Pick of the Day: 1954 Mercury Monterey needs to be finished

Were this the 1960s and were this 1954 Mercury Monterey advertised in the classified sections of one of the Detroit daily newspapers, it likely would have caught Jack Roush’s attention.

Before he founded Roush Industries, supplying parts and prototypes to Detroit’s automakers, and before he was the owner of successful NASCAR stock car racing teams, Roush was going to school and teaching math and drag racing and helping to pay for his hobbies by buying project cars others couldn’t finish. 

He’d complete the project and then sell it for a profit.

The Pick of the Day might have been such a car. It is a 1954 Mercury Monterey 4-door sedan being advertised on ClassicCars.com by a private owner.

In the ad, the seller notes the “gentleman who owned it did some great work.”

The car is equipped, we’re told, with a rebuilt 302cid Ford V8, an automatic transmission, upgraded front disc brakes, new suspension, new gas tank, “exceptional” upholstery for its power front bucket seats and a “completely redone interior.”

The former owner died before finishing, “but he was close,” we’re told.

“This car does need to be finished. Needs Exhaust completed from stainless headers back, new driveshaft made. Needs ignition and starter wiring finished. Radiator there just needs to be put back in car. 

“Those who want a bargain, here it is!”

The car even comes with the original Mercury transmission, now resting on the back seat.

“Send your inspector so he can tell you how impressive this one is,” the seller adds.

The car is located in Roy, Utah, just east of the Great Salt Lake between Ogden and Salt Lake City, and offered for just $8,000. 

To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.