 480-421-6694
Facsimile: 480-421-6697
Website: www.barrett-jackson.com

1940 Mercury Lead Sled Hot Rod Stardust

1940 Mercury Lead Sled Hot Rod Stardust

1940 Mercury Lead Sled Hot Rod Stardust

1940 Mercury Lead Sled Hot Rod Stardust

1939 Mercury 99A Town Sedan

1939 Mercury Cars

Tuesday, April 1, 2014

1959 Mercury Monterey

In the 71 years that Mercury manufactured automobiles, it struggled with an identity problem. Mercurys were often identified as senior Fords or junior Lincolns.

During the 1950's, however, Mercury was given its own identity with the Monterey convertible. A total of 4,426 Monterey convertibles were built in 1959. One of them, a Madeira Yellow model, was sent to the Port Motors Lincoln Mercury dealership in Manhasset, New York.

It was there, not far from her home, that Donna Budd saw the handsome Mercury. She promptly arranged to trade her 1955 Mercury coupe for the yellow convertible.

The 4,074-pound Mercury was equipped with optional extras including: automatic transmission ($189.60), power steering ($75.30), heater/defroster ($74.50), AM radio ($58.50), power brakes ($43.20), white sidewall tires ($41), safety belts ($20.60), padded dashboard ($19.20), full wheel covers ($16.60), electric clock ($14.60), windshield washer ($13.70), courtesy light group ($10.80), and backup lights ($9.50).

Budd received an allowance of $1,643.45 on her trade in. The total cash delivered price of the new Mercury was $3,908.45. That left a balance owed of $2,265, which was financed and paid off at the monthly rate of $70.47 for 36 months.


Budd took delivery of her new convertible on June 16, 1959, started the 312-cubic-inch V-8 engine and with 210 horsepower at her command happily drove home with 14-inch Goodyear tires supporting the car on a 126-inch wheelbase.

In the mid-1960's many military men were being sent to Vietnam. One of them was Donna Budd’s son. Her grandson, Andy, was eight years old in the summer of 1967 when the family went to New York to visit his grandmother before his father went to war. It was on that visit that he took his only ride in his grandmother’s 1959 Mercury Monterey.
Another decade passed and the Budd family was stationed in Norfolk, Virginia. The health of Budd’s grandmother was failing, so she — and her Mercury convertible — came to live in Norfolk.

The car had always had a sheltered existence, but in Norfolk it was exposed to the weather. “Grandma gave it to me,” Budd recalls, “but dad wouldn’t let me have it.”

In February 1977, Budd’s father sold the car to a man in Chesapeake, Virginia. Budd remembers telling his grandmother, “Someday I’ll get that car back.”

That day arrived 32 years later when Budd tracked the 1959 convertible to Wisconsin Rapids, Wis. Records show that the man his father sold the car to kept it only a few months before selling it to two brothers-in-law. They took it to Wisconsin where one of the owners bought out the other. The car was then parked in a garage for 30 years. In September 2008, two other Wisconsin men, avid antique automobile collectors, purchased the Mercury.


Budd informed them that the car originally was his owned by his grandmother. He made several offers to buy the Mercury, each one more outrageous than the previous one. The men had no intention of selling the incredibly original-condition car. Budd offered the men money, then more money, then even more money — plus a car. The offers were rejected.

In October 2009, the two Wisconsin men and Budd attended an antique car auction in Branson, Missouri. At the conclusion of the auction Budd approached the Mercury owners and sweetened his earlier offers with more cash. The men thought it over and then agreed to sell the car to Budd — only because his grandmother had owned it. From Missouri, Budd sent a truck to Wisconsin to get the Mercury and haul it home to Warrenton, Virginia.

Now, whenever the weather is nice he takes grandma’s Mercury out for a little road therapy. The odometer is just now approaching 28,000 miles. — Vern Parker, Motor Matters

Source: askautoexperts.com