 1962 Mercury Monterey S-55 convertible |
The 1962 Mercury Monterey Custom S-55 was the first of the big bucket-seat Mercurys introduced in reply to the growing early-'60s interest in sportier cars generally -- and to counter Pontiac's hot-selling '62 Grand Prix in particular.
The Mercury Custom S-55 arrived at mid-model year as
a hardtop coupe and convertible along with sibling Ford Galaxie 500XLs, and
much like them technically.
A
300-horse-power 390 V-8 was standard, but Dearborn's new 406 enlargement -- "Marauder" in
Mercury-speak -- was available on a very limited basis with 385 or 405 bhp via
free-flow intake and exhaust systems, mechanical lifters, and 10.9:1
compression.
Still, most of these S-55s were built with the base engine and
Multi-Drive automatic, and they emphasized sporty luxury with interiors
featuring thin-shell bucket seats, shift console, and plenty of bright metal
and mylar trim. The S-55 was not a sales success in '62, but it would
nonetheless carry on for the next several seasons.
Pluses
of the 1962 Mercury Monterey Custom S-55:
- Strong special-interest value for some collectors
- Sporty, luxurious interior
- Smooth, potent performance
- Still
relatively affordable despite rarity and "muscle" image
Minuses
of the 1962 Mercury Monterey Custom S-55:
- Forgettable styling
- Unique body and trim pieces as scarce as the cars
- Visual
distinctions mainly inside, not outside
Production
of the 1962 Mercury Monterey Custom S-55:
- Hardtop Coupe: 2,772
- Convertible: 1,315
Specifications
of the 1962 Mercury Monterey Custom S-55:
Wheelbase,
inches: 120.0
Length,
inches: 120.0
Weight,
pounds: 3,800-3,900
Price,
new: $3,488-$3,738 (U.S.)
Engines
for the 1962 Mercury Monterey Custom S-55:Type Size Horsepower Years ohv V-8 390 300 1962 ohv V-8 406 385/405 1962
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