1963 Mercury Monterey S-55 Convertible

OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE

Over $45,000 in mechanical work performed in October of 2024
1 of only 1,379 S-55s built in 1963
Mechanically sound and ready for future spirited road adventures
A top-of-the-line performance version of the Monterey

VIN: 3W69Z503141

The Monterey name plate was introduced to the world in 1950 as an upscale coupe that was a part of the Mercury Eight series. Because the Monterey was built as a full-size car with lots of room in the cabin, many saw it as a great vehicle for the family, opting for the sedans and wagons of the day. As time went on, and different variations of the Monterey were introduced, Mercury decided to offer a more performance focused version in 1962, the S-55, which was to compete in the luxury-oriented sector with the likes of the Ford Galaxie and Impala SS. Catering to buyers seeking style, power, and comfort, the new Mercury Monterey S-55 offered a sportier trim package in a two-door hardtop coupe or convertible, and of course a beefier power plate. The following year saw a slight revision with subtle styling updates, bigger engines, and the suspension and handling were enhanced to better the ride quality. Priced toward the top of the Mercury lineup, just 1,379 S-55 Convertibles would leave the factory for 1963.

A resident of a prolific Michigan-based collection for multiple years, The Great Outdoors Collection would take ownership in the latter part of 2022. In the collection, this Mercury Monterey would benefit from a complete mechanical freshening to the price of over $45,704 in October of 2024, with the end goal being a vehicle you can hop right in, put into drive, and not have to worry about. Conducted by Motor City Solutions Hot Rods & Restorations, the extensive list of work included upgrading the front brakes to power brakes, replacing the rear brakes, replacing most of the braking mechanisms and suspension, and completely going through the power steering system, transmission, and rear axle. Documented by an accompanying invoice, the full list can be viewed on Worldwide Auctioneers' website.

Built on September 21st of 1963, this special S-55 Convertible left the factory in its current color scheme of Presidential Black over its current original eye-catching red interior. Under the hood lies the mechanically sound Z-Code four-barrel 390-cubic-inch eight-cylinder engine that is backed by a smooth multi-drive Merc-O-Matic automatic transmission. Other desirable features that add to its everyday drivability include optional power steering, power brakes, a power convertible top, and an upgraded "retro look" stereo.

Accompanying the sale of this Monterey S-55 are the above-mentioned invoice records and a convertible boot cover that matches the red interior. A testament to Mercury's effort to establish itself as a more upscale performance vehicle blending luxury, style, and performance, just 1,379 of these S-55 Convertibles were built in 1963, making them a rare and sought-after model of the '60s in today's market.