1963 Mercury Monterey

The Jet Age styling of the 1950s was replaced by the Rocket Age styling of the 1960s. The use of copious embellishments and fins of the 1950s were replaced by slab sides, sharp creases, and greater levels of minimalism. The early 1960s represented the 'Total Performance' era for Ford, with Ford and Mercury vehicles focusing on performance. For Mercury, this was evident by the introduction of the Ford Galaxie-based Marauder during mid-1963. It had elegant styling, full-length beltline, vestigial fins, a raked fastback roof, and a steeply sloped rear window. Engine options included two 390 CID V8s rated at 250 - 300 horsepower, and two 427 CID V8s offering 410 or 425 horsepower (with the 4-barrel carburetor or dual-quad carburetor, respectively).

Mercury Monterey

The Mercury Monterey was produced from 1952 to 1974, replacing the Mercury Eight, and served many different duties during its production lifespan, including flagship, mid-range, and entry-level offerings in numerous body styles including a coupe, sedan, hardtop, and station wagon.

Along the way, the Mercury Monterey received numerous changes, including in 1961, when it was completely revamped with the chassis, bodies, and interiors being similar to the Fords, with trim and nameplate differences to distinguish the brands. The Park Lane and Montclair were dropped and the Meteor was added at the bottom of the range, with the Monterey continuing to be the top of the line Mercury. Standard equipment included a 292 cubic-inch Ford Y-block, with optional 352 and 390 CID versions of the V8 available.

For 1962, the Meteor name moved to a new intermediate line, and the Monterey 6 was added to fill the gap, powered by the Mileage Maker 223 cubic-inch straight-six with 135 horsepower, and offered for a single year.

1963 Mercury Monterey

Changes for 1963 included the return of the 'Breezeway' window that had first been used on the Mercury Turnpike Cruiser and 1958 through 1960 Lincoln Continental. The six-cylinder, and 292 and 352 CID V8s were no longer offered, and the 390 V8 became the standard engine with 250 horsepower and a two-barrel carburetor with a 300-horsepower four-barrel version optional.

The fastback Marauder was introduced mid-year, wearing a similar version of Ford's Sport hardtop 'fastback' roofline applied to a Mercury body. The 'S-55' performance package included a big-block 300 horsepower 390 cubic-inch V8 and a sporty interior that was similar to the Ford Galaxie 500 XL.

Body styles on the Monterey included a sedan, two-and four-door hardtop with seating for six, and a two-door sedan. 18,177 examples of the four-door sedan, 4,640 of the two-door sedan, 2,879 of the hardtop coupe, and 1,692 of the hardtop sedan were produced. The six taillights used on the 1961 models returned, and side body moldings traversed from the tailfins to the headlights. Additional chrome trim was applied to the roof quarter panels, and the vertical bar grille housed four chrome-rimmed headlights.

The two-door sedan had a factory base price of $2,835 and the sedan listed for $2,890. The hardtop coupe cost $2,930 and the hardtop sedan at $3,000. The base 390 cubic-inch V8 engine with overhead valves had five main bearings, a Ford two-barrel carburetor, and delivered 250 horsepower at 4,400 RPM. A three-speed manual transmission was standard, and Multi-Drive automatic was optional. The S-55 option came with either a four-speed manual or Multi-drive automatic.

optional engines included the 390 CID V8 with either 300 or 330 horsepower depending on configuration and the 406 CID V8 with either 385 or 405 horsepower. The 406 CID V8 came only with a four-speed manual. A 427 cubic-inch V8 with 410 and 425 horsepower was also available, again solely with manual transmissions.

Most of the full-size Mercurys were equipped with automatic transmissions, power brakes, power steering, tinted glass, and a radio. Power windows were a rare option, and approximately twenty percent came with an air conditioning system.

Mercury Monterey Custom Series

The Custom trim level added full-length moldings, front fender nameplates, and three rectangular chrome pieces on the rear fender. Standard equipment included an electric clock, two-speed windshield wipers, backup lights, and a courtesy light group. Along with the same body styles available on the base trim level, the Custom added a Marauder fastback coupe priced at $3,080, a convertible ($3,330), and a six- and nine-passenger Colony Park Station Wagon. The sedan was again the most popular, with 39,542 examples produced. The two-door hardtop was the second most popular, with 10,693 examples produced. 7,298 were Marauder Fastbacks and 3,783 were convertibles. The combined station wagon sales reached nearly 14,000 units.

Mercury Monterey S-55

The top-of-the-line Monterey was the S-55, available with either an automatic or four-speed manual transmission (at no additional cost). Body styles included the Marauder Fastback, priced at $3,650, the hardtop coupe listing for $3,650, the Hardtop Sedan at $3,715, and the convertible at $3,900. Production reflected the higher prices and just 2,317 examples of the Marauder Fastback Coupe were built, and 1,379 were convertibles. Just 3,863 of the hardtop coupe and 1,203 of the hardtop sedan were sold. Distinguishable features included S-55 insignia, special wheel covers, vinyl upholstery, and front bucket seats with the center console.

Minor changes appeared on the 1964 Monterey, including updates to the taillights and the grille, and the 406 was replaced by the 427 CID V8. The Marauder fastback hardtop continued to be offered in all three Mercury series.

A complete redesign was applied to all 1965 full-size Mercurys with a more slab-sided appearance inspired by the Continental. Another major redesign occurred in 1969 before Mercury discontinued the Monterey for 1975, consolidating its full-size range down to the Marque.

by Dan Vaughan

S-55 Hardtop Coupe

The Mercury line of vehicles launched in 1939 was named after the mythological 'messenger of the gods.' The early Marauder was a large, V8 engined automobile. It started as a 1963.5 model as a two-door 'fastback' hardtop version of the full-size Mercury. Marauders were offered from the 1963 1/2 to 1965 model years, then again from 1969 to 1970.

This fastback roofline was developed for both the Mercury Marauder and the Ford Galaxie for NASCAR competition, and may have helped with the many 1963-1964 Ford and Mercury victories.

The 1963-1964 Mercury Marauder marked the first time the name Marauder was applied to a car - after Mercury used the Marauder moniker to denote its brawniest engines in the late 1950's.

It's a handle that probably wouldn't be considered today: The safety lobby would surly condemn it as fostering reckless driving, while Mercury marketers would likely veto it as not reflecting the typical buyer's lifestyle. But Mercury was on the prowl even in those pre-Cougar days, and 'Marauder' was perfect for what it was trying to accomplish.

S-55 Marauder Fastback Coupe
Chassis number: 3Z68R529446

For 1963, Mercury offered four levels including the base Monterey, Monterey Custom, S-55 and Colony Park. The Monterey was long and benefitted from Lincoln design influences, including the 'Breezeeway' retractable rear window, vestigial tailfins and rear treatment. The 1963 Mercury outsized the 1963 Lincoln (with the exception of the slightly smaller Mercury station wagon), with a wheelbase of 120 inches and an overall length of 215 inches.

Mid-1963, Mercury debuted the Marauder fastback model based on the top-level S-55 line. It had a more aerodynamic roofline tailored specifically for the rigors of NASCAR competition. Several high-performance V8 engines were available, ranging from the 390 V8 in either 300- or 330-bhp tune to the 385 horsepower 406 V8 and going to the 427, in 410- or 425-bhp, dual four-barrel form.

This 1963½ Mercury Monterey S-55 Marauder Hardtop is fitted with a 427 cubic-inch 'Super Marauder' V-8 engine with dual Holley four-barrel carburetors and 425 horsepower. There is a four-speed manual transmission and four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes.

In 2012, this car was offered for sale at the Amelia Island auction presented by RM Auctions. The car was estimated to sell for $75,000 - $100,000. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for $104,500 inclusive of buyer's premium.

by Dan Vaughan

Custom Convertible
Chassis number: 6A63L580827

This 1963 Mercury Monterey Convertible was offered for sale at the 2007 Sports and Classic Car Auction presented by The Worldwide Group, in Hilton Head Island, SC where it was estimated to sell for $25,000 - $35,000. It was offered without reserve.

Under the hood of this car is a 390 cubic-inch V8 engine mated to a three-speed Cruise-O-matic gearbox and located on all four wheels are power assisted drum brakes. It is an original car finished in factory Royal Red with saddle red interior and white convertible power operated top. When order from the factory, it came equipped with an original Ford AM radio and factory power steering and power brakes.

For 1963, Mercury offered their Monterey as one of their luxury vehicles outfitted with a host of amenities and targeted to discerning buyers. The top of the line Mercury was the Park Lane, but Ford had stopped production for several years making the Monterey the new leader until 1964.

At auction this car was sold for below the estimated value. The vehicle had no reserve, so the lot was sold for the high bid of $14,850, which included buyer's premium.

by Dan Vaughan

Fastback

This Bill Stroppe (owner/builder) Mercury Marauder ran in the Daytona 500 in 1963, powered by the 427 cubic-inch 425 horsepower Marauder V8 engine. In 1963 alone, the Mercury Marauder, the new stock car by Ford's Mercury Company, won no less than eight stock car titles and racing awards. Eight! In one year! Mercury was on a roll. This car won the Pikes Peak in 1963, 1964 and was runner up in 1965. It won the USAC Championship in 1963, and came in 3rd in the 1963 Riverside 500 driven by Troy Ruttman. He came in behind Dan Gurney (Ford) and A.J. Foyt (Pontiac). It won the Monterey Historics in 2003 and the Goodwood Festival of Speed in 2005. In 1965, Bill Stroppe sold the car to Curtis Crieden, who ran the car in the NASCAR USAC. In 1980, Randy Hinson purchased the car and restored it. Bob Pike bought the car in 1982 and 20 years later, sold it to the present owners.

S-55 Convertible
Chassis number: 3W65Z515595

For 1963, Mercury produced 3,783 examples of the Monterey Custom Convertible which made up just 1.2% of Mercury's production for 1963.

This Mercury Monterey Convertible is a factory Z Code with a 390 CID big-block 'Marauder Super' V8 fitted with 4 barrel carburetion. It has an automatic Merc-o-Matic transmission, air conditioning, power steering and brakes, power convertible top, and 115,937 original miles. It is finished in its original factory color combination of Castilian Gold over Light gold interior and white soft top.

by Dan Vaughan

S-55 Marauder Fastback Coupe
Chassis number: 3Z66Z536098

This 1963 Mercury Marauder Hardtop Coupe is an S55 Tribute, with a 427 'low riser' engine, Tri-power triple carburetors, an automatic transmission, power steering, and power brakes. It has full red carpeting, a black exterior, and a red interior with white accents.

by Dan Vaughan

An automobile marque of the Ford Motor Company, Mercury was founded in 1939 with the purpose to market entry-level-luxury vehicles that were slotted in between Ford-branded regular models and Lincoln-branded luxury vehicles. All Mercury models are today based on Ford platforms. The Mercury name is derived from 'messenger of the gods' of Roman mythology. In the beginning years, Mercury was known for its performance.

The 1950 full-size near-luxury car Mercury Monterey represented a choice that the Ford Motor Company had to make. At the time General Motors and the Chrysler Corporation were producing a plethora of 'hardtop convertibles' and Ford realized that it couldn't convert its year-old bodies into hardtop models at a reasonable cost. Determined not to stand idly by as GM and Chrysler attempted to dominate the car market with its attractive new pillarless coupes.

Ford decided that the only solution was to customize existing two-door bodies into a new line of specialty models. These included the Ford Crestliner, Lincoln Capri and Lido, and the Mercury Monterey.

All of these vehicles were developed from the same formula with grained top coverings that were harmonized with a very limited number of pain colors. Color-coordinated interiors also matched the external theme, while special trim and badging were used both inside and out.

Responsible for the Mercury Monterey's special touches, William Schmidt took over the design work. A choice of either canvas or vinyl roof coverings were offered on the all-new custom coupe, along with either fabric-and-leather or all-leather seats. A deluxe steering wheel was showcased, and bright trim edged the windows on the inside.

The base price of a 1950 Mercury Monterey was $2,146. Mercury's flagship sedan from 1950 through 1974, the classic 'Monterey' was considered to be '4,000 lbs. of Pure Decadence.' Still coveted even today, the sleek lines of those earlier models make the Monterey a popular collectible classic.

Featuring the same chassis and running gear used on all other Mercurys, the Monterey featured a 118-inch wheelbase that ran between coil-and-wishbone suspension up front and leaf springs under a live axle in the rear. Achieving 110 bhp, the Monterey received its power from an L-head V-8 that displaced 255.4 cubic inches.

In early 1951, Ford decided to replace the Crestliner with the first hardtop, regardless of the cost. In 1952 Mercury and Lincoln came out with all-new bodies that were designed to include hardtops.

The Monterey name continued on, but on a premium series of Mercury's in three body styles. The Monterey later shared the same body style with the slightly more upscale Marquis, the Montclair, and the Park Lane. After the 1968 model year, the Montclair and Park were eliminated from the lineup. The Marquis-Monterey body eventually shared the same body as the Ford Galaxie, the Ford Custom, and the Ford LTD.

From 1961 through 1963, the Mercury Monterey was sold in Canada as the Mercury Meteor. Available in three trim lines, the Meteor was sold as the LeMoyne, the Montcalm, and Rideau. After the United States, Monterey was retired, Canadian Meteors were still marketed from 1964 until 1976. They were re-badged Marquis models following the deletion of the U.S. model Monterey in 1974.

The Monterey nameplate was resurrected in 2004 for a minivan, though it was essentially a re-badged Ford Freestar with more features and newly modified cosmetic features. The Monterey comes with a high level of equipment and several styling cues from Mercury. These minivans were made to fill the gap in Mercury's vehicle lineup following the discontinuation of the Mercury Villager. Offered in only one trim level, for 2006 Mercury Monterey was offered in the fully-loaded Luxury edition.

The Luxury edition was featured in front-wheel drive and is powered by a 4.2-liter V6 engine that was matched with a four-speed automatic transmission and anti-lock braking system. The inside of the Monterey featured amazing standard features such as cloth upholstery, dual-zone air conditioning, first and second-row captain's chairs, power sliding doors, tilting steering wheel, and much more.

The all-new Monterey also came with a great safety warranty. Standard occupant-sensing front passenger airbag, heated power-adjustable side mirrors that featured built-in warning/turn signals, perimeter anti-theft system, and Safety Canopy curtain and side-impact airbags. Optional features were Traction Control and Advancetrac electronic stability control.

by Jessican Donaldson