1954 MERCURY MONTEREY 2­DR HARDTOP
Designer: L. David Ash

Estimate: $25,000 -­ $32,000

Chassis Number: 54ME83097M
Decoded: 54=1954; ME=Metuchen, NJ assembly plant; 83097=73,097th 1954 Mercury
scheduled for production at the Metuchen plant; M=Mercury line
Engine: 255 cid OHV “Y­-block” V8
2-­barrel Carburetor / 162 bhp
3-­Speed Merc­O­Matic Automatic Transmission
Four Wheel Hydraulic Drum Brakes
Mileage:

● Pivotal Year for Mercury Marquis
● Advanced Styling Inside and Out
● Well Presented Example of Desirable Model

The Model: From the beginning of the Mercury brand, many felt it was little more than a gussied up Ford. Fact was that while some of the mechanical engineering was shared between the two makes, Mercury was its own car. This was driven home with the 1949 models and that trend continued with the new 1952’s. But 1954 was a year of many new innovations. Under the hood, an all­ new Overhead Valve “Y­-block” V8 engine could be found along with all new ball-joint front suspension, a remarkable improvement for handling and driver comfort. With more than just a face­lift to the previous models, the 1954 Mercury stood out with its dramatic use of chrome in the grille, distinctive side trim and safety inspired wrap­around taillights mounted in the quarter panels. With 259,245 units sold, a lot of motorists learned that Mercury was a brand of its own.

The Car: The Monterey hardtop coupe, model BR60B, was one of 79,533 produced making it the most popular model in Mercury’s 1954 line­up. Produced at the Metuchen, New Jersey assembly plant around September 27, 1954, it has a factory push-­button AM radio, aircraft style controls for the heater/­defroster and dash mounted electric clock. It received a cosmetic restoration several years ago and is currently finished in a pleasing two-­tone dark green over light metallic green scheme. The full­ vinyl interior is in pleated green and white vinyl. The Mercury V8 engine is fitted with dual exhaust and has been checked out and proven to be quite road­worthy. With its massive front and rear chrome bumpers, there is no mistaking the identity of the attractive Monterey Sport Coupe. This is a great “driver-­quality” hardtop and once you’re behind the wheel of this trend­setting beauty, you will find this 1954 Mercury makes the going easy.