Buzz
This 1950 Mercury comes with a sleek black vinyl top. Explore additional images of vintage automobiles.Ted Burleson's stunning 1950 Mercury Monterey coupe, showcased here, highlights how the decisions we make can have a lasting impact.
Originally built in Los Angeles, this Mercury spent decades in Colorado before Ted Burleson from Alton, Illinois, purchased the vehicle in 1990 and completed its restoration. "It was a solid, rust-free car when I found it," Burleson remarked. A wise decision, indeed.
The Monterey itself was the result of a strategic decision by Ford Motor Company in 1950. Faced with a wave of "hardtop convertibles" from competitors like General Motors and Chrysler, Ford realized it couldn't feasibly transform its existing models into hardtops without excessive costs.
However, Ford couldn't afford to remain passive while GM and Chrysler captivated buyers with their stylish new pillarless coupes. Their interim strategy involved transforming existing two-door models into exclusive editions: the Ford Crestliner, Lincoln Lido and Capri, and Mercury Monterey.
These vehicles followed a shared blueprint. Textured roof materials complemented a select range of paint colors, while interiors were meticulously coordinated to align with the exterior design. Distinctive trim and emblems were added both inside and out.
The Monterey's unique features were crafted under the guidance of William Schmidt. His Lincoln-Mercury Division team refreshed Eugene Gregorie's 1949 Mercury design for 1950. The custom coupe offered options like canvas or vinyl roofs and fabric-and-leather or all-leather seating. Interior window edges were adorned with bright trim, and a premium steering wheel was included.
The 1950 Mercury showcased interiors that seamlessly matched the exterior design theme.Burleson's Cortaro Red Metallic Monterey features a black vinyl roof and all-leather seats, upgrades that added $21 to the $2,146 starting price of the 1950 Monterey.
In all other aspects, it shares the same chassis and mechanical components found in every Mercury model. The 118-inch wheelbase is supported by coil-and-wishbone suspension at the front and leaf springs with a live axle at the rear. The engine is an L-head V-8, boasting a displacement of 255.4 cubic inches and delivering 110 horsepower.
Despite the expenses, Ford deemed it necessary to launch its first hardtop in early 1951, replacing the Crestliner. Mercury and Lincoln continued offering their upgraded coupes until the 1952 release of redesigned vehicles featuring entirely new bodies that included hardtops. The Monterey name persisted, now representing a high-end Mercury series available in three body styles. Nevertheless, none of this diminishes the fact that a 1950 Monterey, like Ted Burleson's, remains an exceptional automobile.
