When it comes to style and fashion, some things age well, others do not. A common example in the automotive world is color—for example, greens and other earthtones from the 1960-70s may look ugly to modern eyes. So, what do modern eyes have to say about the roofline of our Pick of the Day, a 1964 Mercury Park Lane Breezeway? It is listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a dealer in Hopedale, Massachusetts. (Click on this link to view the listing)
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The first time this reverse-slant roofline appeared on a production car was in the 1957 model year for the Mercury Turnpike Cruiser, a new fancy model that included all the gimmickry one could imagine. One of those items was what Mercury called “Breezeway Ventilation,” which was the “newest advance in draft-free, fresh-air comfort.” Both the two-door and four-door Turnpike Cruiser hardtops touted this feature as combining “roof-level air intakes and a power-operated back window.” Was it the “greatest improvement in car ventilation automotive history?” That’s what Mercury touted, claiming air was “brought in through supplementary roof-level air intakes, and flows out through the retractable, power-operated back window” when open.
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But, so much for history, as Mercury discontinued the Turnpike Cruiser after 1958. That was the same year Lincoln’s Continental Mark III received a similar roofline, though the backlite also was reverse-slant—even the convertible! This continued through 1960, with the Continental being updated as the Mark IV and Mark V.
Meanwhile, in Europe, Ford UK developed the 1959-67 Anglia with a reverse-slant roofline, though the backlite did not retract. Ford UK followed suit with the larger 1961-63 Consul Classic, again with fixed backlite, but was replaced for 1964 by the conventionally styled Corsair.
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Back at Mercury, Breezeway styling was reintroduced for all Monterey models (which included the Monterey Custom and Monterey S-55)—there were no other models among the full-size series for ’63. Mid-year, Marauder design was introduced, and Mercury offered both for 1964. That was the year Mercury reintroduced the Montclair and Park Lane to the full-size series, with all three featuring available Breezeway design.
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This continued through 1966 for the Monterey and Park Lane, upon which the reverse-slant roofline became history, though a revamped version of Breezeway Ventilation appeared for 1967, standard for Park Lane and the new Brougham four-door sedans and optional for Monterey and Montclair sedans. This time it used a conventional roofline and a backlite that lowered two inches. This feature became optional for all sedan models for 1968, upon which it was discontinued.
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Opinions may vary on how well the roofline of this 1964 Mercury Park Lane Breezeway two-door hardtop has aged, but this car features a unique combination of kitsch and upscale appointments, as the Park Lane was Mercury’s top-of-the-line model. Mr. Harold Oszman of Humbolt, Iowa was the original owner, and his new car featured the 300-horsepower Marauder Super 390 V8 with dual exhausts, automatic transmission, and air conditioning. With 32K miles on the odometer, plus original paint and interior, the seller calls this vehicle a survivor. “The original black paint is stupid nice. All the chrome bumpers, taillights, and headlights and trim are killer,” (s)he says. “Stunning factory glass. Remote driver’s mirror . . . all the emblems are in excellent condition as well. Fender mount blinkers work.”
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You’ll note the brand-new Torque Thrust D wheels and redline radials, plus several under-hood upgrades including headers and Holley carb. “I would venture to say there is not a better one of these Mercs on the planet,” adds the seller. For $32,500, you’ll have an original-condition car that came equipped with two air conditioners way before dual-climate control was a thing.
Click here for this ClassicCars.com Pick of the Day.
Source: www.classiccars.com