6T-FinSeeker 882 Posted November 7, 2020 Share Posted November 7, 2020 (edited) For sale on Craigslist: 1958 Mercury Turnpike Cruiser 2-Door Hardtop - $12,500 - Call or text Jimmy: 303 946 85 four eight On 11/20, Seller reduced price to $11,500 Link: https://denver.craigslist.org/cto/d/henderson-rare-turnpike-cruiser/7243203191.html Seller's Description: 1958 Mercury Turnpike Cruiser 2-Door Hardtop condition: good odometer: 58000 paint color: white transmission: automatic title status: clean This 1958 Mercury Montclair turnpike cruiser is one of 2500 built that year. These were built by Mercury expressly for the new interstate highway system president Eisenhower implemented, commonly known as the turnpike. They were part concept car, part Autorama design that was actually produced. They were big and luxurious with gobs of power. equipped with a 430 big block producing 330 hp and a pushbutton automatic three speed transmission More photos and video available upon request. This car runs and drives, needs some TLC or if you’re really ambitious a restoration. It’s incredibly complete not missing anything, has minor rust in some areas. the frame is excellent and no rust through on the floors, but some in the rocker panels These garner an incredible amount of attention, if you’re looking for something to place in your museum or show room or business consider this. If the ad is still up the cars for sale, Thanks but I don’t need help selling this vehicle. Edited December 11, 2020 by 6T-FinSeeker update status (see edit history) 3 Link to post Share on other sites
6T-FinSeeker 882 Posted November 7, 2020 Author Share Posted November 7, 2020 Additional Pictures: 1 Link to post Share on other sites
suchan 346 Posted November 7, 2020 Share Posted November 7, 2020 Anyone know what those scoops with the protruding antennae above the windshield are? Makes you wonder what was in the design dept's water cooler that year. Link to post Share on other sites
58L-Y8 1,554 Posted November 7, 2020 Share Posted November 7, 2020 (edited) 6 hours ago, suchan said: Anyone know what those scoops with the protruding antennae above the windshield are? Makes you wonder what was in the design dept's water cooler that year. They're functional air vents to be used in conjunction with the retractable rear window for flow-through ventilation. Unfortunately, they also leaked in a rain storm because the closing shutters weren't sealed will. But, for Jet-Age, Mid-Century Modern, "Dream Car Design" they're just the ticket! Edited November 7, 2020 by 58L-Y8 Added air vent detail view (see edit history) 3 Link to post Share on other sites
m-mman 324 Posted November 7, 2020 Share Posted November 7, 2020 10 hours ago, suchan said: Anyone know what those scoops with the protruding antennae above the windshield are? Yes they are "vents" but that's not why they are there. FoMoCo wanted a windshield that wrapped around AND OVER the passengers. (better than everyone else's wrap around glass) The top corners needed some structural reinforcement. Then then needed to decorate it and make it look intended, hence the little antenna thing. . . . . Yes, there is a lever that opens a metal flap to admit air and there is even some lovers to (supposedly)direct the air flow, however they don't actually work. I had a 57 TC for a long while. The opening near the antenna is covered (supported?) with a screen mesh. The mesh is so tight that it limits air flow to basically nothing. There are typical cowl-underdash vents and they let in a significant air flow. The antenna vents . . . ? You can barely feel the air flow. I drove mine in the rain frequently and I never had an issue with water leakage. The lowered rear window in the rain didn't admit water at highway speeds. Opening it (partly) with the heater on did distribute the warm air nicely. But again the antenna vents? Useless appendages. . . . 4 Link to post Share on other sites
GregLaR 2,248 Posted November 7, 2020 Share Posted November 7, 2020 Another great old Merc. Link to post Share on other sites
58L-Y8 1,554 Posted November 7, 2020 Share Posted November 7, 2020 1 hour ago, m-mman said: I drove mine in the rain frequently and I never had an issue with water leakage. The lowered rear window in the rain didn't admit water at highway speeds. Opening it (partly) with the heater on did distribute the warm air nicely. It was here in the Northeast dealers tore their hair out trying to seal them to satisfy the buyers. Build quality was uneven dependent upon assembly plant and even day of the week assembled. Nonetheless, the '57-'58 Turnpike Cruiser are wild cars that will never be repeated. 2 Link to post Share on other sites
JamesR 926 Posted November 8, 2020 Share Posted November 8, 2020 6 hours ago, m-mman said: But again the antenna vents? Useless appendages. . . . I think they did have one use: Making the Mercury buying public of the late 1950's believe they'd entered the space age! 😉 2 Link to post Share on other sites
6T-FinSeeker 882 Posted November 22, 2020 Author Share Posted November 22, 2020 On 11/20, Seller reduced price to $11,500. Link to post Share on other sites
6T-FinSeeker 882 Posted December 11, 2020 Author Share Posted December 11, 2020 On 12/10, Seller deleted the Craigslist ad. Link to post Share on other sites
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