Mercury Monterey, named for the scenic bay in California, debuted as the Ford division’s top-tier model with a complete redesign in 1952 and offered in a full range of models.
The Pick of the Day is a 1953 Mercury Monterey in what could be considered the most-attractive version, a two-door hardtop with a stylishly sculpted roofline that followed the trends of the era.
“Monterey was beautiful, low, sleek and streamlined in style and accented with a comprehensive package of chrome including interior door panels,” according to the Volo, Illinois, dealer advertising the Mercury on ClassicCars.com.
“This beautiful example experienced a body-on… restoration of a fine original car; it represents a straight body clad in Yosemite yellow and accented in all the chrome offered on Monterey.”
The Mercury is powered by a 125-horsepower, 255cid V8 with dual exhaust, the seller notes, linked with a 3-speed manual transmission.
The car is “truly a delight to drive,” the seller says.
The redesigned Mercury entered the modern age of car design with a strong nod to aircraft, as was the style as the jet age settled in. This can be best seen in the then-new dashboard of this coupe, with the aero-style sliding levers looking very adventurous.
The 1952-54 Mercurys were favorites among hot rodders and customizers because of the clean, sporty styling, so it’s nice to see one that has been restored in its original configuration. Wide whitewall tires and full chrome hubcaps add to the vintage look.
The car looks very clean in the photos with the ad, with the underhood view of the engine compartment looking especially appealing, the flathead V8 sparkling under what looks like an upgrade carburetor and air-filter.
The asking price for this slice off the early 1950s is $21,998.
To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.
This car was part of the Mercury Division of the Ford Motor Company, NOT the Ford Division of the Ford Motor Company.
This is one beautiful automobile, the asking price is something most can afford. We have a 55 Mercury Monterey, very comfortable car to drive. Good luck with the sale.
Very nice AUTOMOBILE, I have a 64 Merc Montclair Breezeway What an AUTOMOBILE
My first car. Mine was nearly identical only it was auto with a black top. That front bumper looks different than the one on my car.
is this car still available? if so, more pictures?
Click on the Pick of the Day red link at the end of the article, which will take you to the seller’s ad, with more information, including price and location.
That ’53 Mercury Monterey hardtop has a very unusual lower front grille. It is the same in fact that is seen on all the ’52 Mercs but the vast majority of ’53 Mercs have a different type of design for their lower front grille. Perhaps it was an early production model that was made before the makers decided to change the lower front grille. I know that has happened on a few occasions to some of the other American cars dating from the early 1950’s.