Ralf K (Don Kincl) has posted a few more shots at the cohort, and when I saw this splendid collection of cars resting in Wells, Nevada, I bit. We didn’t get through Wells, but Nevada is a serious challenger to the top CC state in the nation. There’s old cars piled up like cordwood everywhere. My assumption is that it’s significantly more expensive to haul a junker the long distance it would take to the nearest commercial junkyard than to just leave it sit.
Of course these cars are in a slightly different category, as someone is likely still dreaming of restoring them. Actually, the rather rare Mercury convertibel looks to be roadworthy, just not with a top. The Riviera is a much more iffy proposition. There’s a fine looking ’60 Plymouth back there too.
Here’s some more from neighboring states:
Love this shot of a ’54 Dodge resting peacefully in Beryl Junction, ID. And it’s in good company.
This Mark V shot in Hines, OR is in the company of a lot of ratty old RVs. But there’s a Duster to talk to, about the good old days.
I hope that Mercury gets a tarp on it before it rains…which it does, even in Nevada! It looks eminently restorable.
As you posted, it’s rare, but it does rain, snow sometimes, and it was overcast the day the photographer shot the photo. And, it’s a Monterey S-55, judging by the bucket seats and special tri-color wheel covers, so if any ragged ’62 Mercury convertible is worthy of saving, that one might be.
Kodachrome slide, Las Vegas NV, c. 1960.
The Riviera looks like a project car that got stalled. Someone was working on the paint which would account for the dislodged trunk. However, the owner either lost interest or ran out of money.
As for the Mercury, I suspect that’s an antique plate on the rear. Again, another project car stalled due to lack of resources or hankering.
I always wonder what was the life of such a car as the Riviera.
Bought by a successful business man or lawyer or dentist. Traded-in within 3 years (I don’t think leasing was as main stream back then as it is now). Bought by a man who desired to be successful, then in the hands of a teenager who went off to college. Sold immediately upon graduation and replaced by a Mustang or Camero. Now the Riviera sits in the corner used car lot (Financing Available!!). Bought as a “fishing car”, then left on the side of the road or hauled by the wrecking yard.
A lot of history in each vehicle!!
That actually looks to be a Dart Sport rather than a Duster in front of that Mark V as the Dart Sport had 4 taillights as opposed to the two taillights on the ’73 and up Dusters.
I don’t know if is intentional or not but there is an other worldly quality to these photos. They almost look like colorized black and white pictures. The grey overcast sky and concrete, the subtle earth tones and use of shadow provide such a contrasting backdrop to the splashes of color on the subjects in the pictures. Nice work! Happy Fourth!
Is this a CC retread?
The Merc sure looks familiar.
You may be thinking of the wagon version in the same color:
https://www.curbsideclassic.com/blog/junkyard/junkyard-heirloom-gallery-1962-mercury-monterey-commuter-station-wagon/
Probably was, thank you
Is this a CC retread?
The question I have, is why ask this question in the first place?
If the picture was used before, it’s obviously not on purpose, right? Old posts that are rerun always are noted as such.
Do you feel that perhaps you were cheated, or had the wool pulled over your eyes? If so, I’d be happy to refund your subscription.
Your comment says a lot more about yourself than you probably realize. No one else has ever asked that before. If the picture was used innocently before, they seem to be able to appreciate it a second time without having to ask if it was a “retread”, which obviously has negative connotations.
I certainly wasn’t trying consciously to sell you a retread when you were expecting a new one.
Also, the question is difficult to answer, as there’s no easy way to know if the picture was used before. What would have been helpful is for you to search for it and point out that it had been used before, if it has. That’s a constructive comment. As it is, there’s no good answer to yours, except this long-winded one that should never have been prompted to be written by your question.
I know the monetary value is in the rag top but as a long time fan of 1962 FoMoCo products I’d rather see that wonderful Mercury station wagon saved first .
-Nate
Any 62 Mercury with its chrome-tipped taillight lenses intact must be saved.
Seeing a Riviera in such condition makes me sad. That is appears to be a ’65 with the spectacular clamshell hidden headlights makes me sadder still. I hope it can be saved and returned to its original glory. Won’t be cheap, but would be worth it.
Wow ~ that Mercury rag top is GLORIOUS .
Please keep the excellent photos coming .
-Nate
The ’58 Cadillac behind the Mercury appears to be in the best shape of all of the cars. Wonder what that kit car is in the right foreground — Bradley GT possibly?
That Mark V looks too good to be just abandoned there like a piece of junk.