1967 Mercury Monterey
The Mercury Monterey is a series of full sized cars that were manufactured by the Mercury division of Ford from 1952 to 1974. Deriving its name from Monterey Bay, the Mercury Monterey served as a replacement for the Mercury Eight, the debut model line of the Mercury Division. During its production the Monterey would be offered in multiple body styles, ranging from coupes, convertible, station wagons, sedans, and hardtops. Following the 1974 model year, Mercury discontinued the Monterey nameplate, consolidating its full size line down to the Marquis and Colony Park station wagon.
This 1968 Mercury 4-door hardtop allows you to experience the suburban side of life that was the mid to late 1960's in Anytown, USA. Seemingly pulled from storage and given a once over, this car can serve as a great father/son project or even an affordable project car for someone who wants to learn the ropes wrenching on a classic.
Exterior
Lime Metallic, in worn condition showing chips, dings, nicks and some rust but retains some of its original shine, is the paint color for the lower body of this Monterey. A white painted top is on and shines well but does have some rust staining, particularly toward the rear of the roof. The chrome bumpers are nice and straight but suffer from some tarnish and staining. All brightwork, correct badging, and exterior lighting are in good condition. Gaps are a bit funky at places but overall, within acceptable tolerances just not perfect alignment. A sizable dent is noted just in front of the fuel filler door and invasive rust is starting both fore and aft of each rear wheel. Elongated diamond 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 and are wrapped in thin whitewall bias ply tires.
Interior
A swing of any of the well-balanced doors reveal parchment vinyl panels with eye catching embossments and a nice faux mesh insert. Each panel has varying degrees of wear and soiling but no tears. The original cut and sewn faded black carpet flood the floors and is protected by a black rubber mat. The bench seat up front shows smooth parchment vinyl boosters and nice cloth inserts, and the rear bench follows suit. All seating areas show soiling and water staining, particularly in the cloth insert areas. The black and chrome ribbed dash is in nice condition and houses all the essentials. An aftermarket AM/FM/Cassette stereo has been added and a crack free black padded topper completes the dash. Even in the trunk all is factory appearing with minimal rust.
Drivetrain
Bright blue valve coverings and an air cleaner assembly grace the 390ci V8 with a 2bbl carburetor is perched on top. This engine rests within an unrestored patina riddled engine bay. Bolted to the back is a C6 3-speed automatic transmission and putting the power to the ground is a Ford 9" rear axle weighing in with a 2.75 ratio.
Undercarriage
Some surface rust coats the undercarriage, but it remains structurally sound and invasive rust free. A trailer hitch and wiring have been added to the back of the frame for all your hauling needs. Independent coil springs for the front and a 4 link with coil springs for the back along with power drum brakes on all 4 corners can be seen underneath. A single exhaust system with a stock style muffler is in charge of expelling spent fumes and shows with surface rust throughout.
Drive-Ability
She fired right up and idled well. The first thing we always check before heading to the test track are the brakes. In this case, the pedal went to the floor. Our consignor has an appointment scheduled for next week to have the brake system repaired. More information will be provided upon return.
Overall this car presents honestly and is mostly original. The 1960's were not all 2 door muscle cars and back door experiments from the Big 3. The average neighborhood had its share of 4 door haulers and grocery getters so it's nice to see one still around. With some spit shining and polishing you can have a cruiser to be proud of without breaking the bank.
VIN DECODE
7Z44H580708
7-1967
Z-St. Louis, MO Assy Plant
44-Monterey 4 Door Sedan
H-390ci V8 2bbl
580708-Sequential Unit Number
WARRANTY TAG
BODY 54A-Monterey 4 Door Sedan
COLOR IM-Lime Metallic, White
TRIM IU-Parchment Cloth & Vinyl
DATE 18D-April 18th Build
DSO 16-Philadelphia
AXLE 8-Ford 9" 2.75 Conventional
TRANS U-C6 Automatic
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 650 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.
