1962 Mercury Monterey S-55 Hardtop Marauder V8 Project

If you are looking for a rare Mercury Muscle Car, they don't get much rarer. This is a complete running and driving car with correct beige interior, dash, instruments, and drivetrain. The body retains all of the original stainless and trim throughout in very good condition as well as original body panels. This is a dry climate California car, where it spent much of time in early years, staying in dry conditions as evident by the superb frame and flooring condition. Under the hood is the correct 406/405HP (6V) Mighty Marauder V8. The warranty identification plate is intact and legible, detailing the rare codes such as the 4.11 "SP" special purpose axle, 4-speed manual transmission, and of course the brute 406/405HP V8. The finish is Sultana White while the interior color code is beige. Check out the 0444 "DSO". The interior is correct and in very good condition, showing some age but intact throughout. The S-55 was touted as a luxurious cruiser. The speedometer works as does the horn, lights, interior fan and AM pushbutton radio. The center console was standard equipment with the S-55 package. The S-55 would later become its own model, reintroduced in 1966 and continuing until '67. The original door panels are intact left and right. The door undersides are solid original steel. The engine compartment, in addition to housing the top performer of 1962 Ford engines, the 406/405HP V8, displays original sheetmetal throughout the firewall, inner fenders and core support. The Holley carburetors are in place along with the special aluminum intake and heavy cast factory breather assembly. The engine itself was last rebuilt in approximately 2007. The car actually runs out strong and drives good. There is a little smoke and we suspect a fresh head/valve job will clear it up or perhaps a complete overhaul. According to the previous owner, roller rockers were also installed during the previous build. These solid-lifter engines live and breathe at upper and mid range RPMS, although you can't lug this car in any gear really. The torque is excellent. This original buck tag is seldom seen, still affixed to the firewall and legible. The glass is original and shows extremely well. The wheels are correct KH stamped steel all around with newer radial tires. 11-Inch brakes were standard along with heavy duty suspension for the high performance 406/405HP S-55. As you can see, the car is in need of a complete paint job and restoration, an excellent start for a rare FoMoCo, Mercury, Muscle Car enthusiast or collector. Certainly this car has an interesting history, we wish it could talk. The grille and bumpers show well front to back. All of the original rare brightwork is intact on this car and in exceptional condition. The old paint is tired and in need of complete restoration. The metal itself is excellent, with a few minor dings, but original panels. This car is ready for restoration to the level of your choice. The car underwent a mild restoration in 2007 with mechanical work and cosmetics, primarily seat covers and the 406 engine was previously rebuilt according to the research I've done on the car. Prior to this the car was in a lengthy storage. The original glass is intact front to back and in exceptional condition as is the glass stainless surround. The frame and flooring is solid front to back as is the trunk. This is a California car and it shows. The fuel tank has been previously replaced and the exhaust system was also overhauled with correct components during the mild restoration work approximately 10 years ago. The pans are original and as solid as can be.