Featured on AutoHunter, the online platform driven by ClassicCars.com, is this 1953 Mercury Monterey coupe. This awesome period correct, hot rodded Mercury is powered by a 255cid flathead V8 backed by a Merc-O-Matic three-speed automatic transmission, and the engine has some great mods including aluminum Offenhauser heads, an Edelbrock dual-carburetor intake manifold, chrome air cleaners, an external oil filter, and headers. Recent service includes the replacement of both water pumps, the installation of a 12-volt alternator and an electric fuel pump. Those mods ought to give it a bit more power than stock, and my only addition would be to ditch the whitewalls for some black walls but that is more about my taste than anything the car really needs.
When restored, this cool Mercury was painted in red and white over a matching red and white vinyl interior and comes from the selling dealer with the receipt from the most recent service and a clear title.
When it was released in 1952, the Mercury Monterey was conceived as a full size mid luxury car positioned between Ford and Lincoln and the flagship for the Mercury line. The Monterey has styling that was basically carried over from other Ford models, including Ford’s Lincoln line. The Mercury and Lincoln are practically indistinguishable from each other although the Lincoln carries a higher price in today’s market, possibly due to it’s history of competing in the Carrera Panamerica. Today the Mercury Monterey Sport Coupe is an easy car to maintain and has lots of hot rod street cred as well, being a favorite of customizers over the years.
In the world of hot rods and customs this is the kind of car that really suits me. I love that it appears from the outside to be mostly stock but has had these nice engine mods done to give it more power. I am also thrilled that they left the original Ford flathead in place and did not swap it for a modern small block crate motor. Sure, the crate motors have more power but there are few American hot rod engines cooler than the Ford flat head V8.
What can I say, to quote Bryan Setzer, “I’m crazy about a Mercury and want to cruise it on down the road.” This is just the car for local shows and to drive and enjoy with the Stray Cats playing on the radio.
The auction for this 1953 Mercury Monterey ends on Wednesday, June 14, 2023, at 1:15 p.m. (PDT)
Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and photo gallery
Source: www.classiccars.com