Mods
I’m keeping the car pretty much stock, except for a few things:
- Two tone paint in original factory color choices, but two tone was not available on a convertible
- RediRad radio adapter for the original radio, to allow a phone to connect through it
- 4 bbl intake and carb with electric choke (this would have been optional, just not original to the car)
- Radial wide whitewall tires
- Multi-drive three speed automatic transmission, optional but not equipped on this car originally (was two speed auto)
- Some misc Montclair uplevel trim pieces
- Two tone paint in original factory color choices, but two tone was not available on a convertible
- RediRad radio adapter for the original radio, to allow a phone to connect through it
- 4 bbl intake and carb with electric choke (this would have been optional, just not original to the car)
- Radial wide whitewall tires
- Multi-drive three speed automatic transmission, optional but not equipped on this car originally (was two speed auto)
- Some misc Montclair uplevel trim pieces
Build story
1959 Mercury Monterey two door Convertible
383 cid MEL V8 (little brother to the 430 and no relation to Chrysler)
Three speed automatic Multi-Drive transmission
Ford 9” rear with 2.71 gears
I’ve been a fan of ‘59 Mercs for about seven years now, ever since discovering that my grandparents had one new and thought it was such a cool, unique looking car. In 2015, I first became well acquainted by buying a very original four door sedan, which I still have. In 2019, I found my dream car, the convertible version of a ‘59 Mercury Monterey, one of 4426 built. It was a true barn find, having been off the road since 1968. It had some Minnesota rust and the engine was locked up, but it was complete and still pretty solid. My dad, 93 year old grandpa, and I have been restoring it together, except for the paint and body work. It has been a phenomenal bonding experience with many memories made. Restoring something to factory correct takes a lot of time and effort, and even more when the car is rare and many replacement parts aren’t available. Many hours of work have gone into the car so far with nearly as many into researching to find parts. Hoping to drive it later this summer and have it done sometime next year. Despite the frame off restoration, it will definitely be a driver for me that I will enjoy for years to come.
383 cid MEL V8 (little brother to the 430 and no relation to Chrysler)
Three speed automatic Multi-Drive transmission
Ford 9” rear with 2.71 gears
I’ve been a fan of ‘59 Mercs for about seven years now, ever since discovering that my grandparents had one new and thought it was such a cool, unique looking car. In 2015, I first became well acquainted by buying a very original four door sedan, which I still have. In 2019, I found my dream car, the convertible version of a ‘59 Mercury Monterey, one of 4426 built. It was a true barn find, having been off the road since 1968. It had some Minnesota rust and the engine was locked up, but it was complete and still pretty solid. My dad, 93 year old grandpa, and I have been restoring it together, except for the paint and body work. It has been a phenomenal bonding experience with many memories made. Restoring something to factory correct takes a lot of time and effort, and even more when the car is rare and many replacement parts aren’t available. Many hours of work have gone into the car so far with nearly as many into researching to find parts. Hoping to drive it later this summer and have it done sometime next year. Despite the frame off restoration, it will definitely be a driver for me that I will enjoy for years to come.