Yanked Y-Block: 1954 Mercury Monterey Convertible – SOLD!

September 7, 2022, Update – We just confirmed the listing for this “Classifind” expired, so with no replacement found we’re assuming this ride “Sold?” While this one got away, please reach out either by email or call us directly if you’d like to be informed when we come across something similar.

In 1954, the Mercury division of Ford replaced the company’s aging side-valve Flat Head V8 with a modern overhead valve mill. The Y-block and advertised as the “V-161” engine.  Knowing Chevrolet was about to introduce a 265 cubic inch V8 for 1955, the 256 cubic inch version of the Mercury Y-block lasted only one model year when Ford engineers enlarged it to 292 cubic inches.

This driver-quality 1954 Mercury Monterey convertible, originally listed in August 2022 on Craigslist in Coopersburg, Pennsylvania (Allentown), had its original Y-Block V8 removed at some point and replaced by a 390 cubic inch “FE” V8 topped with a two-barrel carburetor. Not only does this Merc feature a non-original engine, but the seller indicates the convertible top frame is devoid of the fabric needed to protect the car’s occupants.

Currently offered for $11,000, Classic.com, the analytics and search engine for the collector car market, confirms the ask is at the lower end of the one-year rolling average of this guide’s summary for first-generation Mercury Montereys produced between 1952 and 1954.  By clicking on the green dots in the graph below, you can navigate to each comparable car sold as a way to help you evaluate the price of the truck featured here:

As a second data point, the  Collector Car Market Review Online Tool reveals the seller’s ask falls under this guide’s #4 “Fair” estimate of $13,600. The seller appears to have their Monterey priced to sell.

The Mercury Division of Ford offered its Mercury Monterey from 1952 to 1974. Deriving its name from Monterey Bay, the Mercury Monterey served as the upscale version of the Mercury Custom, replacing the Mercury Eight, the debut model line of the Mercury division. During its production, Mercury offered Monterey in multiple body styles, ranging from coupes, convertibles, sedans, hardtops, and station wagons.

As Ford began to position Mercury as a mid-priced competitor to the Pontiac Chieftain, Buick Special, Studebaker Commander, Hudson Pacemaker, Kaiser Virginian, Nash Statesman, Dodge Meadowbrook, and Dodge Coronet, all Mercury vehicles received a styling and engineering redesign for 1952, such as 18% more window area.  Monterey became a separate series, and Mercury’s top model line over the mainstream Custom nameplate, a convertible and four-door sedan were included in the new series lineup. Engineers developed aircraft-inspired lever-actuated heater and vent controls placed on a plane set perpendicular to the dash behind the steering wheel. Monterey buyers had a choice of eleven exterior colors and seventeen two-tone color combinations. The standard equipment list included broadcloth upholstery, full carpeting, an electric clock, luggage compartment light, and chrome window surroundings. Optional equipment included a heater and windshield defroster, radio with antenna, and fog lamps.

In addition to the company’s new Y-Block overhead valve V8, 1954 saw the introduction of the bubble-top Monterey Sun Valley, which had a Plexiglas front half roof that was similar to that found in the Ford Crestline Skyliner. The color choices expanded considerably to offer fifteen single choices and thirty-nine two-tone selections.  While 1954 Montereys received several styling changes, the most notable design element was the new low-mounted taillights.

The Classic Car Commercials YouTube Channel features this 1954 Mercury commercial:

While clearly a driver-quality example, the seller of this 1954 Mercury Monterey convertible provides several undercarriage photographs confirming how solid this car remains.  Potential buyers have the choice of getting a new top installed and then driving the car as is or perhaps taking it to the next level to return the car to its former glory.

Here’s the seller’s description:

Restore, Restomod, or drive as-is: What would you do with this 1954 Mercury Monterey convertible?  Please comment below and let us know!