Model 76B. 198 bhp, 292.0 cu. in. OHV V-8 engine, three-speed Merc-O-Matic transmission, coil spring independent front suspension, live rear axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs, and four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes. Wheelbase: 119.0 in.

For most of its first 15 years, Mercury was a Ford-based medium-priced car with a longer wheelbase. For 1955, however, it was given a personality of its own. Longer, lower, and wider than its predecessor, the new Mercury had a bold grille-bumper assembly and vestigial rear fender contours with bright trim. Mechanically, it was very much in the Ford theme, with a 292-cubic inch version of the Y-block overhead valve V-8, ball joint independent front suspension, and a live rear axle on leaf springs.

New for ’55 was the prestigious Montclair series, comprising three closed body styles: a four-door sedan, a two-door hardtop, and a glass-roofed Sun Valley hardtop coupe. Sharing pride of place at the top of the catalogue with the Sun Valley was the Montclair convertible, a 3,680-pound car that sold for $2,777; just 10,668 were built.

This gorgeous, red convertible coupe has the signature Montclair accent panel below the window sills, which are painted in contrasting white. The convertible top is done in white vinyl, and the color combination is repeated in the red-and-white vinyl and cloth upholstery. Equipped with a Merc-O-Matic transmission and a four-barrel carburetor, it moves smartly through traffic. Optional equipment includes a pushbutton AM radio, a heater, seatbelts, a power top, and an electric clock. The car is also fitted with a power lubricator that services nine points on the front suspension every time the car starts. A chrome and white Continental tire kit brings up the rear.

The recipient of a professional, body-off restoration, its contours and paint are excellent, and the chrome trim is very good. The interior is like new, and the engine compartment is clean and correctly detailed. Underneath, the car is very clean.

The 1955 Mercury recorded the make’s high point in sales, upwards of 329,000 units. Seldom seen in the collector community today, the 1955 Mercury has been underappreciated and undervalued. This car represents an opportunity to acquire an excellent restoration of a very desirable car.