Introduced as the Mercury XM-Turnpike Cruiser concept car in 1956, the striking and innovative lines by Italian coachbuilder Ghia stoked the imagination of what a car of the future would look like. Just a year later, in 1957, the Turnpike Cruiser entered production, retaining many of the same design ideas that made the concept car so remarkable. Boasting a wraparound “Skylight” dual-curve windshield, roof-level air intakes, a power-operated retractable “Breezeway” rear window, and a unique canopy-style roof that overhung the back window, the Turnpike Cruiser was an impressive display of 1950s American aesthetics. The model was backed by plenty of performance, courtesy of a selection of V-8 engines, each of which was paired with a three-speed Merc-O-Matic transmission operated through an innovative “keyboard control” pushbutton selector mounted on the dashboard. Mercury offered the Turnpike Cruiser in coupe, sedan, and convertible body styles for the 1957 and 1958 model years.

This 1957 Mercury Turnpike Cruiser is finished in Tuxedo Black over a tri-tone black, white, and red interior. The car rides on whitewall tires mounted on steel wheels with factory wheel covers. Exterior features include dual sideview mirrors and an extended rear bumper accommodating a continental kit. Power equipment includes power steering and power brakes. The interior is equipped with front and rear bench seating, a Town and Country radio, and the power-operated retractable “Breezeway” rear window. The car is accompanied by a 1957 Mercury "Big M" brochure.

With its sleek, low-profile design, innovative “keyboard control” push-button gear selector, and retractable “Breezeway” rear window, the Turnpike Cruiser was as celebrated a model in period as it is today.