1958 Mercury Montclair Turnpike Cruiser

An amazing car, in its second year of production at Mercury. In 57 it was a separate series, at the high end. The engine in this car is the 383 c.i. with 322 horsepower. The keyboard controls have changed a bit since introduction the previous year. the top two keys on either side control the Drive Range..on the left for first gear starts, the right for second gear starts. Bottom left is the brake release, center is the neutral/start pushbutton, center right is hill holder (so the car doesn't drift downhill at a signal light, and bottom right is Reverse, I believe. The car has a sophisticated power seat memory as I remember, and will recall the settings for individuals. Note the strange little air intakes at the top of the windshield, and the breezeway rear window that lowers at the touch of a button. This was pretty novel, advanced ventilation. Add on air conditioning is evident too. Notice how colorful the upholstery is too. Mercury certainly established a separate identity from Ford and Lincoln with this car...too bad Mercury has had difficulty later on maintaining that separate identity. These days, if that isn't accomplished, the make could be discontinued, sad to say. Such has happened with Pontiac and Oldsmobile.

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• raconter1
• antique
• car
• show
• Mercury
• Montclair
• Turnpike
• Cruiser
• 1958

[Palifiox]

Never mind. They're a lot better than some. I can't talk, I don't even own a camera.  Interesting car, BTW, but hideous from everywhere but directly in front.

[raconter1]

@Palifiox  As they say, beauty is in the eye of the beholder...I personally like the broad, flat expanses..it mirrors the modern architecture of the period. Thanks! :) Jack

[Palifiox]

We could not see the back window because you were showing us the tail light.

[raconter1]

@Palifiox At .28 to .48 you can see it in the down position, and at 3:00 again..the timing is a little off, my videos are not perfect. :) Jack

[woodlandcammo27]

I have a 62 Galaxie. I love these late 50s Ford, Mercury and Lincoln cars. They are so over the top that they are cool!

[raconter1]

@woodlandcammo27 The 62 Galaxie is a great car...these cars mirrored America's self confident feelings!

Thanks! :) Jack

[raconter1]

@Lockemeister Hey, John! I don't think any mass production car was more futuristic than this one, with the original model Edsel and the postwar Studebaker being the only other contenders. Tucker can't make my list because production was so limited. Thanks! :) Jack

[Lockemeister]

really futuristic and beautiful car. thanks for posting!

[raconter1]

@2306Punky Hi, Sylvie! Glad I could bring this fine car to you...certainly a nice way to celebrate your birth year!  Merci! :) Jack

[raconter1]

@brians09challenger Hey, Brian! I agree..it was very different from other offerings at the time! Pushbutton controls had been around since Packard and Chrysler had used them, and Edsel offered them on their first year of production. Rambler even offered them on the 58 wagon we had! Some were mechanical, some electronic..the mechanical ones seemed more trouble-free. Thanks! :) Jack