1956 Mercury Monterey

4dr Phaeton Hardtop Sedan

8-cyl. 312cid/260hp 2x4bbl

#1 Concours condition#1 Concours
#2 Excellent condition#2 Excellent
#3 Good condition#3 Good

$8,900 CAD*

-13.6%
#4 Fair condition#4 Fair
Value Graph01/2404/2407/24$2k$4k$6k$8k$10kOct 2024
Pricing adjustments
+$7,500 for wire wheels.
+$7,500 for 5-spd.
-$10,000 for auto.
+$2,000 for sunroof.
+$10,000 for factory a/c.
Adjustments are in USD
+$7,500 for wire wheels.
+$7,500 for 5-spd.
-$10,000 for auto.
+$2,000 for sunroof.
+$10,000 for factory a/c.
Adjustments are in USD
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1952-1956 Mercury Monterey stats
Highest sale
$158,683 CAD
Lowest sale
$13,372 CAD
Most recent sale
$158,683 CAD
Sales
21

Photos

6 photosImages may not reflect selected vehicle.

1954 Mercury Monterey
1954 Mercury Monterey
1954 Mercury Monterey
1954 Mercury Monterey
1954 Mercury Monterey
1954 Mercury Monterey
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Model overview

Model description

Ford completely redesigned its cars for 1952, including the Mercury lineup, and the cars now sported a taller, square shape with larger greenhouse. Front and rear glass was now curved, keeping up with the modernization of design, and an entirely new grille and brightwork were employed. The Mercury L-head eight-cylinder engine still displaced 255 cid, but now produced 125 hp. For the first time in its two-year existence, the Monterey became its own model.

The 1952 Mercury Monterey could now be ordered in more body styles, with a convertible and a sedan joining the popular hardtop coupe. The sedan was priced at $2,115, while the coupe cost $2,225, and the convertible was the most expensive Monterey at $2,370. In all 24,453 Monterey coupes were sold and 5,261 convertibles.

The Monterey line received various small exterior tweaks, as well as a station wagon body, which featured faux wood side trim. Numerous new exterior colors were introduced, with matching interiors in new materials. Sales remained strong for the Monterey.

Mercury revamped its engine in 1954, and debuted a brand-new overhead-valve V-8 motor, displacing 256 cid. It generated 161 hp and featured a 4-barrel Holley carburetor. The Merc-o-Matic transmission was beefed up this year as well, and the Monterey’s front suspension went from coil springs to a ball-joint set-up. Echoing Ford’s new Crestline Skyliner, was the Mercury Sun Valley coupe, which carried a green-tinted Plexiglas roof to an airy effect, though these cars were notoriously hot on sunny days.

The 1955 Monterey was wider and lower than the previous year, and the model remained Mercury’s best seller despite receiving a new sibling in the Montclair, which claimed the Montereys convertible and Sun Valley body styles. The Monterey’s V-8 engine was punched out to 292cid, and it now generated 188 hp.

Mercury added yet another model in 1956 – the Medalist – but the Monterey was still the mainstay, selling more than 100,000 units. The car was an updated and re-trimmed version of the 1955 model, but had a 312-cid, 210-hp V-8 engine. The Monterey also gained four-door “Sport” and hardtop sedan. The 1956 model year was the last conservative year for the U.S. auto industry from a design standpoint until about 1963, as designs would become progressively more extravagant. The 1957 Monterey was a complete redesign that would further differentiate Mercury from its corporate siblings and introduce more iconic 1950s styling cues.

Mid-1950s Montereys are good first-time collectible cars, mainly because they are suitable for daily driving and can be ordered in an array of nice period colors. Their modest proportions are also a nice change when compared to later years. Mechanicals are straightforward, though some trim pieces can be hard to source. Mercury coupes in general sold well when new, but locating an example that is bone-stock original can be a saga today since these models have long been popular choices among customizers.

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Common Questions

The value of a 1956 Mercury Monterey can vary greatly depending on its condition, mileage, options, and history. Typically, you can expect to pay around $92,700 USD for a 1956 Mercury Monterey in good condition with average spec.

The highest selling price of a 1956 Mercury Monterey at auction over the last three years was $158,683 CAD. The highest prices are usually reserved for rare or exceptionally well-maintained examples with desirable features or modifications and excellent history.

The lowest selling price of a 1956 Mercury Monterey at auction over the last three years was $13,372 CAD. The lowest prices are usually paid for examples that have extensive maintenance needs, differ greatly from their original configuration, or have accident histories or title problems.

In the last three years there have been 11 1956 Mercury Montereys sold at public auction.

The most recent auction sale of a 1956 Mercury Monterey was $158,683 CAD on May 15, 2024 by Bring a Trailer.

Many factors can increase a car's value including excellent condition, exceptional originality, a recent restoration, low mileage, unique provenance, desirable options, popular or unique color choices, and excellent maintenance records. Upgrades and modifications that enhance performance or aesthetics can also add value.

Factors that can decrease a car's value include unusually high mileage, poor maintenance history, visible wear and tear, accidents or damage, title issues, and gaps in ownership history. Additionally, less popular color choices and extensive modifications that don't appeal to a broad audience can reduce value.

Mileage plays a significant role in a classic car’s value. Lower mileage usually increases value because it indicates a higher degree of originality, is rarer, and suggests less wear and tear. However, cars with exceptionally low mileage may also have maintenance needs due to lack of use. Whether someone should pay more for a vehicle with lower miles will depend on how they plan on using it, and the vehicle's specific condition.

The value of modified cars differs widely based on the type and quality of modifications. While some modifications can significantly increase value, especially performance enhancements and high-quality custom work, others may not add much or could even detract from the car’s value if they appeal to only a limited audience.

All prices shown here are representative of stock condition vehicles only and based on various data sources, as detailed in About Our Prices. Value adjustments for optional equipment are in U.S. dollars. More information on how forecast models are calculated can be found on Forecasted Values page. For additional information and a complete description of benefits, visit hagerty.CA/legal. Purchase of insurance not required for membership in HDC. Hagerty, Hagerty Valuation Tools & Hagerty Drivers Club are registered trademarks of the Hagerty Group LLC, ©2024 The Hagerty Group, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

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