What year make and model is this Merc?

[DrKerry]

It was my Dad's Merc back when he was starting driving. I'd like to build a model of it if anyone knows exact model and year?? I want to say it's a 56 Montclair but I'm not sure on it!

Thanks in advance for your help!!!

[62rebel]

googled '56 mercury, it fits. '55's have different trim, '57's are altogether different.

[BTK]

Yep, you got it. 56' Merc Montclair. It seems there was also a trim model called the Mercury Monterey, but from pictures they seem identical. (Maybe a Canada vs US market namechange?)

[Edsel-Dan]

Comparing the pic's I think the original is a lower trim leve Merc.

Notice the "U" shape piece under the side windows

It is Not there on the Old pic's.

Was that only on 2 tone cars? or Top Of The Line??

It is on the AMT-Revell 1/32 scale 56 Montclair Pheaton 4dr hardtop

I have one.

[BTK]

No idea, I personally haven't seen many 50's mercury's in my neck of the woods. The pictures on line it seems that the U-shape came on both, but I can't tell if its just google pulling up the wrong model.

I did some digging on the model kit also. Like Dan said, there are some 1/32 kits. If you would like to do 1/25 there is a resin kit but you'll have to chrome the bumpers yourself. Seems Hendrix man. did the conversion, but I have no idea if they are still in business so I found one that's for sale. You will have to use the AMT 56 Ford.

I'll attach some pictures and some links. I don't know if posting links to outside sites is okay, so I apologize if it is against the rules. Just let me know and I'll fix it right away!

http://resinrealm.net/Star/HendrixGallery/HendrixAll.html

http://www.modelroundup.com/product-p/hm-56mercmont.htm

Edited May 25, 2015 by BTK

[DrKerry]

Kool beans. I can always take the u shape moulding off the car to do my Dad's car..... Thank you guys for the help!!!!!

[Ramfins59]

Modelhaus makes a '56 Mercury Montclair as a curbside kit with the grille & bumpers chromed.

[DrKerry]

Thanks Richard

[unclescott58]

The photo of the real car above is for sure a '56 Mercury. But not a Monclair. The '56 Mercurys were offered in four different trim levels/models in 1956. They were the Medalist, Custom, Monterey, and Montclair. Medalist at the bottom of the line. Montclair at the top. Medalist was missing few little trim pieces, and had a very plain gray interior. All four levels of '56 Mercurys were offered in a two-door hardtop variation, as seen above. Only the Montclairs had the U shaped trim under the side windows. Montclairs and Montereys both carried rocker panel trim. Looking at your photos above Kerry, I'm guessing your father had a Custom model. For the Medalist hard tops are very rare and not big sellers.

I hope this helps, at least a little.

Scott

Edited May 27, 2015 by unclescott58

[unclescott58]

Oh, a big clue to whether it was a Medalist or not. Lack of front bumper guards on Medalist series. Medalist sedans carried shortened side trim. The two-door and four-door Medalist hardtops carried the same side trim was the Custom. A word of warning. The best way to identify a Medalist is by the lack of front bumper guards. But, I have personally seen a Medalist with them. Whether these were added later or were offered as factory option I can't say. And the owner of the car did not know.

Scott

Edited May 27, 2015 by unclescott58

[DrKerry]

Great info Scott. thanks a ton!!!!!! I guess I can take a resin kit and take trim off to make it a custom and get it close to my dad's real car!!

Edited May 27, 2015 by DrKerry