Vehicle Description
1968 Mercury Monterey
The Monterey Peninsula, in particular the City of Monterey is the
gateway to the peninsula. Upon entering, the world changes and as
you head south through Pebble Beach, Carmel, Big Sur, things get
even better. Mercury introduced the Monterey in 1952, and
immediately it was associated with the high end of the spectrum,
emulating the peninsula it was named for.
This 1968 Mercury 4-door hardtop allows you to experience the
better side of life as you travel down the forever winding PCH
(Pacific Coast Highway). Several improvements and maintenance
issues have been resolved after pulling this car out of storage
courtesy a previous owner from a time of 25 years! She runs like a
top, purrs like a kitten and presents like a cream puff and I think
I've used all the car salesman lingo to help sell this
consignment.
Exterior
Pewter Metallic in good condition is the paint color for this
Monterey. A clean black vinyl top with shiny trimmings and no rust
underneath is seen throughout. Brite work and chrome bumpers are
all there, correct badging, and all exterior lighting in excellent
condition. Gaps are a bit funky at places but overall, within
acceptable tolerances just not perfect alignment. Elongated "boat"
shaped vertical tail lighting which is iconic to this car is seen
on the back and integrates with the rear bumper. Turbine style
wheel covers with a central Mercury badge are on all 4 corners.
Interior
Like new original upholstery in black vinyl is seen throughout the
passenger compartment, as well as original cut and sewn faded black
carpet flood the floors. The split back bench upfront, and a bench
across the rear are all presenting beautifully. The walnut veneer
dash, in pristine condition houses all the essentials. A peek at
the odometer reveals and confirmed by the consigner that only
11.350 original miles have been clocked on this car, so the 25
years in storage and subsequent work to bring it back from this
time were well spent. Even in the trunk there is factory appearing
finishes and panels.
Drivetrain
390 cubic inches grace the engine bay, and a 2-barrel carburetor is
perched on top. This engine has undergone a complete overhaul and
fresh tune up upon leaving storage in 2012. The automatic
transmission has received the same treatment with flushed and new
fluids added. A refreshed with new fluids power steering pump,
checked and rebuilt alternator, distributor, and this car runs like
new and is a very quiet smooth idler.
Undercarriage
Some surface rust coats the undercarriage, but it remains
structurally sound and invasive rust free. A new fuel tank, rebuilt
left and right front wheel cylinders, and a new master cylinder
were attached at the time of the bring back from storage.
Independent coil springs for the front and a 4 link with coil
springs for the back along with drum brakes on all 4 corners can be
seen underneath.
Drive-Ability
She fired right up and ran like a champ for our test drive. All
functions were working just swimmingly. Interior is very comfy, and
the exterior is looking fab with great handling and bias free panic
stopping.
Overall this car presents beautifully, and mechanically is sound.
Many hours have been put into this upon its removal from a time
capsule storage and it shows nicely. Also, the mileage is nearly
unbelievable (11,350!) It is a reliable car with careful use of NOS
parts staying as close to original as possible. All original
interior and mechanically sound those 25 years were well spent as
was the money and parts put on after said 25 year hiatus.
VIN DECODE
8Z48Y544827
8-1968
Z-St. Louis, MO Assy Plant
48-Monterey 4 Door Hardtop
Y-390ci V8 2bbl
544827-Sequential Unit Number
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 600 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia
on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is
www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914.
Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the
vehicle in person.
