1962 Mercury Monterey S-55

Up for sale is Stella, our beloved 1962 Mercury Monterey, S-55 Convertible. She's a true 76B model, only 1315 originally produced, and certainly one of only a handful remaining. My wife and I rescued her from under an almond tree where she sat abandoned and neglected for many years. The restoration of Stella was a 2 ½ year garage project, that my wife and I tackled about 6 years ago. This is not a "frame off”restoration, but nicely done for sure. Our vision for Stella was to keep her fairly true to her roots, add some 60's hot rod feel with a nice mix of modern colors and styling. We spent many hours in the garage (most every weeknight and both weekend days) discovering, restoring and bringing out the character of Stella.She comes with fully rebuilt original 390ci engine, (unknown if numbers are year correct) and Merc-O-Matic 3 speed automatic transmission. The engine has many upgrades including a Holley 670 Street Avenger carburetor up top, and Sanderson shorty headers with turbo mufflers and dual exhaust down below. All new "one wire”high amp alternator on low mount bracket by C.R.A.P., Robb MC mini "high torq" starter and Pertronix pointless ignition. New HD aluminum radiator, high volume water pump, etc. All power steering components rebuilt. Font power disc brakes were added, rear drums, pads and slave cylinders are all new as well as all new brake lines.She sits fairly low, a slightly raked stance with 2 ½" removed from her front coil springs. She boasts staggered 17" Foose "Monterey" wheels, and modern tread patterned low profile wide tires.Body was disassembled, all paint stripped, and all rust removed. New panels were hand fabricated, and fully welded back in place. Final body and paint work was performed by Randy Rios.Interior is completely redone, in a modern version of the original pattern with updated materials and colors. She has a power drivers seat and 5 seatbelts. A new dash pad was fabricated and color matched by Just Dashes. A few aftermarket gauges were installed to complement the original dash, and add to the "old school" hot rod look. Original radio is still in the dash, and as you can see, we have added a Pioneer bluetooth deck, four Infinity speakers, plus a hidden, custom built subwoofer enclosure powered by a 1000 watt Kicker amp.The hydraulic power convertible top components, (pump, cylinders, hoses) have all been replaced with new units. The convertible top frame was completed stripped and repainted, and a new fabric top was installed. All new glass and weatherstripping was installed as well.She has a lot of big, bright, beautiful chrome and stainless steel trim work.Stella was a fun project, we have loved her and enjoyed her greatly. She was built to be a driver, and has been driven locally to car shows, dinner, shopping, you name it. She handles well, has lots of power, cruises down the highway like a dream. She gets tons of attention wherever she goes. Just think about it, when was the last time you saw one? Stella has won several local shows, once even awarded Coolest 60's car at the local Good Guys show.We hate to let her go, but we are retired now, and our interests are changing. It's time for her to be enjoyed and appreciated by someone else.I'm sure I'm forgetting something. Do your research, ask questions, I'll be sure to answer best I can.