The Mercury Monterey is a full-size car model introduced by the Mercury division of the Ford Motor Company in 1952. It would later share the same body style with the slightly more upscale Marquis, and the Park Lane and Montclair until the latter two were extinguished after the 1968 model year. The Marquis-Monterey body was, built on a longer wheelbase and had a longer body than the Ford LTD, Ford Galaxie, and Ford Custom. During its production the car served as the high-end, mid-range, and entry-level fullsize Mercury at various times throughout its run. It was the only Mercury to be in continuous production throughout the 1960s. The Monterey was discontinued after 1974. The Monterey (model 72C) was introduced in 1950 as a high-end two-door coupe as part of the Mercury Eight series in the same vein as the Ford Crestliner, the Lincoln Lido coupe and the Lincoln Cosmopolitan Capri coupe in order to compete with the hardtop coupes General Motors had introduced the previous model year. Montereys had either a canvas covered top for $2146 or vinyl for $2157. Standard features included leather faced seats, simulated leather headliner, wool carpets, chrome-plated interior garnish moldings, two-toned dashboard, special black steering wheel, fender skirts, dual outside rearview mirrors, full wheel covers & gold winged hood ornament. For $10 more all leather seats were an option. Two special colors were offered, Turquoise Blue with dark blue top and Cortaro Red metallic with black top. Black with yellow top was also available. Few Montereys were sold. This particular 1961 Mercury Monterey has just come out of a tasteful restored recently and looks great. The vehicle has been refinished in the original color or Signal Red that is in great condition with no major imperfections to speak of. Both front and rear chrome bumpers are equally as nice as well as all the metal accents. The convertible top is in good condition with no rips or tears and the back plastic window is clear with no scratches. Inside the Red and White vinyl interior has been replaced to the original colors. It is in great condition with no rips or tears. The carpet, door panels, and dash are equally as nice. Under the hood this vehicle retains the 352 CI engine attached to an automatic transmission that shifts smoothly. One turn of the key and the engine fires up with no issues. It is said that the current mileage of 58,521 is original for the vehicle but we do not have any documentation to support that. Inside the trunk is in very solid condition as well as the underside. The VIN is 1WX65X535669 and is being sold on a clean California title.