Highlights
- Exceedingly rare high-end ‘50s V8 sedan
- Potentially the only one in the world in two-tone Grove Green and Tuxedo Black
- Has been running and driving since import
- Accompanied by a substantial collection of spares including many stainless steel and chrome trims
- Restoration started with the fuel tank refurbished, “trunk” lid repainted and several other jobs completed
- Highly original and complete
The Appeal
Fans of rare ‘50s Americana are in for a real treat. This 1956 Mercury Montclair is a seldom-seen survivor of a bygone age.
For the uninitiated, the Mercury brand was founded by Edsel Ford to bridge the gap between Ford and Lincoln model ranges. The Montclair was introduced in 1955 as a well-equipped full-size sedan, believed to have been named after the fashionable Montclair township of New Jersey. For the 1956 model year, so-called “Flo-tone” colour schemes were introduced, whereby the roof and lower bodywork were painted in a contrasting hue to the upper bodywork. The effect was striking, particularly when the colours were so vibrant and stark in contrast as the Grove Green and Tuxedo Black showcased on this four-door Montclair sedan.
It hardly takes an expert to see that this Mercury is now in need of more than a little spit and polish. But that said, it presents an excellent starting point for restoration as a highly original, highly complete and exceedingly rare car. You may never encounter another example in the UK, and the vendor’s research is yet to uncover another anywhere in the world to match this car’s exact specifications.
Unfortunately, a change in circumstances has resulted in this project stalling, so it’s time for someone new to take this car on and return it to the road. It is eminently worth saving and has been in running order since the vendor brought it to the UK in 2018. They’re confident that the V8 would fire up again with light recommissioning, and a great many spares accompany the car, ready for you to get started.
The History and Paperwork
- US Certificate of Title present
- Not currently UK road registered
- The car will qualify for road tax and MOT exemption
- 27,217 miles indicated
- The vendor imported the car in 2018
- A change in circumstances prompts a reluctant sale
The Condition
- In need of extensive bodywork restoration
- As the photographs show, the body is notably corroded and holed in places
- Commendably straight overall, with well-fitting doors and panels
- The glass and trim appear in fair order, with some pitting in places
- The vendor is including all the spares they have amassed, including many stainless steel and chrome trims
- “Trunk” lid restored and repainted (at considerable expense) and refitted
- The heavily patinated paintwork is reportedly the original “Flo-tone” scheme
- Much of the interior looks salvageable and is in very good order considering its age
The Mechanics
- 5.1-litre (312 cu in) 225 horsepower V8
- Three-speed Merc-O-Matic automatic transmission
- All looks highly original under the “hood”
- The vendor drove the car between storage yards several years ago, commenting that it ran very well
- The engine has not run for some time, but should start again with minimal recommissioning according to the vendor
- When last driven, the brakes were not working properly; the master cylinder broke when disassembly was attempted, so a replacement item is included in the same
- The fuel tank has been restored and repainted, ready to refit
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