Vehicle Description
1953 Mercury Monterey - Arizona Car - 255ci Flathead V8 bored .30
over - Automatic Transmission - Lake Pipes and Shaved Door Handles
- Classic Merc Hot Rod - Summer 2022 - Full Service by Steve's
Antique Auto (Please note: If you happen to be viewing this 1953
Mercury Monterey on a website other than our Garage Kept Motors
site, it's possible that you've only seen some of our many
photographs of the car due to third-party website limitations. To
be sure you access all the more than 145 photographs, as well as a
short start-up and walk-around video, please go to our main
website: Garage Kept Motors.) The (Mercury) name was selected by
Edsel Ford, the only son of Henry. Mercury was the winged messenger
and the god of commerce according to Roman mythology, symbolizing
speed, skill, dependability, and eloquence. �€" Classics and
Beyond, History of Mercury Automobiles Hagerty gives some '53
Mercury history: Ford completely redesigned its cars for 1952
(continued on the '53 models), including the Mercury lineup, and
the cars now sported a taller, square shape with larger greenhouse.
Front and rear glass was now curved, keeping up with the
modernization of design, and an entirely new grille and brightwork
were employed. The Mercury L-head eight-cylinder engine still
displaced 255 cubic inches, but now produced 125 hp. For the first
time in its two-year existence, the Monterey became its own model.
... Mercury Monterey(s) could now be ordered in more body styles,
with a convertible and a sedan joining the popular... coupe. The
sedan was priced at $2,115, while the coupe cost $2,225. In all,
24,453 Monterey coupes were sold and 5,261 convertibles. Offered
here is a 1953 Mercury 2-door hardtop in Bittersweet (orange) and
white over the same two hues inside. This Arizona car has been well
preserved, refreshed, and respectfully customized to serve as a
reliable road car and a stunning show star. The overall look is of
a period-correct custom build. The design of the car's exterior
reflects the exuberance of early-Fifties America. Not over-the-top,
as some cars that would appear later in the decade, but rather a
presence and flair that exuded stylish optimism. In this case, the
combination Bittersweet orange under a white hardtop paint choice
was perfect, and the condition of the refreshed paint finish across
the entire body (as well as under-hood area, door jambs, and trunk
interior) has been very well maintained. There is no obvious damage
to any sheet metal panel. Rear fender skirts add to the sleek,
horizontal flow of the basic design. Custom lake-style side exhaust
pipes add flair. Exuberant-but not excessive-stock chrome
brightwork, including the lower-front bumper, hood-scoop trim,
bodyside trim, and cabin-glass trim, is in great condition overall,
with very light and limited patina from age. The Monterey's
beautiful sloping rear deck, chrome-surrounded taillights (with
blue dot inserts), and Mercury-embossed chrome bumper make for an
attractive rear-end combination. Dual exhaust tips are the final
chrome signature. Cabin glass, including the curved windshield and
rear window, is clear and undamaged; lighting lenses are clear as
well. Emblems, badging, and exterior door handles have been removed
from the body for a shaved look. Wide whitewall tires are mounted
on the stock, orange-painted steel wheels with faux-spinner-style
chrome full wheel covers. Inside, it's clear the car's overall
stock look has been maintained. Stylish original trim has been
maintained throughout. Door trim, for example, incorporates (from
top to bottom) body-color painted metal, orange cloth, chrome trim,
and white vinyl in a delightful combination. Vertically pleated
white seat upholstery is trimmed in orange. Cabin floors are
covered in black carpeting (which continues with the same
professional installation in the trunk). The driver's view through
the stock steering wheel (with delicate horn ring and Mercury-logo
center) is anot
