This is an uber-rare Mercury S55 427 – an awesome find in its own right. Based on the seller’s claims and documentation, however, this car is even more significant. This one was driven by Parnelli Jones as a practice vehicle for the Pike’s Peak Hill Climb.
The car is claimed to be an unrestored survivor, except that the engine and transmission have been rebuilt. The S55 427 was available only for 1963. It would return later with a 428, but we all know the 427 bring maximum prices due to racing history and all-out performance. The engine and four-speed trans combo already mean rare, big block beast should sell for MUCH more than the current $7,100 bid. The Jones history will likely add to that; but what is the cap on a vintage Merc?
I’m pleased to say that we wil find out, as the seller used a low starting price. Whether or not the reserve is met, we’ll get a good picture of the car’s market value.
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Pleasanton, CA
$7,100 with 6 bids, reserve not met and 8 days to go
The S55 was based on the Monterrey, which was a full-sized Mercury. This car exudes pure 1960s class!
Note that this car came before the pony cars pushed the long hood/short deck concept. This is one long hood. Also note the interesting rear window – more about that below.
Yes, it’s the Mercury Breezeway window, which lowers and is power operated.
S55 badges are present.
Here’s a shot of the interior, which is in excellent condition. Note the four-speed shifter and clutch pedal in this beast!
Parnelli Jones signed the console.
Here’s the rebuilt 427. This will put out plenty of torque to move a car this size quite nicely.
Ad text:
Parnelli Jones – Pikes Peak 1963
1963 Mercury Monterey
Parnelli Jones’ 1963 Mercury Monterey 2-Door S-55 Hardtop
A Rare Unrestored Survivor with Documented Provenance / 1963 Pikes Peak Hill Climb
Factory 427 V8 Engine w/ Factory 4-Speed Transmission & Locker Rear End
__________________________
OVERVIEW-THIS PARTICULAR 1963 MERCURY MONTEREY S-55
We must admit that we are rarely at a loss for words. Additionally, after 21+ years in business, it is unusual for a car to really peak our interest. Well, this is one such car!
This is an opportunity to not only own a “Big Block” 4 speed vintage “Hot Rod” sedan originally owned by famous race car driver and owner Parnelli Jones with a totally documented history / lineage. This car is a cosmetically unrestored survivor but has been professionally restored to original mechanical specs. As such, it is a kick to drive with the big 427 and 4-speed stick. Major features are:
– Fresh 427 cu. in. V8 engine
– T-10 close ratio 4-speed manual transmission w/ recent rebuild
– 9-inch locker differential
– Power steering
– Power brakes w/ recent rebuild of entire system
– Coil-over shock absorbers
– Huge traction bars
– Dual exhaust w/ Flowmaster mufflers
– Factory bucket seats and console
– Console signed by Parnelli Jones
– Considerable documentation verifying provenance
DETAILS-THIS PARTICULAR 1963 MERCURY MONTEREY S-55
This 1963 Mercury Monterey S-55 hardtop, was actually driven by famous race car driver and owner Parnelli Jones and has an absolutely fascinating history that is well documented by the included information. The car is freshly mechanically restored to original specs but has not been cosmetically restored. It remains in lovely “survivor” condition and has been cared for by its collector owner who recognized the value of maintaining the car in its current state. Needless to say, it shows some paint and trim imperfects but has a marvelous patina that cannot be duplicated at any cost. The interior presents amazingly well including an autograph by Parnelli Jones who actually drove this car down Pikes Peak during the 1963 event. As the photos depict, this Mercury is a rare example that represents a true, rare survivor with provenance. With the big 427 coupled to a 4 speed it is a joy to drive; a full size “hot rod” sedan.
HISTORY OF PARNELLI JONES AND THIS PARTICULAR CAR
Rufus Parnell “Parnelli” Jones is a retired American racing driver and race car owner. He is most remembered for his accomplishments at the Indianapolis 500, where he began racing in 1961. Jones was named the 1961 Indianapolis 500 Rookie of the Year. In 1962, he was the first Indy driver to qualify over 150 mph, winning the pole position at a speed of 150.370 mph. Jones dominated the first two-thirds of the race until a brake line failure slowed him, and he settled for a seventh-place finish. In the 1963 race he again started on the pole and won the race. He then famously broke down while leading the 1967 race with three laps to go in a turbine car. Later, during his career as a car owner, he won the Indy 500 in both 1970 and 1971 with driver Al Unser, Sr.
By 1963 Mr. Jones was in his prime, winning a variety of races in various venues. In 1963, racing wizard and Mercury expert Bill Stroppe (Google Bill Stroppe Colorado) built a Mercury Marauder USAC Stock car for Jones to race in the July 4, 1963 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. The build of this car as part of a stable of Mercury race cars for that season is detailed in a March 1963 edition of Motor Trend, a copy of which is included with the purchase of this car.
In addition, Mr. Stroppe built an identically powered Mercury S-55 for Mr. Jones to use as a practice vehicle prior to the actual Pikes Peak race. This particular car being offered for sale is that Parnelli Jones practice car. Both the race and practice cars had 427 V8 engines, T-10 transmissions, 9-inch locked differentials, coil-over shocks and huge traction bars.
In a rather famous (or infamous) incident, Mr. Jones was involved in a head-on collision of this practice car with another on July 1 while scouting out the race course prior to practice sessions. He was coming downhill and was somewhat over the center line and the two cars collided on the left fronts. Damage was not substantial but there were passenger injuries. Mr. Jones was subsequently ticketed for reckless driving, but it was later reduced to a warning. Several news articles describing the incident are included with the sale of this car. Just 3 days later, Mr. Jones won the 1963 Pikes Peak Hill Climb in the Stroppe-built Mercury race car and broke the stock car speed record for that event, posting a time of 14:17.4 for the 12.42 mile course with a 4700 foot rise. It was only the second time Mr. Jones had raced this venue.
The practice car’s damage was repaired and it was sold on February 4, 1964, as a used car by Bob Foss Motors in Colorado Springs to a Mr. Retallack. A copy of this invoice is included with the car. The invoice identifies the car as “P-Jones-1”. Mr. Jones, Rick Mears and Ivan Stewart returned to the Pike’s venue in 1999 to participate in a Toyota promotion racing Toyota vehicles. At that event, Mr. Jones personally signed the console lid in this car. A 1999 photo of Mr. Jones alongside the car is included with the sale.
THE NUMBERS
The car bears Colorado Collector Vehicle license 54L76 and is currently listed as in-op. The VIN is 3Z67Z500398. The data plate on the driver’s door frame lists the following:
Body 65C=2-door S-55 hardtop
Color B =Peacock Turquoise
Trim 57 =Light Turquoise
Date 11J
Axle1
Trans 4
Vehicle Warranty Number 3Z67Z500398
RECENT MAINTENANCE
Considerable mechanical maintenance has been recently completed including the following:
Engine 427c.i. – Completely overhauled due to a terminal rod knock. Engine is now an exact replica of the engine as built by Stroppe for Parnelli. Built by Ricky Freeman of RF Racing, an experienced engine builder. Since the engine has few miles since overhaul, an oil and filter change is recommended in about 1000 miles.
– Original pistons (.030″ oversize)
– Cylinders honed
– New rings
– Re-sized rods w/ new Clevite bearings
– Re-ground “period correct w/ correct casting marks” crankshaft .020 & .030″ undersize (original crankshaft was beyond saving)
– New Clevite main bearings
– New Comp Cams camshaft and solid lifters w/ original grind as used by Stroppe (cam card included in documentation); valves need occasional adjustment
– New timing chain and gears
– New Melling high pressure oil pump
– Rebuilt heads w/ new stainless steel valves; rebuilt rockers and rocker shaft; did not install hardened seats
– Rebuilt and restored Holley carburetor In correct numbers for the 427 engine; one model year newer than car but probably like Stroppe used as the engines did not come from Ford with a carb
– Original water pump
– New high temperature gaskets for oil pan and valve covers
– New temperature sender
– New oil pressure sender
– New main bearing seals
– New intake manifold to solve gasket leak
– Custom built fan shroud using a Mustang shroud
– New Pertronics ignition module (dramatically improved starting and overall performance)
– New distributor
– New belts and hoses
Transmission-the T10 transmission was rebuilt with:
– New main shaft bearings
– New lay shaft needle bearings
– New shift fork
– New synchronizers for all gears
– New Center Force clutch and disk; resurfaced flywheel; new pressure plate and throw-out bearing; rare 11″ clutch
Other Maintenance
– Replaced power steering pump
– Rebuilt power steering cylinder
– New hardened bolts, properly torqued
– New brake system w/ new Doorman master cylinder, new wheel cylinders, new brake shoes & hardware
– New anti-sway bar links
– New universal joints
– Packed front wheel bearings, new seals
– New rear axle seals
– New dual exhaust system w/ Flowmaster mufflers
Many of the removed parts have been kept and are in the trunk of the car.
MECHANICAL
– Factory 427 cu. in. V8 engine, 410 hp, 476 lb-ft torque
– Chrome valve covers
– Original 4-barrel carburetor w/ NASCAR air filter
– T-10 4-speed close-ratio manual transmission
– 9-inch locker differential
– Power steering
– Power drum brakes
– Coil-over shocks
– Huge traction bars
– Dual exhaust w/ Flowmaster mufflers
– P215/75R14 radial tires, older w/ 60% tread
EXTERIOR
The paint is the original Peacock Turquoise color, with partial touch-ups but still showing original paint ion several areas. Door jambs, trunk and engine bay support the cars original color and paint. There are localized chips, scratches, and small dents and, considering the cars fascinating history and the region where it spent the majority of its life, very minimal rust. This is especially true in the areas most prone to rust (rocker panels, front fenders, etc.) on the early 60’s vintage cars.
All original badging appears to remain on the car and is excellent condition as the photos support. The stainless trim is very presentable but has the expected small dents that do not attract from the cars overall appearance. Both bumpers are good with bright chrome, no pitting or rust and only a few minor dents.no major damage. The grille is very nice and damage free. The aluminum trim between the rear bumper and the trunk lid is equally nice. Both doors, along with the hood and the trunk close well. All glass is good and all windows crank easily. The car is termed a “breezeway” hardtop as the rear window glass goes down electronically from a dash operated switch (fully operational). The underside of the car is very clean, solid and has not been detailed for this presentation (refer to online photos).
INTERIOR
The interior is the original Light Turquoise Deluxe color. As with the exterior, the interior has not been restored but shows very well showing only minimal wear. Front seats are factory buckets. The passenger seat is quite nice while the driver’s seat has a few areas of stretched stitching. The rear seat is extremely nice. The front seats have lap-only seat belts of the old clamp type. The door panels are nice with wear only on the driver’s arm rest. The headliner and both sun visors are excellent. The rear carpet is nice while the front shows the expected wear for an unrestored car. The factory console has been signed by Parnelli Jones during a meeting with the owner when he declared “That is the big block I drove at Pike’s Peak.” Both sill plates are shiny Fisher Body with a few small dents. The steering wheel is remarkably free of defects. The dash pad is very nice with one screw hole/dent on the left side. The weather strip on both doors needs replacing.
The dash came from the factory with a full complement of gauges including a Fuel, Oil, Alt, and Temp gauge. The speedometer reads 0-120 mph speedometer. A VDO tachometer is mounted forward of the console. The car has a factory radio and clock, both inoperative. The factory heater/defroster is intact. All gauges, lights and heating system are fully functional including the heater blower and defroster.
The odometer reads 13,590. Mileage is being judged as “total miles unknown” (TMU) as there are no records to support otherwise. However, the survivor condition of the car indicates that the speedometer has likely not rolled over.
OTHER
– Clear Colorado title with non-op Colorado registration
– California smog test not required for vehicles 1975 and older
– Passed the California required safety inspection for working wipers, turn signals, lights, brakes, etc.
– 1961 Mercury Maintenance Manual plus 1963 Shop Manual Supplement
– Many replaced mechanical parts stored in the trunk
HISTORY OF THE MERCURY S-55
The Mercury S-55 is an automobile manufactured by Mercury, a division of the Ford Motor Company. Mercury added the S-55, a full-size performance / luxury vehicle to its S or “Special” line in 1962 to match Ford’s Galaxie 500/XL. The S-55 joined the existing Mercury “S” or “Special” line consisting of the S-22 Comet and S-33 Meteor. The first year model run offered the S-55 package in two body styles, 2 door hardtop and convertible.
The completely redesigned 1963 S-55 was offered in four different body styles: a 2-door Breezeway Hardtop, a 4-door Breezeway Hardtop, and a 2-door Convertible. Later as a 19631⁄2 you could also get the S-55 as a 2 door fastback. Each of these models included the full S-55 trim of bucket seats and console.
Power trains available for 1962-1963 included two different versions of the 390 CID (300 hp and 330 hp) and the 406 CID (3-2V or 4V). Available for the first time in 1963 was Ford’s famous 427 CID 4V.