Image of 1960 Mercury Montclair, sourced from www.goldeagle.com , Image Link.

Introduction

The 1960 Mercury Montclair is a gleaming testament to the optimism of the post-war era, a time when cars were not just modes of transportation but symbols of status and innovation. Born from the ambitious minds at Mercury, a division of the Ford Motor Company, the Montclair emerged as a luxury line that offered a blend of sophistication and performance. With its unique combination of style and substance, this vehicle carved out its own niche in automotive history. A particularly intriguing fact about the Montclair is its "Breezeway" rear window, which could be lowered to improve ventilation—a feature that was both practical and ahead of its time.

Design and Innovation

The 1960 Mercury Montclair's exterior styling was an exercise in elegance and boldness. Its long, sleek lines and wide stance exuded confidence, while the distinctive chrome trim added a touch of glamour. Inside, passengers were treated to a spacious cabin adorned with high-quality materials, including plush seating and polished wood accents. Technologically, it boasted advancements such as an optional Multi-Drive Merc-O-Matic automatic transmission that set it apart from competitors. Color options ranged from classic whites and blacks to more adventurous hues like Sultana Turquoise and Tampico Red. Among these, the two-tone combinations were particularly popular. The Montclair was available in various body styles, with the four-door hardtop being one of the most iconic.

Historical Significance

The 1960 Mercury Montclair made an indelible mark on automotive design with its innovative features and luxurious appointments. It stood out for its unique "Breezeway" design and represented a shift towards vehicles that prioritized passenger comfort and convenience. This model's influence can be seen in later designs that continued to emphasize spacious interiors and user-friendly amenities.

Performance and Handling

Underneath its stylish exterior, the Montclair was no slouch in performance. Equipped with a robust 312 cubic inch V8 engine, it delivered ample power for its day. While top speed figures are not as readily touted as they are for modern vehicles, the Montclair could hold its own on the highways of its time. Handling was what you might expect from a luxury cruiser—smooth rather than sporty—with a suspension tuned more for comfort than carving corners. Drivers often remarked on the quietness of the ride and the authoritative rumble of the engine under acceleration.

Ownership Experience

The 1960 Mercury Montclair found its place as both a daily driver for those who appreciated a touch of luxury and as a show car that could turn heads at local meet-ups or parades. Maintenance is typical for cars of this era; while reliability is generally good, sourcing specific parts can be challenging. However, for enthusiasts willing to invest time and resources, owning a Montclair can be a rewarding experience.

Fun Facts

A little-known tidbit about the Montclair is that it occasionally graced celebrity driveways during its heyday. While not necessarily breaking records in speed or sales, it held its own as a respectable choice among discerning buyers. Criticisms typically focused on its size—large even by standards of the day—and fuel consumption, which was less of a concern in an era of cheap gasoline.

Collector's Information

Today, collectors might find that tracking down a 1960 Mercury Montclair can be quite an adventure due to their relative rarity; estimates suggest that tens of thousands were produced across all trim levels. As for value range, well-kept examples can fetch anywhere from $15,000 to $50,000 or more depending on condition, originality, and historical significance. The market has shown appreciation for these models over time as enthusiasts seek out vehicles that capture the essence of their era.

Conclusion

The 1960 Mercury Montclair stands as an enduring icon from an age where cars were crafted with care and designed with daring. It's not just a relic from another time but also a bridge to an era when driving was about pleasure just as much as it was about getting from point A to point B. Whether you're behind the wheel or admiring from afar, this classic Mercury reminds us why we fell in love with cars in the first place.

1960 Mercury Montclair 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

1960 Mercury Montclair Shock Absorber Grommet. 1" bottom O.D., 1-7/16" high-BN 3Shock Absorber Grommet. 1" bottom O.D., 1-7/16" high., with 5/8" I.D. Each

1960 Mercury Montclair Stabilizer Bar Bushings-BN 32-DStabilizer Bar Bushings. 1-9/16" long X 1-1/2" wide X 1-5/8" high, 15/16" I.D. Pair

1960 Mercury Montclair Hood Bumper. Made with steel core. Held by screw. Each-HF 40Hood Bumper. Made with steel core. Held by screw. Each

1960 Mercury Montclair Generator Boot. Replaces OEM #C1AZ10170B-RP 2-FGenerator Boot. Replaces OEM #C1AZ10170B. Note: Notch may have to be cut by purchaser. Each

1960 Mercury Montclair

1960 Mercury Montclair Brake Booster Boot. Each-RP 32-AABrake Booster Boot. Each

1960 Mercury Montclair Hood Bumper. Snap-in wire base like original. Each-SB 89-AHood Bumper. Snap-in wire base like original. Each

1960 Mercury Montclair Trunk Seal. Each-TK 51-A/18Trunk Seal. Each

1960 Mercury Montclair Trunk Seal. Each-TK 51-F/18Trunk Seal. Each

1960 Mercury Montclair Vertical Vent Seals-VS 6-DVertical Vent Seals. Fits 2 & 4 door sedans and station wagons. Pair

1960 Mercury Montclair 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.