1956 Mercury Monterey Custom

The Mercury marque was founded on November 4th, 1938, and filled the price gap that existed between the price-friendly Ford and the top-of-the-line Lincoln. Created by Edsel Ford, Mercury bodies were sourced from its Ford sibling, receiving unique features to add distinction. The styling penned by E.T. 'Bob' Gregorie and bestowed upon the 1949 models signaled the first occurrence that the Mercury did not mimic the Ford. The sleek, low, enveloping design would become popular with hot rodders and customizers who added their own touches, creating 'lead sleds' of their own. Custom Mercury's played a starring role in Rebel Without A Cause, starring James Dean and Natalie Wood, and in the 1986 movie Cobra, starring Sylvester Stallone. Among the custom builders of the 1950s Mercury were Gene Winfield, Eddie Paul, and George and Sam Barris.

by Daniel Vaughan | Mar 2023