Car photography by the author
There was a cruise night within walking distance of my house, so I thought I’d mosey on over. And what do I see? Standing alone, glowing in the fading twilight, this iridescent pale gold and white beauty. Same colors as the ’62 Mercury Monterey I once had–but this one is even more special: a Monterey S-Fifty Five…the ultra-rare top-of-the-line bucket seat version of which only 2,772 were made! We must investigate further…
For those of you who don’t know, for a brief time Mercury went through an “S” phase where its top models were equipped with bucket seats and other custom touches. Comet offered the S-22; the mid-sized Meteor version was S-33; and the full-size Monterey series had the S-55.
The top model deserves the top engine–the 390 cubic inch Marauder V-8, with 4 bbl. carburation and dual exhausts, 300 horsepower! Same engine my car had. Matthew (the owner) says, “It likes to get on the interstate and cruise!”
Turns out this car lives just a few blocks from me! So imagine that–for a time, TWO 1962 Desert Frost and Sultana White ’62 Montereys with 390 engines were within a half mile of each other–what are the odds?
Walk and talk:
The eager-looking face of the 1962 continues design themes established with the 1960 model.
The paint and chrome on this car is immaculate. Everything says forward thrust–the headlights recessed in extended chrome “pipes”; the bright-metal molding that sweeps back; the little “bombs” atop the fenders…
The fine detailing on this car is incredible–the precisely painted rear “grille”, and yes–those taillights!
This is classic Detroit Jet Age stuff–but that Age was coming to a close. Car styling was moving toward a more crisp, boxy, “tailored” look. This ’62 Mercury (along with Chrysler’s Imperial) was one of the last “rocket” cars that are so loved (and reviled)! It’s like someone cried out, “Disarm the automobile industry!” and the spears, bullets, rockets, and bombs were taken away.
Mercury dashboards of this period were some of the most chrome-y and futuristic available, and the 1962 keeps up that tradition. 1950s/60s steering wheels with chrome horn rings are so fab.
S-55 adds a dramatic-looking chrome floor shift for the Multi-Drive automatic transmission. Special pedals too.
Original custom interior with bucket seats up front.
Carpeting on back of bucket seats.
Red, white, and blue insignia on glove box panel.
Exclusive door panels with special lights.
It’s inevitable that I should compare the Monterey I owned with today’s featured S-55, as well sharing some insights on the ownership and driving experience.
My car was the base model 4-door hardtop, so it had the standard bench seats and door panels.
I also had the 390 engine. For some reason, my air cleaner looks different.
As for the driving experience, I would say–very satisfying. The 390 engine is very smooth, with a soft, deep V-8 burble through its dual exhausts. LOTS of low-end torque, which makes hill climbing effortless. This car is rather softly sprung (not quite as soft as Cadillac, but close). Overall ride around town is pleasant. There was some body lean on fast turns. My car had curb feelers, which would scrape the pavement if I took a corner too fast. If I was creating sparks, that would be cool!
My Mercury had 60,000 miles and was sold in 2018.
Speaking of S-series Mercs, I also once had a 1962 Comet S-22 (which my mother bought used in 1964).
So thank you, Matthew Striziver of Boonton NJ for showing us your excellent car!
Full details of Matthew’s S-55.
Further CC reading:
My 1962 Mercury Monterey-‘Best-Looking Buy For The Big-Car Man’ by Stephen Pellegrino
Both are BEAUTIFUL cars, and rarely seen. The ‘62 was a beautiful car. As a kid I remember my great Aunt Erma had a hardtop ‘62 Mercury. Way better looking than my Dad’s ‘63 Chevy two-door post!
Thank you for the article. Happy Fourth of July, all.
We had a ’62 wagon; we loved it.
It’s great to see these, and the two-Mercury coincidence is quite something!
Mine was a Ford family until my parents “stepped up” to a Mercury around 1970, but even in the early 60s I was aware of all the special swank and detail on even the lowest-line Mercury. You won’t see these too, too often at the local Cars & Coffee!
Gorgeous cars (both of them). Very nice write-up; a close look at a marque authored by someone with affectionate knowledge is why I come here. I gain an appreciation I might not otherwise have. Thanks, Mr. P.
Even made in “NJ”!! Can’t get over the the immaculate, white, seats!
Re: Space Age: there’s a photo somewhere of John Glenn seated behind the wheel of an early sixties’ Mercury convertible (can’t find it now).
Later, when the rest of the Mercury 7 astronauts all got sweetheart lease deals for Corvettes from a local Chevy dealer, Glenn would, instead, choose a much more family-friendly Impala station wagon.
Of course, before either, he had an NSU Prinz he got in Canada. Seemed like a good idea at the time (he was saving money for his kids’ college education) but he quickly learned it was a case of ‘penny wise, pound foolish’.
I can’t help to notice the two outside mirrors are installed on section of both fenders, more they are placed more inward to the driver and front passenger. Wondering if it is style approach, or for blind point viewing. Anyway, this is a beautiful car with mid-century themes.
A spectacular example of an early 1960s model. I was 12 and I’m sure I admired this Mercury model. Swell
This is fantastic .
I like the lower trim model better but whatever .
The different air cleaner better muffles the “intake honk” of the less sporty model .
-Nate
That’s it. That 390 air cleaner is the one I have in a large box and have no idea why. Don’t need it and can’t think of what to do with it as it takes up space. The air cleaner is blue and the idea to trash it has passed through my mind.
Top of the line engine in 62, was the 406. The S-55 option was the counterpart to the Galaxie 500XL, which also debuted in 62. Beautiful Mercury, although my favorite is the 64 Marauder “fastback”
The Monterey Custom S-55 was Mercury’s equivalent to the Ford Galaxie 500XL and their response to the concurrent Pontiac Grand Prix. Mercury management didn’t notice that buyers expected a unique exterior appearance to accompany the higher hp engine, buckets, console and luxury interior. Although it might seem a subtle difference, buyers expected it. None of the S-55s presented could be visually identified easily though a Grand Prix was an instantly recognized model.
The more I see these old Mercurys (is it Mercuries?), the more I love them. So much more than just a “Different Ford”.
Thanks for posting.
Well, one mouse is a mouse, more than one is mice, one moose is a moose, more than one is still moose. Stick with Mercury, Mercurys, or Mercury’s, no ‘ies’ lol