1954 MERCURY MONTEREY SUN VALLEY “GLASS-TOP” HARDTOP
Designer: L. David Ash

Estimate: $55,000 -­ $65,000

Chassis Number: 160FH5418272
Decoded: 1=Mercury line; 60=2­dr Hardtop; F=Monterey “Sun Valley”; H=Oakville, Ontario,
Canada assembly plant; 54=1954 model year; 18272=18,272nd 1954 Ford of Canada passenger
car scheduled for assembly
Engine: 255 cid OHV “Y­block” V8
2-­barrel Carburetor / 161 bhp
3-­Speed Merc­O­Matic Automatic Transmission
Power Assisted Four Wheel Hydraulic Drum Brakes
Mileage: 62,088

● Unique Transparent Roof Panel
● First Year OHV V8 Power
● Very Well Appointed Example

The Model: Mercury for 1954 was virtually a totally redesigned car. To the casual observer it might appear as a face­lifted 1953 edition, but there was so much more under the skin. New engine technology was delivering nearly 30% more HP than the previous season’s V8, and using the same displacement. All new Ball-­Joint Suspension meant easier steering and better handling. With a bold front grille, wrap­around taillights, Mercury for 1954 was indeed new, but the biggest news was the see-­through hardtop christened the Sun Valley. This model featured a large Plexiglas panel that replaced the forward half of the steel top. A zip­in liner was included to help block the sun on those warm days. It was a bit of a novelty, and car buyers didn’t warm that much to these unique cars with just 9,761 sold in the USA, and only a few hundred produced in Canada.

The Car: Finished in Parklane Green with an Arctic White top, this car is fitted with factory power steering, power brakes, power windows, AM push­button radio, heater/­defroster and even a clock in the center of the dash. It is also equipped with a rear-­mount spare tire “Continental Kit”, wide whitewall tires and full wheel covers. Restored back in the 1980’s it was maintained in a private collection for many years and was shown on a regular basis. Since joining our consignor’s collection, it has been preserved and well maintained. Under the hood looks fresh and clean showing the attention to detail when brought back to its original glory. The chrome is described as very good to excellent and the paint is quite presentable, as are the soft-trim interior components. Very desirable as a collector car, this is an opportunity to own a bit of motoring history with just a touch of Canada thrown in.