I’m a fan of the late 1950’s and early 60’s “woodie” wagons, especially the hardtops. The tail end of the ’60 Mercury always looked kind of funky to me, even back then. But now it’s funky in a good way. The convertible Ford would look good in my driveway. I’m a Ford guy now!
The 1959-60 Mercurys were unique. They did not share a body with either Ford or Lincoln. For 1961, Mercury was back to sharing the Ford body. The division’s full-size cars went nowhere in the market until the 1969 models debuted. The compact Comet kept the division afloat during this era.
Between the collapse of Dodge and Mercury becoming a dolled-up (and less attractive) version of the Ford, it’s no wonder that Pontiac rolled over everyone else in this segment in the early 1960s.
From 1957-60 Mercury styling was a hot mess that got worse every year. The general shapes were not bad but for every appealing curve or detail there is an unattractive one that cancels the first one out. The best that can be said for them is that they are “period appropriate”. But I guess I have come to really like “period appropriate”, especially in the form of those totally goofy taillights on the 60 Mercury.
It would be cool to visit the alternate universe where the 57-60 Mercury were attractive and style-setting cars, paving the way for a medium-price powerhouse at the Ford Motor Company. 🙂
I love ’em both, but realize what a rare item the wagon would be today.
Funny about the mirrors—I just sampled some late 1950s and early ’60s Ford/Mercury ads and brochures, and there are typically no (exterior) rear-view mirrors at all. Was not even one of them “standard equipment,” or was it just a sort of artistic license taken to make them look sleeker and less cluttered?
While not a super desirable (to me) 50s hardtop station wagon, the 60s Mercurys are just about as desirable, so would love that wildish 60(?) wagon.
I’m a fan of the late 1950’s and early 60’s “woodie” wagons, especially the hardtops. The tail end of the ’60 Mercury always looked kind of funky to me, even back then. But now it’s funky in a good way. The convertible Ford would look good in my driveway. I’m a Ford guy now!
Here’s what I mean.
After transportation, taxes, etc, a fully-optioned 1960 Mercury Colony Park would be priced in Lincoln territory…and it would have been worth it!
Is that a ‘56 Plymouth in the driveway? Can’t see enough detail on my phone.
Just blew the pic up and yes, you’re right.
Those two Fords are gorgeous, by the way.
One thing always cool about ford wagons that i think started in 1958………..the wood outline on the side is like that of an old wooden ship.
BLUE OVAL heaven. I wouldn’t boot either one out of my driveway. I dig the woody wagon especially. Looks like it could be a hearse it’s so big.
Fender skirts on both cars. Dual mirrors on both cars. A Ford lover who knows the parts department guys too.
I have become a huge fan of the 60 Mercury – there is just nothing else like it. And that wagon is just sublime.
The 1959-60 Mercurys were unique. They did not share a body with either Ford or Lincoln. For 1961, Mercury was back to sharing the Ford body. The division’s full-size cars went nowhere in the market until the 1969 models debuted. The compact Comet kept the division afloat during this era.
Between the collapse of Dodge and Mercury becoming a dolled-up (and less attractive) version of the Ford, it’s no wonder that Pontiac rolled over everyone else in this segment in the early 1960s.
From 1957-60 Mercury styling was a hot mess that got worse every year. The general shapes were not bad but for every appealing curve or detail there is an unattractive one that cancels the first one out. The best that can be said for them is that they are “period appropriate”. But I guess I have come to really like “period appropriate”, especially in the form of those totally goofy taillights on the 60 Mercury.
It would be cool to visit the alternate universe where the 57-60 Mercury were attractive and style-setting cars, paving the way for a medium-price powerhouse at the Ford Motor Company. 🙂
I guess I can relate, having the closest things possible to the modern-day versions…AND I have a Ranger parked to the side of the garage!
Love seeing the old photos, I Love my Fords. Would love to have a 60s LTD Wagon or pre 1975 Mustang:)
I’m really not into fender skirts or fauxwood, remove those two blemishes and those would be nice cars
“Longer, lower, wider….”
Where’d it go?
Chrome fender skirts are distracting.
The Galaxie would be terrific with body colored skirts & chrome edging.
Both cars with dual mirrors when it was ‘cool.’
Now they’re the standard & a genuine requirement.
Great cars in a great quality photo.
Mama, don’t take that kodachrome away!
I love ’em both, but realize what a rare item the wagon would be today.
Funny about the mirrors—I just sampled some late 1950s and early ’60s Ford/Mercury ads and brochures, and there are typically no (exterior) rear-view mirrors at all. Was not even one of them “standard equipment,” or was it just a sort of artistic license taken to make them look sleeker and less cluttered?
Let’s freshen up that photo, Paul!
Never noticed the chrome ornament on the lower rear doors of the 1960 Colony Park hardtop wagon – it’s very over the top, but in a good way.