The 1952-1954 Mercury Monterey was a standout among early '50s Mercurys for exceptional styling and sound engineering, coupled with solid construction and high-quality fit and finish.
Monterey was a top-line subseries in 1952, then became a separate line (with a three-model Custom series further down the price scale) for 1953-54. Ford's flathead V-8 continued in the first two years, with its highest horsepower rating ever in Mercury tune. For 1954, the company's new Y-Block overhead-valve V-8 arrived with a five-main-bearing crankshaft and standard four-barrel carburetor.
After being a "little Lincoln" in styling and bodyshell for 1949-1951,
Mercury again became more of a junior line in these years, with similar styling
to Ford but on a three-inch longer wheelbase.
Pluses
of the 1952-1954 Mercury Monterey:
- Good looks
- Quality
- Reasonably
quick for the period, especially with overdrive
Minuses
of the 1952-1954 Mercury Monterey:
- Slower to appreciate than concurrent Fords
- Susceptible
to rust in underbody areas
Production
of the 1952 Mercury Monterey:
- 4-door sedan: 30,000 (est.)
- 2-door hardtop: 24,453
- Convertible: 5,261
Production
of the 1953 Mercury Monterey:
- 4-door sedan: 64,038
- 2-door hardtop: 76,119
- Convertible: 8,463
- 4-door wagon: 7,719
Production
of the 1954 Mercury Monterey:
- 4-door sedan: 65,995
- 2-door hardtop: 79,553
- Convertible: 7,293
- 4-door wagon: 11,656
Specifications
of the 1952-1954 Mercury Monterey:
Wheelbase,
inches: 118.0
Length,
inches: 202.2 (1952-53), 206.3 (1954)
Weight,
pounds: 3,375-3,735
Price,
new: $2,115-$2,776 (U.S.)
Engines
for the 1952-1954 Mercury Monterey:Type Size Horsepower Years sv
V-8 255.4 125 1952-1953 sv
V-8 256 161 1954
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