1954 Mercury Monterey HardTop Coupe

For 1954, the Monterey's were given new wraparound taillights and a freshened grill with larger 'bullet' bumper guards. Mercury and Lincoln shared many of the same design elements, but Mercury's wheelbase was five inches shorter and had a shorter overhang. The body shell of the Mercury was directly from Ford, with the three-inch longer wheelbase reflected in the hood and front fenders.

1954 also brought the new 'Y' block overhead valve engine that would be with the company for many years to come.

This 1954 Mercury Monterey Hardtop Coupe has been restored over the years as needed. It is finished in pale yellow with a black roof and a two-tone red and black leather interior. Its V8 engine is coupled to a Merc-O-Matic automatic transmission. The car is equipped with wide whitewalls, full-wheel covers, dual exhaust, a radio, and a heater.

In 2008 this car was brought to RM Auctions 'Vintage Motor Cars of Meadow Brook' where it was estimated to sell for $75,000-$100,000. Though bidding did not reach those estimates, it was high enough to satisfy the vehicle's reserve and the lot was sold. A high bid of $48,500, including the buyer's premium, was enough to secure new ownership.

By Daniel Vaughan | Sep 2009