Mercury Monterey 283 V8 1954
General description :
This 1954 Mercury Monterey Gasser isn't a car for just anyone, but the guys who were there know that it represents a special time in hot rod history that we'll never see again. Nostalgia being what it is, this cool hardtop fairly accurately re-creates the early '60s drag race experience in a slightly more user-friendly form that you can actually drive and enjoy on the street today.
With a frame-off built and more than $40,000 in receipts, this wasn't a half-hearted project but rather a labor of love. If you were there, you will instantly recognize the look and while you don't see many Mercury Gassers, it certainly looks good dressed for combat. The body was smoothed and straightened, with many of the details being removed, including the door handles, side trim, and hood scoop/ornament. Nevertheless, it's still easy to spot its Mercury DNA, from the faired-in headlights to the distinctive shape of the rear fender and quarter panels, to the taillights, which are some of the most beautiful of the era. The paint has a good shine, almost too good to be a race car, but that's kind of the point with this car. There's not much chrome, and even the rear bumper has been painted to give it an industrial-strength look. Really, the only thing missing is some door art and a few larger sponsor decals, and suddenly it's 1962 all over again.
At first glance, you'd think this is race car throughout, but then you notice just how beautifully crafted the interior really is. Sure, there are race-grade bucket seats with 5-point harnesses and a roll cage, but there's also a beautifully stitched headliner, gorgeous door panels that look straight out of the '50s, and a bright red dashboard with plenty of chrome trim. A custom billet aluminum insert hoses a full array of gauges and there's a monster tach up top where it'll do the most good. As a nod to civility, there's also a center console with cup holders and an AM/FM/CD stereo system with remote control. The windows are Lexan and can be completely removed and the trick shifter manages a PowerGlide 2-speed automatic transmission, which has long been the transmission of choice for drag racers. The trunk isn't for storage any longer, now housing a custom fuel cell and a pair of auxiliary jerry cans, just in case.
The original Y-block just wouldn't hold up to the stresses of the track, so there's a more familiar 283 cubic inch Chevy V8 in its place. With an .030 overbore, 9:1 compression, high output heads, and an Edelbrock intake and 4-barrel carburetor, it's plenty potent but also docile enough to be friendly on the street. It runs on pump gas and definitely has a race-ready look with heavy-duty ignition wires and chrome open-element air cleaner. Red paint on the block is a nod to its FoMoCo history, but that's the only thing Blue Oval under the hood. The aforementioned PowerGlide feeds what might be the original 3.59-geared rear end, which hangs on leaf springs augmented with traction bars. Speedway Motors supplied the straight axle kit and there's a Vega steering box which works well. Disc brakes, custom fender well headers and side pipes, and modern shocks add up to a car that's traditional but still usable. Weld skinnies and fat Torque Thrusts have that old-school look and carry suitable big-n-little radials to complete the look.
This car isn't for everyone, we know that. But if you were there and respect the era, this car will take you back without forcing you to go full race. Call today!
This vehicle is not currently in one of our showrooms. Please set up an appointment to view this car in person.
https://www.streetsideclassics.com/vehicles/2756-atl/1954-mercury-monterey-gasser
1954 Mercury Monterey 283 V8 is listed sold on ClassicDigest in Lithia Springs by Streetside Classics for Not priced.
Car Facts
Car type : Car Make : Mercury Model : Monterey Model Version : 283 V8 Engine size : 0.0 Model Year : 1954 Sub type : Coupé Location : Atlanta
Sold
Seller Information
Sold
People who viewed this Mercury Monterey also viewed similar Mercury listed at ClassicDigest
Mercury Monterey
29000 $
Tampa
Mercury Monterey
25000 $
Louisville
Mercury Monterey
38000 $
Tampa
Mercury Monterey
26900 $
Port Charlotte
Mercury Monterey
30000 $
Tampa
About Mercury
Mercury, the automotive brand, has a rich history that extends beyond its role in the customization and hot-rodding scene, particularly with the iconic Mercury Eight. Here are some key points to know about Mercury:Formation and Early Years:
Mercury was introduced by the Ford Motor Company in 1938 as a mid-priced brand, positioned between the affordable Ford models and the luxury Lincoln lineup. The brand aimed to fill the gap between these two segments.
Mercury Eight:
The Mercury Eight, launched in 1939, is perhaps the most famous model in the brand's history. It featured a sleek design and a powerful V8 engine. This model became popular for customization and hot-rodding, earning it a significant place in American automotive culture.
Customization Culture:
The Mercury Eight, with its distinctive styling and relatively affordable price, became a favorite among custom car builders. It played a pivotal role in the development of the custom car and hot rod culture, particularly in the post-World War II era.
Lead Sleds and Customization:
The term "lead sled" is often associated with heavily customized cars from the 1940s and 1950s. These cars, including the Mercury Eight, were often modified with lowered suspensions, chopped roofs, and other stylistic changes. Lead sleds were a prominent part of the custom car scene, and the Mercury Eight was a popular choice for such modifications.
Post-War Prosperity:
In the post-World War II period, Mercury, like many other American automakers, experienced a surge in popularity as the economy boomed. The brand contributed to the era's fascination with stylish and powerful automobiles.
Evolution of Models:
Over the years, Mercury continued to produce various models, contributing to Ford's lineup. Some notable models include the Mercury Monterey, Mercury Comet, and Mercury Cougar.
Decline and Discontinuation:
Despite periods of success, Mercury faced challenges in establishing a unique identity separate from Ford. As consumer preferences shifted, the brand struggled, and Ford eventually announced the discontinuation of Mercury in 2010.
Legacy in Popular Culture:
Mercury, especially models like the Mercury Eight, holds a significant place in American popular culture. Its association with the customization and hot-rodding scene, as well as its distinctive designs, has left a lasting impact.
In summary, while the Mercury Eight is celebrated for its role in the customization and hot-rodding subculture, Mercury as a brand played a broader role in automotive history, contributing to mid-priced segments and reflecting the automotive trends of its time.