1965 Mercury Montcalm Meteor Convertible

1965 Mercury Montcalm Meteor Convertible
Chassis no. 176C65L800898
352ci OHV V8 Engine
Single 2-Barrel Carburetor
220bhp at 4,300rpm
3-Speed Automatic Transmission
4-wheel Coil-spring Suspension, Live Rear axle
4-Wheel Hydraulic Drum Brakes

*An older restoration in driver condition
*One of only 658 Montcalm convertibles built in 1965
*Uniquely built for the Canadian market only
*Attractive color combination

THE MERCURY MONTCALM METEOR

The Montcalm was the top-of-the-line series of Meteors built by Ford of Canada in 1965, the less-costly versions being the Rideau 500 and base Rideau. These were large automobiles, built on a 123-inch wheelbase. All were available with a variety of engines, ranging from a mild inline-6 to a torquey 390ci V8, which when paired with a four-speed manual was very fast. Automatic transmissions were common, and 3-speed, and of course a whole host of optional equipment was available, including a "Swing-Away" steering wheel that targeted female buyers. Factory brochures for the 1965 Montcalm spoke of its "Torque-box" X-frame chassis that allowed some degree of flexing under load, while coil springs at each corner gave a comfortable ride. Drums were large drums all around. Convertible Montcalms were quite scarce.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

Offered here is one of what Ford of Canada says was one of only 658 convertible Montcalms from 1965. A build sheet supplied to a former owner in 2003 says it was completed at the Oakville, Ontario factory the week of August 19, 1965. It is an older restoration in driver condition that still shows well. Resprayed in Sunlight Yellow (6YY) with a black vinyl interior (366) and black folding roof, it is fitted with a 352 cubic-inch V8 producing 220 horsepower and 336 foot-pounds of torque. The engine bay appears clean, with its correct blue-painted valve covers and air filter. The chrome-edged front bucket seats are divided by a floor console that houses its automatic transmission shift lever. While its odometer displays 72,419 miles, the total miles driven are unverified.

With a bit of TLC, this attractive convertible will be perfect or fair-weather cruising and would be an enjoyable addition to any mid-century automotive collection.