Full-size Station Wagons, Coca Cola, Wurlitzer Juke Boxes und the Family Roadtrip: icons of the American Way of Life, of post-WWII prosperity. Replaced by hybrid cars, vitamin water, iPods and staycations, these relics of the late 20th Century are like beloved dinosaurs reminding us of happier times, when America was the undisputed Leader of the Free World.
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The most desirable Station Wagons of all time are the "Woodies," elaborately hand-crafted during the 1940s and early 1950s. Top specimen--such as the 1941 Barrelback Chrysler Town and Country--realize hundreds of thousands of Dollars at the most prestigious collector car auctions today. During the Fifties, the transition to the modern, all-steel-bodied "Tin Woodie" took place.
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Though made of steel adorned with wood applique, the restoration of one of those chrome-dripping behemoths is definitely a very expensive task. Avoid being upside down by acquiring a wagon that has already been fully restored by someone else or, better yet, find a well-preserved original, like this Mercury Monterey Custom Colony Park!
Ahh, Mercury's practical and informative warranty plate, riveted to the driver's door! It tells us that VIN *2E76Y510474*, one of just 6,447 six-passenger station wagons made during the model year, was built on January 28, 1963 at the Mahwah plant and came factory-equipped with the "Y" code 390 cu.in. V-8, Multi-Drive automatic transmission, and a 3.00:1 rear axle. Let's inspect this behemoth closely now, starting up front.
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Toothbrush clean engine compartment houses the original 390 Marauder big block, delivering 250 lively ponies and gobs of torque.
Everything looks to be very well cared for. A new brake booster, master cylinder, brakelight switch, radiator and heater hoses have recently been fitted.
Since these photos were taken, we've also had a brand new battery installed.
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The engine itself runs like a charm, with excellent power, great oil pressure, and absolutely no smoking or overheating.
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Colony Park in all its glory! The combination of factory-correct, gleaming Presidential Black paint (code A) with a contrasting red interior must certainly be the most impressive color choice imaginable. The immaculate walnut-grain "wood" is outlined by substantial metal strips painted to resemble birch and adorned with large chrome carriage bolts, elevating this luxury wagon to a level all its own.
Note the large chrome luggage rack, a factory option!
Big Merc's coachwork is arrow-straight, with no signs of rust or damage; the black finish is very glossy. Massive amount of chrome and stainless brightwork is in very good to excellent original condition.
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Open wide! Stunning, Lipstick Red interior is another highlight of this fabulous cruiser. Any self-respecting Sixties wagon came with ample space for six adults, and the Mercury was no exception.
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Look up: the original, perforated white cardboard headliner with chrome garnish moldings presents itself superbly preserved, a good indicator of the sheltered life this 48-year-old Woodie has led. Note working dome light.
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Not a simple dash, but a regal command center, the Mercury's cockpit captures the essence of Sixties opulence splendidly. Huge, color-coordinated, red steering wheel with 210º chrome horn ring and elaborate motif button looks perfect. All original keys are still present.
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The upscale Mercury features real, easy-to-read gauges where lesser cars have idiot lights. Yes, all dials do work! Odometer reading of 90,554 is believed to be the car's actual mileage.
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Original dash top remains free of hairline splits. Optional radio and clock look and work flawless, as do wipers, heater and fan. And check out all that sparkling, perfect chrome. Can you imagine what it would cost to have to replate all of this?
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Space, space, and more space! Red loop carpeting is being protected by period red ribbed rubber mats.
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Red crush grain vinyl upholstery on the plush and comfortable bench seats looks showroom fresh. Front and rear seat belts have been installed.
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Colony Park is a full six-seater. All four door panels are in an amazing state of preservation.
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Extra-wide tailgate features Mercury's famous Breezeway ventilation via electrically-operated rear window. Fold the rear seatback forward and you can easily stack 4x8 sheets of drywall or wood inside; open the bottom-hinged door to ceate a firm, flat, continuous surface of more than 10ft!
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Spacious cargo floor is protected by a large mat and holds various boxes of goodies. What kind, you want to know?
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The car is accompanied by virtually all parts to install power steering, including the expensive, fully rebuilt hydraulic steering rams. There are also new window sweepers, door seals, and various other weatherstripping items, as well as a genuine, 16-page, full color 1963 Mercury Sales Brochure, Maintenance Manual with Supplement, and a 766-page Master Parts Catalog.
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Spare tire and jacking equipment stow out of sight below hinged floor panel. Note original holding strap that's hooked to rain gutter.
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Undercarriage is free of any rust or damage. Mercury called their bodies rigidized and looking at the sturdy construction, it makes a lot of sense. The Colony Park wagon is a true American work horse! Click on the image to the left for an XXL-sized view |
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Truly, it doesn't get any better than this. Unrestored original floor pans look pristine.
Notice near-new dual exhaust.
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Wednesday, June 22, was a perfect day to go for a cruise in our quintessential California Woodie.
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The car starts instantly, idles smoothly, and runs perfectly on regular gas. Put the column-mounted shift lever in "D" and off we go! Mercury's advanced Multi-Drive 3-speed auto shifts almost imperceptibly.
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Effortlessly gliding along highways and byways with the grace of a swan, the Colony Park is a living reminder of a time when cruising on the freeway was a relaxed affair and American iron ruled the road. Its 250 horses easily propel the 4,390lbs automobile to freeway speeds and beyond. Big, power-assisted Station Wagon brakes anchor the car with ease. There are no rattles or squeaks. All the lights work, even the backup lights.
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Returning home, we have become big fans of the Colony Park. It's luxurious, solidly built, practical, a stout performer, and people love looking at it, wherever you go.
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If you are a Mercury aficionado, a connoisseur of fine 1960s Americana, or just enjoy driving a heirloom-quality, California Woody "surf" wagon, this black-over-red Colony Park is just the ticket.
Any 48 year-old car presenting itself in this extra-fine condition must rank as a very lucky find, indeed! Once it is gone, there might not be another one like it!
Addendum:
We sold this exceptional Woodie in August of 2011 to a classic car dealer in Germany.
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