Mercury Monterey 312 V8 1956
General description :
HARD-TO-FIND '56 MERC, 312 Y-BLOCK V8, MERC-O-MATIC, DUALS, RUNS & DRIVES GREAT
Mercury was hitting on all eight cylinders in the mid-50s thanks to cars like this gorgeous 1956 Mercury Monterey hardtop. Wearing Mercury's trademark yellow over black paint scheme and packing a rumbling Y-block V8, it's a fantastic heavy cruiser for the guy that thinks Fords are just too ordinary. Add in a few upgrades and it becomes a favorite car for cruise nights and long-distance runs where comfort matters.
Mercury's styling was a bit more extroverted than Ford's, and the longer chassis allowed designers to create bodies that were a bit more upscale-looking. The '56 models were slightly revised from 1955, adding those peaked headlights and the wide chrome grille and bumper assembly that make this car easy to recognize even from a distance. The Saffron Yellow over Tuxedo Black combination is dramatic and incredibly appealing, showcasing the Merc's long lines and beautiful side trim. There's plenty of chrome and stainless, don't worry about that, and the sweeping strip of stainless that stretches from the headlights to the door, where there's a neat little intake grille, makes the paint job look especially dramatic. It's an older paint job with some use on it, so it's not perfect, but as it glides by, nobody is going to miss seeing this big coupe. It's just gorgeous. Most of the chrome and stainless trim is original, so it's showing some age and could use some work, but even as it sits, this car makes one heck of a statement.
The matching yellow and black interior was recently restored and looks pretty much as it would have in 1956. Vertical pleats on the seat, fantastic door panels that seem to echo the outside trim, and an arching instrument panel all make the Mercury feel very unique when you're behind the wheel. New black carpets help with the luxurious atmosphere and it's quite possible that the dash is wearing original paint, so you know the color combination is legit. The big steering wheel has a leather wrap that feels substantial and helps muscle the big coupe around corners and the arching instrument panel puts all the gauges right in front of the driver. The original AM radio and clock are not working, which isn't really a surprise, but those things are easy and inexpensive to upgrade to make this a first-rate cruiser. The trunk is finished with black carpet mats, so it has a clean look that seems right in an upmarket Merc.
Ford continually upgraded the Y-block V8 and by 1956, the Mercury version was displacing 312 cubic inches and making 225 horsepower. It feels muscular and torquey on the road and moves the big coupe with relative ease. Recently rebuilt, it still looks pretty original under the hood, which doesn't get in the way of the smooth idle or rumbling exhaust. A weekend spent cleaning things up would pay big dividends if that's what you prefer. Chrome valve covers dress it up a bit and that giant air cleaner is original equipment. It's nicely sorted and runs great, working well with the Merc-O-Matic automatic transmission to make motoring around town effortless. Manual steering lightens up nicely at speed and the suspension has that big car ride that makes cars like this a joy to drive. The dual exhaust system features Flowmaster mufflers, so it's a bit racier than stock but the sound will ensure nobody complains. Flashy chrome wheels somehow look right on the vintage Merc and they carry right-sized wide whitewall radials for some '50s flair.
A great entry-level cruiser that isn't the same thing everybody else owns. Big car comfort, Ford reliability, and a fantastic color combination make this Monterey a smart choice for anyone looking to have fun in an old car. Call today!
Features : AM Radio, Heat, Vinyl Interior
https://www.streetsideclassics.com/vehicles/3917-atl/1956-mercury-monterey
1956 Mercury Monterey 312 V8 is listed sold on ClassicDigest in Lithia Springs by Streetside Classics for $19995.
Car Facts
Car type : Car Make : Mercury Model : Monterey Model Version : 312 V8 Engine size : 0.0 Model Year : 1956 Sub type : Coupé Location : Atlanta
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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.