Monterey Automatic Station Wagon

One of the finest Mercury Monterey Station Wagons around! From south Texas-based Richard L. Burdick collection, and fully restored in true frame off fashion! Excellent execution with some added upgrades hidden for added driver confidence! Original 256ci OHV V8, automatic, power brakes, windshield sun visor, roof rack, and more! This one won't last! After World War II, many manufacturers were reestablishing their identity, and Ford was no different with the decision to combine their mid-luxury line Mercury and upscale Lincoln... brands becoming one division in 1945 as Lincoln-Mercury. The Mercury marque went from a sophisticated and well-appointed Ford to a market sensation by 1949, distinctly separating itself from Ford. Mercury's latest redesign in 1952 marketed their top model as the Monterey, with an upscale Monterey Station Wagon hitting the showrooms by 1953. Fast forward to 1954, and you will find that the Merc-o-Matic transmission had been enhanced along with the introduction of the overhead valve V8 under the hoods, which replaced the famed V8 flathead forever. The Monterey Station Wagon featured attractive body trim, with a host of available options making it the most expensive model Mercury offered at $2,591! Only 11,656 Station Wagons were produced, and finding one in this condition presents a wonderful opportunity to Mercury collectors everywhere! We are excited to offer this beautifully restored 1954 Mercury Monterey Station Wagon finished in Parkland Green over complimenting Green/Ivory interior! This exceptional Monterey comes from the esteemed Dick Burdick collection, better known as Dick's Classic Garage based in San Marcos, Texas. After his passing February 2018, his outstanding collection totaling nearly 100 cars dating from 1901-1959 was sold to fund the Richard L. Burdick Foundation, an educational organization helping with grants and scholarships to deserving individuals and charities in need. Mr. Burdick was an avid car enthusiast, who sincerely loved to drive his cars participating in The Great American Race (predecessor to the Hemmings Motor News Great Race presented by Hagerty) 25 times, earning Grand Champion honors 5 times, and World Class Champion in 1995! An astonishing accomplishment! In frame off fashion, this Monterey was treated to a stunning nut & bolt restoration in approximately 2005/2006. The frame has been fully repainted and fitted with new brakes, fuel system components, and suspension system! The body was stripped and brilliantly painted in period correct Parkland Green (originally Granby Gray) with superb results! The exterior faux wood side trim consists of factory correct Di-Noc mahogany centers highlighted in ash wood simulated trim. Inside the cabin, the interior matches beautifully in Ivory and Green with a fully carpeted interior floor! The entire car was fully rewired with correct cloth-covered wiring harnesses, but converted to a complete 12-volt, negative ground generator charging system for optimum lighting and amperage. Features include correct 256ci OHV V8 with "Twin Tornado" combustion chamber & aluminum pistons providing a stout 161 horsepower and 238 ft. lb. of torque through a Holley 4-barrel carburetor. This engine set itself apart from its Ford counterpart by having an additional 31 horsepower, which meant bigger, better brakes were implemented by Mercury. Options on our example include automatic transmission, power brakes, pushbutton AM radio, carpeted floor mats, luggage rack, rear fender skirts, windshield sun visor, Sun-X tinted glass, full wheel covers, and upgraded BF Goodrich Silvertown Radial whitewall tires! Additional features include under dash Auto Gage engine gauges to measure oil pressure, temp, and volts; true dual exhaust system, Offenhauser finned aluminum valve covers and auxiliary transmission cooler. Today, the odometer reads only 414 miles indicating the mileage since completion. A new battery was installed in April 2019, along with new engine oil & filter. It remains a terrific road going example with all the eye appeal it deserves. We encourage Mercury fans to act quickly on this stunning classic as most of the vehicles within the Richard Burdick Collection are only found at auction!