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1959 Mercury Country Cruiser: A Station Wagon of Distinction

The 1959 Mercury Country Cruiser is not just a car; it's a gleaming testament to the pinnacle of American automotive opulence in the late '50s. Born from the ambitious minds at Mercury, a division of the Ford Motor Company, this station wagon was designed to offer both luxury and utility in an era when the American family was hitting the road like never before. With its distinctive styling and spacious interior, the Country Cruiser captured the essence of suburban sophistication and adventure.

In an age dominated by tail fins and chrome, the Country Cruiser stood out with its unique 'breezeway' rear window and woodgrain side paneling. This vehicle wasn't just transportation; it was a statement. It arrived at a time when America's love affair with the station wagon was in full bloom, serving as a symbol of family, leisure, and prosperity.

Design and Innovation

The exterior of the 1959 Mercury Country Cruiser was a sight to behold. Its long body, adorned with sweeping lines and bold accents, exuded elegance. The front grille's intricate design, flanked by quad headlamps, gave it an imposing presence on the road. Inside, passengers were treated to a cabin swathed in premium materials, from plush seating surfaces to polished metal trim.

Technologically advanced for its time, the Country Cruiser featured power-operated tailgates and rear windows that hinted at the convenience features we take for granted today. Buyers could choose from a palette of period-appropriate color options, with shades like 'Tahitian Green' and 'Desert Beige' being particularly popular among discerning customers.

Mercury offered several body styles for this model year, but it was the nine-passenger Country Cruiser that became emblematic of the era's family wagon. With its forward-facing third-row seat and ample cargo space, it epitomized versatility and comfort.

Historical Significance

The 1959 Mercury Country Cruiser made its mark by blending luxury with practicality in a way few other wagons of its time could match. It pushed boundaries in automotive design with features like its retractable rear window and stylish profile. Its influence can be seen in subsequent generations of family wagons that sought to offer similar levels of refinement and capability.

Performance and Handling

Underneath its stylish exterior lay a robust powertrain capable of delivering impressive performance for a vehicle of its size. With engines ranging up to 430 cubic inches producing considerable horsepower, it could reach highway speeds with ease. The ride was smooth and composed, thanks to well-tuned suspension systems that absorbed imperfections in the road while maintaining composure through turns.

Driving the Country Cruiser was an experience characterized by the throaty rumble of its V8 engine and the sensation of commanding one of the most luxurious wagons on the market. The steering was precise for such a large vehicle, allowing drivers to navigate with confidence.

Ownership Experience

Owners of the 1959 Mercury Country Cruiser often used their vehicles as daily drivers or took them on cross-country adventures. The wagon's reliability meant that maintenance was straightforward for those familiar with classic car care. While some parts may now be harder to come by, enthusiasts often find joy in preserving these pieces of automotive history.

Fun Facts

The Country Cruiser has graced both small screens and silver screens alike, contributing to its iconic status among classic car aficionados. While not known for setting speed records, it has certainly left an indelible mark on automotive culture with its distinctive design and luxury appointments.

Collector's Information

Today, collectors cherish the 1959 Mercury Country Cruiser for its rarity and representation of late '50s Americana. With production numbers not as high as some other models from that era, finding one in pristine condition can be quite a challenge. Values range widely based on condition but expect well-maintained examples to fetch anywhere from $20,000 to $60,000 or more at auction.

Conclusion

The 1959 Mercury Country Cruiser is more than just a classic car; it's a rolling piece of American history that embodies an era when cars were about more than just getting from point A to point B—they were about style, comfort, and making a statement. For those lucky enough to own one today, it offers a unique blend of nostalgia and timeless elegance that continues to captivate enthusiasts around the world.

1959 Mercury Country Cruiser Shock Absorber Grommet. 1-1/4" bottom O.D., 1" high-BN 12Shock Absorber Grommet. 1-1/4" bottom O.D., 1" high., with 3/4" I.D. Each

1959 Mercury Country Cruiser Hood Bumper. Each-HF 1Hood Bumper. Each

1959 Mercury Country Cruiser Hood Bumper. Made with steel core. Held by screw. Each-HF 40Hood Bumper. Made with steel core. Held by screw. Each

1959 Mercury Country Cruiser Front Fender Lower Rear Plug and Door Vent Adjustment Plug-SB 58-AFront Fender Lower Rear Plug and Door Vent Adjustment Plug. Fits 1-5/16" hole. Each

1959 Mercury Country Cruiser Flexible window channel-WC 10-96Flexible window channel. Rubber covered with mohair lining and stainless steel bead. 96 in. long. Each. NOTE: $20 special shipping charge applies for domestic orders. Call or email for overseas shipping costs. Part can be sectioned in two or three equal lengths to reduce overseas shipping costs.