Rick Johnson 27-Oct-2005 02:52
1956 Mercury Montclair Sport Hardtop Coupe. The Montclair series was the top of the line Mercury for 1956. They were distinguished by a slim contrast color panel outlined in bright medal beneath the side windows. Mercury produced 50,562 Montclair hardtop coupes at an asking price of $ 2,765. 1956 Mercurys rode a 119 inch wheelbase, except for station wagons that had a smaller wheelbase of 118 inches. All Mercurys were powered by a 312 cubic inch V-8 engine that was rated at 225 horsepower with an automatic transmission. Total 1956 Mercury production was 328,000. 1956 Mercurys featured a single "Z" shaped chrome side molding that delineated the contrast color when popular optional two-toning was chosen. The color beneath the molding usually matched the roof color. Mercury's '56 advertising campaign called the car "The Big M", and the center front section of the hood featured a large stylized chrome letter "M". Lincoln-Mercury was the major sponsor of the popular Sunday night "Ed Sullivan Show" on television, and most Americans were introduced to the 1956 Mercury from commercial clips on that show. Mercurys that year were known for their bright-color hues, especially orange, green, yellow, and blue. They also introduced a new Phaeton Hardtop Sedan in all four series,,,,,Medalist, Custom, Monterey, and Montclair. Mercurys ranged in price from $2,254 for an entry level Medalist two door sedan, to 2,977 for an 8 passenger, four-door Monterey station wagon. Two convertibles were offered in Custom and Montclair series.