For Sale: 1953 Mercury Monterey in Morgantown, Pennsylvania

1953 Mercury Monterey 2 Door Hardtop

"No center body pillars to hamper the horizon wide visibility of this dapper coupe; instead the free, open viewing that comes with hardtop styling, styling that has made all America change its motoring tastes. Adding the feel of 'go' to this styling, are Mercury's 'Jet-scoop' hood, low fast lines, and all the features that keep Mercury farther than ever ahead of the field. Interiors are upholstered in attractive broadcloth fabrics to harmonize with any of more than a score of solid colors and two tone combinations you choose." This grammatical minefield was excerpted from the 1953 sales brochure.

For consignment, a 1953 Mercury Monterey 2 door hardtop showing 16,082 miles, but the true miles are unknown due to a PA title exemption. If you're a Pennsylvania resident, our consignor will transfer the historic status plates to your name.

Exterior
While the design is wild by today's standards, it's very much in line with trends of the early fifties, with some uniquely styled additions by Mercury. Let's first note the two tone design with a white roof that is the catalyst for some personalized customization on this India Black example; the white painted headlight rings and tail light nacelles. The tail light designs are unique with two, even vertical sections featuring the brake and reverse lights capped with a center, circle reflector. The detailed C-pillar leans forward and borders a wrap around rear window while a broad side spear travels the length of the car. Up front, the jet scoop features prominently on the hood, just before your eyes are drawn to the torpedoes on the bumper. 15-inch red steel wheels carry older white wall tires. Imperfections include inclusion and general dullness throughout, evident filler, dimples and dings, scratches, chips, wavy panels and orange peel, and some bubbling.

Interior
Black and red continues to the inside where red, black and ornate 50's trim dress the doors with some fading on the red and some tape on the black of the driver's door but otherwise both are in nice shape. The split bench also layers black and red with red piping pulling it all together. The rear bench shows in more original condition but both sides are in good condition and free of rips or wear. A hot rod style steering wheel now fronts the wildly unique dash where lever controls are in horizontal pods that flank the arching speedometer and cove shaped housing. There's a bit of patina to this area but the red dash that follows is in nice condition and houses the AM radio, a lock and added shut off switches and a triple gauge pod underneath. Black carpet fills the floor, a red headliner is up above, and the trunk has some worn rubber mats over the rust free steel floor.

Drivetrain
Under the hood, a clean 352ci V8 with a Holley 4-barrel carburetor over an Edelbrock intake manifold. It's backed by a Cruise-O-Matic 3-speed automatic transmission that routes power to the rear axle with 3.31 gears. Power brakes and power steering are on board.

Undercarriage
Clean driver quality conditions are found underneath with no rust and a dry environment. Dual exhaust runs through Cherrybomb mufflers and finds their way to matching chrome tips out back. Power drum brakes are found on all four wheels and suspension consists of coil springs in front and leaf springs in back.

Drive-Ability
The roomy cabin offers a comfortable perch from which to drive this uncommon 50's Mercury. The engine runs good and the car tracks straight as we point the hood scoop to where we want to go. Of note are the wipers and reverse lights not working but all other functions on the Monterey operate as they should. While Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were working at the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be working at the time of your purchase.

With the steel wheels and straight pipes out back, along with the single stage black paint, the car has a vintage street rod appeal that makes it a fun cruiser with room enough for the whole family and a post free greenhouse. We love the dash, which Mercury calls the "Interceptor" instrument panel that was part of the brand's "Unified Design" in '53.

53ME79210M

53-1953
ME-Metuchen, NJ Assy Plant
79210-Sequential Unit Number
M-Mercury

WARRANTY PLATE

STYLE BG60B-Mercury Monterey 2 Door Hardtop

BODY SPECIFICS

01-Raven black
366-Red & Black Vinyl
20H-August 20th
470-Rotation Number

Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8 acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person. There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee is not included in the advertised price. All prices are before state, city and county tax, tag, title and license fees. Out of state buyers are responsible for all state, county, city taxes and fees, as well as title/registration fees in the state that the vehicle will be registered. Classic Auto Mall is not responsible for errors and omissions. Please verify listings with dealer. Vehicles may require VIN verification and/or safety and emissions inspections to transfer ownership and register the vehicle in the declared state of residence. Please check with your local DMV office to ensure compliance with your state's titling and registration process.

With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy listening. You can also watch on YouTube!