Vehicle
1952 Mercury Monterey Convertible
255 cid, V-8, 110 bhp

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Here is an example of the re-designed 1952 Mercury that featured an ornamental hood scoop, new hood ornament, clear, crisp lines, a one-piece windshield, as well as a massive new grille accented by its distinctive “bull dog look”. The long, low, extended rear fenders capped with massive taillight Bessel, may have been a stylistic preview of the fins popular in the later 1950’s. The interior saw a major change in instrumentation with a “stand alone” half-moon shaped instrument cluster and aircraft styled toggle switches that with a little imagination could project the feeling of piloting something definitely new and different. Mercury advertising touted “Scientifically arranged, space planned interiors. Put your comfort first.”

While General Motors continued their “warmovers” on most models to and through 1954, Ford made a change in 1952 that was definitely a standout. In 1952 Mercury offered eight models with 5 body styles. In lieu of the old woody wagon, the standard Mercury line offered two new steel wagons (in a six and eight-passenger configuration) and a two and four door sedan. The upscale Monterey line offered Ford’s first true two-door hardtop, the convertible and an imaginative four door sedan. Mechanically, the 255 bhp engine gained an additional 13 bhp with increased compression and improved carburetion. Three transmissions were offered: the standard three speed, Merc-O- Matic automatic, and the overdrive for economy. In spite of all Ford’s efforts, sales were down over 40% from 1951, mostly due to the restrictions imposed by the federal government due to the Korean War effort.

This example from the LeMay Collection has an Edelbrock carburetor, GM alternator, Offenhauser headers – making it an example of a “resto-mod”.

Highlights:

  • Fords, Mercurys and Lincolns were restyled for 1952
  • “Nothing warmed-over here; Mercury’s new all over” said the ads
  • There were 172,087 1952 Mercurys, including 5,261 convertibles; Price new: $2,370
  • This car’s engine has Offenhauser heads, a GM alternator, and an Edelbrock carburetor