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Rediscovering the 1963 Mercury Commuter: A Station Wagon of Distinction

The 1963 Mercury Commuter station wagon stands as a testament to an era when practicality met with a touch of elegance. Born from the assembly lines of the Mercury division of Ford Motor Company, this vehicle emerged at a time when America's love affair with the station wagon was in full bloom. The Commuter was designed to offer families a blend of comfort, style, and utility that few other cars could match. A notable moment in its history is the introduction of the self-adjusting brakes, a feature that set it apart from many competitors and showcased Mercury's commitment to innovation.

Design and Innovation: A Harmonious Blend of Form and Function

The exterior styling of the 1963 Mercury Commuter was both sleek and substantial, with clean lines that exuded confidence and a hint of sophistication. Its long body, accented by chrome trim and a distinctive grille, made it instantly recognizable. Inside, passengers were greeted with a spacious cabin crafted from quality materials that offered both durability and comfort. The dashboard was an exercise in ergonomic design, placing all controls within easy reach of the driver. Technological features for its time included power steering, power brakes, and an optional push-button automatic transmission known as "Merc-O-Matic." Color options ranged from subdued to vibrant, with hues like Peacock Blue and Sultana White being popular choices among buyers. The Commuter was available in different body styles, including a two-seat and three-seat version, with the latter being particularly favored for its additional passenger capacity.

Historical Significance: More Than Just Transportation

The 1963 Mercury Commuter's impact on automotive design was subtle yet significant. It helped solidify the station wagon as a respectable choice for discerning families who valued space without sacrificing style. Its self-adjusting brakes were ahead of their time, offering drivers peace of mind and setting a precedent for future automotive safety features.

Performance and Handling: Smooth Sailing on Four Wheels

Underneath its poised exterior, the Commuter housed a robust engine capable of delivering ample power for its size. While top speed figures were not headline-grabbing, the car's acceleration was more than adequate for daily driving needs. Handling was smooth and assured, absorbing bumps with ease while maintaining composure on windy roads. Drivers often praised the V8's purr and the seamless transition between gears provided by the Merc-O-Matic transmission.

Ownership Experience: Versatility at Its Best

The 1963 Mercury Commuter served many roles—from daily driver to vacation cruiser to show car—and did so with aplomb. Maintenance was straightforward for the era's mechanics, making it a reliable choice for families. While some parts may now be harder to come by due to its age, many owners find that caring for their Commuter is part of its charm.

Fun Facts: The Commuter's Unique Place in History

Did you know that some Mercury Commuters found their way into government fleets? Or that they occasionally graced the silver screen in period films? While not known for breaking speed records, this station wagon has held records of endurance in the hearts of those who've owned them. Criticisms were few but did include remarks about fuel consumption—a common trait among vehicles of its size during that period.

Collector's Information: A Wagon Worth Watching

Today, collectors find value in the 1963 Mercury Commuter not just for its nostalgic appeal but also for its relative rarity. Production numbers were not as high as some other models of the time, making well-maintained examples sought after items. As for value range, pristine models can fetch significant sums upwards of $20,000 or more depending on provenance and condition. The market has seen an appreciation trend for classic station wagons like the Commuter as enthusiasts seek out these icons of American automotive history.

Conclusion: Celebrating an American Classic

The 1963 Mercury Commuter represents an intersection where functionality met finesse during an era rich with automotive innovation. It stands as a symbol of family travel during the 60s and continues to captivate classic car enthusiasts with its enduring charm. Whether you're behind the wheel or admiring from afar, this station wagon is a reminder of when cars were built with a purpose that went beyond getting from point A to B—they were part of the family.

1963 Mercury Commuter Shock Absorber Grommet. 1" bottom O.D-BN 11Shock Absorber Grommet. 1" bottom O.D., 3/4" high, with 5/8" I.D. Each

1963 Mercury Commuter 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

1963 Mercury Commuter 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

1963 Mercury Commuter Hood Bumper. Made with steel core. Held by screw. Each-HF 40Hood Bumper. Made with steel core. Held by screw. Each

1963 Mercury Commuter Generator Boot. Replaces OEM #C1AZ10170B-RP 2-FGenerator Boot. Replaces OEM #C1AZ10170B. Note: Notch may have to be cut by purchaser. Each

1963 Mercury Commuter

1963 Mercury Commuter Door Lock Knob. Black Rubber. Each-RP 306Door Lock Knob. Black Rubber. Each

1963 Mercury Commuter Door Lock Knob. 1-1/2" high. Made of red rubber. Each-RP 306-ADoor Lock Knob. 1-1/2" high. Made of red rubber. Each

1963 Mercury Commuter Door Lock Knob. 1-1/2" high. Made of blue rubber. Each-RP 306-BDoor Lock Knob. 1-1/2" high. Made of blue rubber. Each

1963 Mercury Commuter Door Lock Knob. 1-1/2" high. Made of turquoise rubber-RP 306-CDoor Lock Knob. 1-1/2" high. Made of turquoise rubber. Each

1963 Mercury Commuter Door Lock Knob. 1-1/2" high. Made of beige rubber. Each-RP 306-DDoor Lock Knob. 1-1/2" high. Made of beige rubber. Each

1963 Mercury Commuter Brake Booster Boot. Each-RP 32-AABrake Booster Boot. Each

1963 Mercury Commuter Hood Bumper. Snap-in wire base like original. Each-SB 89-AHood Bumper. Snap-in wire base like original. Each

1963 Mercury Commuter Trunk Seal. 18 feet long. Each-TK 51-18Trunk Seal. 18 feet long. Each

1963 Mercury Commuter Flexible Sweeper. Made of rubber-WC 23-/FTFlexible Sweeper. Made of rubber. Seal for outside of side window. Sold by the foot

1963 Mercury Commuter Flexible Sweeper. Made of rubber-WC 23-48Flexible Sweeper. Made of rubber. Seal for outside of side window. 48" Piece. Each

1963 Mercury Commuter Flexible Sweeper. Made of rubber-WC 23-96Flexible Sweeper. Made of rubber. Seal for outside of side window. 96" Piece. each