Mercury Monterey 302 V8 1956
General description :
Description
We see customs cross our paths pretty regularly here, but seldom do we encounter anything like this 1956 Mercury Monterey. This absolute one of a kind modded classic mixes a vintage foundation with some well-planned customization for a dramatic result. Care to stand out in any automotive crowd? Pull up behind the wheel of this truly inspired ride.
This Mercury strikes an interesting balance - nostalgic and futuristic at the same time. It sports a multitude of well-executed modifications all over and yet retains its vintage identity, as if it's been projected from its native mid-'50s to the present. Its pearl white metallic paint, complemented with candy apple red on its roof, presents well and looks consistent from front to back - it's a great backdrop that shows off the handiwork that's gone into making this such a distinctive looking car. Up front, the hood has been shaved and louvered, the headlight areas have been stretched with peaks centered over the bulbs sitting inside, and a grille taken from a Corvette splits the custom front bumper. In back, hand shaped rear quarter panels extend backwards, harboring a shaved deck lid and a pair of ultra-aggressive taillights that sit over a pair of exhaust tips extending subtly from the tail. The factory-configured chrome trim has been abbreviated while retaining its same shape, and it's a very effective styling element.
The interior makes a bold, resounding statement, with bench seats in both front and back whose textured red velour covers feature black inserts to match the door panels to each side and sit over matching red carpeting below. This is one spacious ride - you'll notice right away just how much real estate separates the two rows of seating, which themselves are very comfortable and don't show much wear. Your backseat passengers will have no trouble with legroom here. The dash area has been left in its original configuration to create a very effective contrast with the modifications that have been added, and the sizable, fan-sized instrument cluster to the left and the signature "Mercury" scripted emblem on the passenger side have been refreshed, but look much as they did when this Mercury debuted. Adding audio accompaniment to your journeys will be an absolute blast - with a Kenwood AM/FM/CD player up front, sturdy speakers in the doors and a pair of subwoofers and an amp securely mounted in the trunk area, you'll have no problem filling the cabin with sound. The trunk area is well-detailed, with a full size spare sitting in its upright position and a sturdy acrylic cover protecting the subwoofers from any shifting cargo inside.
A 302 cubic inch V8 with a 4-barrel carb on top sits under the louvred hood to power this vintage Mercury. The powerplant is in great form - running very smoothly and looking sharp with its chrome, Mercury-badged air cleaner and Edelbrock valve covers that contrast with its nicely painted block. Owing to this Mercury's sizable front dimensions, there's all kinds of room to work around the engine, which pairs with a 3-speed automatic C4 transmission to make for a very solid drivetrain, and the collection of braided hoses inside the engine bay adds a nice, finished touch. Power brakes at all four corners makes stopping a low effort affair on this attention magnet that rides on its set of 15" vintage wheels carrying Coker Wide Whites.
A dramatic look combines with an impressively strong running condition to make this 1956 Mercury Monterey a great acquisition for the collector who prizes an inspired, high-impact classic. Call today!
Features : Seatbelts (Rear) , Power Windows , Cloth Interior , CD Player , Power Brakes , Heat , AM/FM Radio ,
https://www.streetsideclassics.com/vehicles/2960-dfw/1956-mercury-monterey
1956 Mercury Monterey 302 V8 is listed sold on ClassicDigest in Fort Worth by Streetside Classics for $24995.
Car Facts
Car type : Car Make : Mercury Model : Monterey Model Version : 302 V8 Engine size : 0.0 Model Year : 1956 Sub type : Coupé Location : Dallas/Fort Worth
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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.