1963 Mercury Monterey S55

This 1963 Mercury Monterey S55 is a fifth-generation two-door hardtop equipped with the Breezeway retractable rear window. Power comes from a 390ci Ford FE V8 backed by a 3-speed Merc-O-Matic, and the seller says the car originated from the western United States and is in sound running condition. Equipment includes aftermarket five-spoke wheels with the original set included, a bucket seat interior with a center console, an AM/FM radio, and all power features and amenities are said to be in working order. This 1963 Mercury Monterey S55 hardtop is one of 3,863 produced for its model year and is offered from Ramsey, Minnesota.

Sold new on the West Coast and purchased from a prior owner in Washington state, the black finish is described as a respray with varying flaws noted and captured in the photos. The Mercury Monterey S55 was offered as a convertible, fastback hardtop, four-door hardtop, and a two-door hardtop as seen here, of which 3,863 were produced for 1963. Equipment includes the Breezeway power retractable rear window, which was standard on all non-convertible variants of the Monterey and S55. Design elements include a concave grille and a total of six tail lamps. S55 badges are present on the rear quarter panels, and the front fenders wear Monterey scripts.

Five-spoke wheels are mounted and come wrapped in generic tires. The seller says the original set of wheels is included.

Bucket seats and a center console were standard equipment for the Monterey S55, and the front seats fold forward to allow access to the rear bench. The 3-speed Cruise-O-Matic automatic transmission is operated by a console-mounted shifter and a factory-offered AM/FM radio is mounted within the instrument panel between the clock and clime controls. The steering wheel is the factory three-spoke design, but its rim shows wear and previous repair attempts.

A 120-mph speedometer is laid out in a horizontal fashion and the five-digit mechanical odometer displays 49k miles. Additional gauges monitor coolant temperature, fuel level, the electrical system, and oil.

The engine is a Ford 390ci FE V8 which had an original output of 300 gross horsepower at 4,600 rpm and 427 pound-feet of torque at 2,800, and was originally fueled by a Motorcraft four-barrel carburetor. The engine sits below an air cleaner assembly finished in Corporate Gold paint and the block wears the same finish, while the black valve covers are Mercury branded. The drivetrain consists of a Merc-O-Matic 3-speed and the suspension uses coil springs up front and leafs in the rear.

Underpinnings appear unmodified from stock, and the underside appears to have been sprayed with rust-inhibiting coating which remains in place. Additional photos capturing the underside are available in the carousel.