Finished in a luxurious Tuxedo Black exterior, this Mercury means business – not only in terms of the amenities it provides, but also regarding its performance-built powertrain.
The Pick of the Day is a 1958 Mercury Park Lane listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in Billings, Montana. (Click the link to view the listing)
“Here is your chance to own a beautiful, original, and extremely rare Mercury Park Lane four-door hardtop,” the listing begins. “This particular example is a true original survivor, featuring original paint, trim, and interior,” the seller says.
The Park Lane debuted as a premium vehicle for the Mercury division in 1958. It shared a chassis with the Colony Park station wagon and had an extended rear deck for only that initial model year. The Park Lane name was short-lived, however, as development efforts were shifted to the Monterey and Comet in 1961. However, the Park Lane would later make a comeback in the mid-1960s.
The only available engine for the first year of the Park Lane was a 430cid (7.0-liter) “MEL” V8 mated to a push-button three-speed Merc-O-Matic automatic transmission. The seller says (and the photo gallery engine bay photo supports) that this car came with a rare and optional “Super Marauder” package. This option boosted the engine’s output to 400 horsepower from the initial 360 – making it the highest-horsepower production V8 of its time.
“The engine fires off immediately and runs smooth. Crisp throttle response and excellent power. The transmission shifts smoothly and crisply, with no hesitation or slipping.”
The listing talks a little about what is known of the car’s backstory as follows: It was reportedly originally sold in Chicago and later relocated to Wyoming where it remained for most of its life. The seller says that there are no frame issues, and the body is solid. “This would make an excellent driver as-is. A true time capsule that turns heads wherever it goes.” The odometer shows just 48,370 miles, which the seller says is true and actual.
Included in the listing is a two-minute video with an exterior walk-around, an interior overview, and a start-up. The dash-mounted push-button ignition was ahead of its time! The following year, in 1959, the controls were moved to the steering column.
Even by today’s standards, a 400-horsepower rating is a strong number for a four-door sedan. Sixty-five years ago, the achievement was that much more impressive. Here’s the chance to own a rare Merc!
The asking price is $39,500.
To view this listing on ClassicCar.com, see Pick of the Day.
Too bad the listing says it’s already sold.
Wasn’t that way when the article was written.
That’s one of the ugliest cool cars I’ve ever seen. Look at the rear view, imagine following that on the road. A brilliant example of ’50s excess. I hope it has Smitty glass packs.
I love FoMoCo cars from the mid 50’s through the late 1960’s…that said, the Mercury cars of 1957 and 1958 are some of the most curious, bizarre looking automobiles of that era – and this is a prime example! While I think the styling overall looks like five Ford Design Staff guys all got their own way on one car – those tail lights and the area around them are insanely amazing mid-century beautiful! The interior fabric, and overall interior style is also super cool…and that engine – wow! Too bad all that horsepower has to go through a Merc-O-Matic – probably robs it of a lot of its potential at the rear wheels! Great time capsule car – hope it does well at auction!
It’s for sale, not auction.