1958 Mercury Turnpike Cruiser 2-door Hardtop Coupe-rare Oriiginal Californa Car! on 2040-cars

You are bidding on a vintage and rare 1958 Mercury Montclair Turnpike Cruiser 2-Door Hardtop Coupe. This highly collectible rust free original California classic car just completed a mechanical and exterior restoration.  This is a one owner car and was purchased from the estate of the original owner.  The car was located in the previous owner's garage where it had been stored 40 years and was last registered 1974.  The car was originally manufactured in  the Los Angeles California plant and has been in California its entire life. The car odometer shows 71,500 original miles on it and has the highly desirable and original black California license plates.

The Mercury Turnpike Cruiser was the flagship model of the Mercury Division of the Ford Motor Company that was produced from 1957 to 1958. The Mercury Turnpike Cruiser was known as the car with the "Sports Car Spirit with Limousine ride”.   In 1957 7,291 two-door hardtops were produced. In 1958 only 2,865 two-door hardtops were built thereby making the 1958 rarer than the 1957.

This car is a very nice driver.  It is not perfect and not show car but definitely and eye catcher.  This car has the factory original 383 cu in (6.3L) Marauder V8 engine with a three-speed Merc-O-Matic automatic transmission with Teletouch push button controls  It has power brakes and power steering and the cool rear Breezeway window. Extensive and expensive work was done and thousands were spent on this car in order to bring it back to life so the new owner will not have to. The following is detailed information on what was done to the car so you can make an informed decision.

Exterior: Car was sanded down to metal and minor body work was done.  The car has a fresh new 3- tone color combination to match the interior. The original body color of this car is Tuxedo Black with Silver Sheen Metallic. However in my view the original exterior colors would not bring out the cool interior colors.    All you need to do is rub it out and polish it or simply keep it as is with the new shiny colors.  The trim, chrome and molding are all in original condition.  The hood ornament is missing. Also, the left front door window has cracks. The rear left tail light lens and clamshell chrome trim was replaced with OE used parts.

Interior: The interior is original and in beautiful condition which was the most remarkable part of the car when found.  The black, red and white seats and in great condition. The only imperfection is two small puncture holes on the top rear of driver front seat back cover. Also, the chrome rear left window crank is there and works but the knob is missing. The black, red and silver door panels, black dash and  tan headliner are in nice condition.

Engine: The engine is complete and original. I replaced freeze plugs and the manifold gasket. This entailed removal of the engine, manifold and transmission.  The car has a new battery, starter, points, distributor cap, spark plugs, points, condenser, wires, both fan belts, thermostat and fuel tank sending unit.  It has a rebuilt fuel pump and water pump.  I repaired the radiator, drained and cleaned out gas tank. I changed oil, oil filter, air filter, coolant, brake and power steering fluids.  I replaced water hoses and clamps.Engine runs strong and sound great

Wheels and brakes; I replaced the rear brakes and repaired the power brakes master cylinder. The front brakes and all four wheel cylinders are in good condition.  I installed four good used Firestone tires with new valve stems.

Electrical:  The radio, front lights, tail lights, brake and  back up lights, turn signals work.  The clock and rear Breezeway window switch do not appear to be working.  I am not sure if it is only a fuse that needs to be replaced.

Undercarriage: The frame, front and rear floors and trunk are solid and in beautiful condition. The trunk is in pristine condition. It has the original liner/cover, jack, spare tire and user instructions. The exhaust system works properly and sounds good but should be replaced due to the age of the car.

Body Plate Information:

M8JD503844 65A – 1 – 55 – 340 –11L – E – N

M = 383 cubic inch V-8 engine. 383 cu in (6.3 L) Marauder V8

8 = 1958

J = Los Angeles, California assembly plant (new plant opened for 1958)

D= Turnpike Cruiser type

503844 = the 3,844th Mercury scheduled for assembly at J plant for the 1958 model year

65A = Mercury Montclair Turnpike Cruiser 2-door hardtop

155 = Tuxedo Black with Silver Sheen Metallic

340 = black and red vinyl interior

11L = scheduled for production on November 11, 1957

E = Merc-O-Matic transmission type HX 3-speed Merc-O-Matic automatic

N = 2.91 to 1 rear axle ratio

This car has a California Clear title. It is sold “AS-IS” and as described with no written or implied warranty. Please ask any and all questions before bidding. More importantly, please do not bid if you do not intend to complete and pay for this transaction. You can contact me with questions at zolazaba@aol.com or call at 408-482-0373-California/Pacific Standard time. Personal inspections are welcomed.

This is a No Reserve Auction. The car is being advertised locally and the current owner reserves the right to end this auction early.  Payment in full is required within 48 hours of the auction close in the form of a cashier’s check drawn from a major U.S bank. Funds must clear my bank before the car is released. Out of state cashier’s checks take longer to clear. Bank wire transfers and direct bank deposits will complete the transaction faster. The car must be pickup within 7 days of auction close. Shipping is the responsibility of the new owner. I will work with the new buyer with all shipping arrangements and pick up schedule.