Vehicle Description
One the finest Mercury Monterey Station Wagons around! From the
south Texas based Richard L. Burdick collection, and fully restored
in true frame off fashion! Excellent execution with some added
upgrades hidden for added driver confidence! Original 256ci OHV V8,
automatic, power brakes, windshield sun visor, roof rack, and more!
This one wont last! After World War II, many manufacturers were
reestablishing their identity, and Ford was no different with the
decision to combine their mid-luxury line Mercury and upscale
Lincoln brands becoming one division in 1945 as Lincoln-Mercury.
The Mercury marque went from a sophisticated and well-appointed
Ford to a market sensation by 1949, distinctly separating itself
from Ford. Mercurys latest redesign in 1952 marketed their top
model as the Monterey, with an upscale Monterey Station Wagon
hitting the showrooms by 1953. Fast forward to 1954, and you will
find the first year introduction of the overhead valve V8 under the
hoods replacing the famed V8 flathead forever. The Monterey Station
Wagon featured attractive body trim, with a host of available
options making it the most expensive model Mercury offered at
$2,591! Only 11,656 Station Wagons were produced, and finding one
in this condition presents a wonderful opportunity to Mercury
collectors everywhere! We are excited to offer this beautifully
restored 1954 Mercury Monterey Station Wagon finished in Parkland
Green over complimenting Green/Ivory interior! This exceptional
Monterey comes from the esteemed Dick Burdick collection, better
known as Dicks Classic Garage based in San Marcos, Texas. After his
passing February 2018, his outstanding collection totaling nearly
100 cars dating from 1901-1959 was sold to fund the Richard L.
Burdick Foundation, an educational organization helping with grants
and scholarships to deserving individuals and charities in need.
Mr. Burdick was an avid car enthusiasts, who sincerely loved to
drive his cars participating in The Great American Race 25 times,
earning Grand Champion honors 5 times, and World Class Champion in
1995! An astonishing accomplishment! In frame off fashion, this
Monterey was treated to a stunning nut & bolt restoration in
approximately 2005/2006! The frame has been fully repainted and
fitted with new brakes, fuel system components, and suspension
system! The body was stripped and brilliantly painted in period
correct Parkland Green (originally Granby Gray) with superb
results! The exterior simulated wood siding consists of factory
correct Di-Noc mahogany centers highlighted in ash wood simulated
trim. Inside the cabin, the interior matches beautifully in Ivory
and Green with fully carpeted interior floor! The entire car was
fully rewired with correct cloth-covered wiring harnesses, but
converted to a complete 12-volt, negative ground generator charging
system for optimum lighting and amperage. Features include correct
256ci OHV V8 with Twin Tornado combustion chamber & aluminum
pistons providing a stout 161 horsepower and 238 ft. lb. of torque
through a Holley 4-barrel carburetor. This engine set itself apart
from its Ford counterpart by having an additional 31 horsepower,
which meant bigger, better brakes were implemented by Mercury.
Options on our example include automatic transmission, power
brakes, pushbutton AM radio, carpeted floor mats, luggage rack,
rear fender skirts, windshield sun visor, Sun-X tinted glass, full
wheel covers, and upgraded BF Goodrich Silvertown Radial whitewall
tires! Additional features include under dash Auto Gage engine
gauges to measure oil pressure, temp, and volts; true dual exhaust
system, Offenhauser finned aluminum valve covers, and auxiliary
transmission cooler. Today, the odometer reads only 414 miles
indicating the mileage since completion. A new battery was
installed in April 2019, along with new engine oil & filter. It
remains a terrific road going example with all the eye appeal it
deserves! Act quickly Mercury fans! They are hard to find like
this!
