Vehicle Description
What do you get when you combine the aesthetic traits of a
show-worthy street rod with the drivability of a modern hot rod?
This incredible Mercury kustom! With the universal appeal of high
dollar eye candy, and the road going prowess of a fully sorted
cruiser, this slick Monterey is a unique, well built classic that
provides its owner the best of both worlds. And what's better: you
can have your show stopper and drive it too for a fraction of the
money and time it takes to complete a ground-up build. If you're an
anxious buyer who's tired of the 'garage furniture' culture that
seems to pervade the classic car hobby, this stunning Merc is one
of the coolest road-ready customs your money can buy!
BODYWORK/TRIM
Purchased in 2008 as a fully restored driver, this slick hardtop
has been carefully finessed into a one-of-a-kind piece of art. Of
course, every work of art needs a solid canvas, and under the car's
many modifications you'll find solid steel that, based on
appearance, has never been botched or wrinkled in any significant
way. That smooth surfacing makes for a super clean profile that's
been laboriously block-sanded and covered in a stunning combination
of Ford Red Candy Metallic and Jet Black 2-stage. And ultimately,
the car debuted as an excellent looking classic that walks a fine
line between traditional street rod swing and outrageous SoCal
flair.
A kustom in the truest sense of the term, this Merc gets cues from
a variety sources both literal and figurative. At the front of the
car, a lightly massaged grille frames frenched headlights, a
factory-spec bumper, and a '50 Ford hood that's been nosed and
louvered. Behind that hood, factory-tint glass founds mirrored
wipers and straight stainless frames beneath small vent visors and
a modified, NOS windshield visor. Beneath that glass, '55 Pontiac
profile trim perfectly complements factory rocker guards and
factory fender skirts. At the edges of that trim, Buick-style
portholes and correct Monterey badging add a little form while
traditional door handles and classy mirrors instill a little
function. And at the back of the car, dualed '95 Cadillac
taillights frame a decked trunk and an Impala-branded fuel filler
above a snazzy '55 Pontiac bumper.
ENGINE
Many Dearborn kustoms get by on traditional flathead power. And I
do mean "get by" in the most literal sense of the phrase. While
extremely cool, and chock full of character, flatheads aren't
particularly known for earth-shaking performance when strapped to
heavy '50s metal. Sourced directly from GM Performance Parts, this
Merc's sprier personality comes courtesy of a 350 cubic inch ZZ4
crate engine that twists stout 10 to 1 compression into 355
horsepower and 405 lb./ft. of torque. The mean motor's energy
mixture is supplied by a coated Holley carburetor, which is
sandwiched between an Edelbrock Performer intake and polished,
transverse air cleaner. That mixture travels in to aluminum L98
cylinder heads, which hang polished valve covers and polished
breathers over stamped rocker arms and hypereutectic pistons. That
valvetrain combusts thanks to a forged, internally-balanced crank,
powdered connecting rods and a billet cam. Fire for that combustion
comes courtesy of a modern HEI distributor and Autolite
Professional Series plug wires. That fire is kept in check by a
beefy radiator, which is mated to chrome flex hoses and a polished
expansion tank. Traditional V-belts spin a rebuilt alternator
opposite a modern AC compressor while spent gases are cycled
through iron GM manifolds. And first-rate details include: an
Optima battery, a small pressure gauge, a Wilwood proportioning
valve and a Holley fuel regulator.
DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION
Every good street rod has a solid foundation. Flip this polished
classic upside down and you'll find a roster of mechanical
improvements that mix vintage looks with modern mobility. Behind
the small block, a tough 700R4 4-speed features an adjustable
lock-up converter. That gearbox drives a sturdy, highway friendly
axle, which rides on traditional leaf springs and small lowering
blocks. Opposite that axle, an independent front-half features
power rack-and-pinion steering. Power front disc and rear drum
brakes are a welcome addition and big performance upgrade. There's
a true-dual exhaust system that mixes throaty Magnaflow mufflers
with polished stainless tips. And everything rides on old school
steelies, which spin 215/75R15 Dean Alpha 365 whitewalls around
what appear to be '50s Dodge hubcaps.
INTERIOR
Like its solid mechanicals and striking body, this Monterey's
interior is an eclectic mix of bests. A '59 Chevy dash hangs modern
air conditioning, clear Dolphin telemetry and a crisp Sony CD
player between a Guide traffic light viewer and 12-volt power
outlets. In front of that dash, '66 Thunderbird seats feature power
adjustment for the car's driver. Between those seats, a custom oil
pan console tops premium carpet, which is protected by piped and
color-keyed floor mats. That dash, seat and carpet trifecta is
cased in a tight headliner and classy factory door panels. In front
of the driver, a modern tilt steering column bridges the gap
between a '59 Impala wheel and digital gear selector. And behind
the passengers, a fully finished trunk hides a small spare
tire.
OUR SALE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTATION AND ACCESSORIES
A trophy awarded to the car at a local cruise-in
This striking Merc is a nicely finished classic that was built to
be driven AND seen. It uses top-notch components from some of the
best names in the business to create a unique kustom that mixes
killer personality with awesome curb appeal. If you're looking for
a road ready hot rod that's guaranteed to draw a crowd wherever you
go, your search is officially over!
SUMMARY
350 cubic inch GM Performance Parts ZZ4 crate engine / 355
horsepower
700R4 4-speed automatic transmission
Modified interior / Modern air conditioning
Modified all-steel body / Jet Black & Ford Red Candy Metallic
paint
Power rack-and-pinion steering
Power front disc and rear drum brakes
Heavily upgraded suspension
Sony audio