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This stunning black example of the 1953 Mercury Monterey “Woodies” Wagon has spent most of its life in Southern California and sports the following original features: Flathead V8 (255 cid, 125 hp), 3-speed Overdrive Manual Transmission and two-tone turquoise/black interior. This Monterey Wagon has been upgraded to a 12 volt electrical system.
In 1953 the Mercury line was divided into Custom and top-of-the-line Monterey models. The VIN of 53LA27746M indicates that this Monterey was produced in the Los Angeles, California plant (code LA). The data plate indicates a 118 inch wheelbase (code BG) eight passenger wagon (code 79B) with Black exterior (code 01) and Turquoise and Black interior (code 377) as well as that it was the fourteenth car produced at the Los Angeles plant (code 14) on May 7, 1953 (code 7E).
Surviving ’53 Monterey Wagons are obviously rare (how many have you seen?). While it’s not known how many have survived, the International Mercury Owner Association (IMOA) 2006-2007 registry has five listed (including this one). This fine investment grade vehicle is a stunning head turner that’s fun to drive, show and enjoy; it runs, looks and drives like a dream.
A Little Mercury and “Woodie” Wagon History:
In 1939 Ford Motor Company created the Mercury Division and vehicle line to plug the mid-size/price gap between the utilitarian Ford line and the luxury Lincoln line (Lincoln had been purchased by Ford in 1922). Unlike the later Edsel experiment, the Mercury experiment was very successful with a consistent sales rank through the 1950’s of 5th to 8th in relation to all manufacturers’ lines in the US.
1951 was the last year of wood wagons for both Ford and Mercury. While both divisions shifted to all-steel wagons in 1952, for those who had difficulty accepting the transition, both divisions offered woodgrain appliqués and trim to sooth these customer’s nerves (and serve their market). 1953 was the last year that the outlining trim of the woodgrain appliqués was real wood. Due to continued demand, these steel “woodies” were offered into the 1960’s and 1970’s.
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