From: larose@cs.utk.edu (Brian LaRose)
Newsgroups: alt.autos.antique
Subject: re: 1956 Mercury Information
Followup-To: larose@cs.utk.edu
Date: 12 Oct 92 01:58:53 GMT
Organization: University of Tennessee, Knoxville - Department of Computer Science
Distribution: world
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Summary: mercury
Keywords: mercury
Originator: larose@thud.cs.utk.edu

In article <weq=cja00WB_4AgFdF@andrew.cmu.edu> cn09+@andrew.cmu.edu (Christopher Kalevi Nuuja) writes:
>
>   I'm considering buying a restored 56 Mercury Montclair and am trying to
>find out what its really worth.  The body and interior are in excellent shape.
>It has a 312 (original miles unknown), automatic, power trunk (?).  On a quick
>inspection, no rust.  Paint job looks great (black and pink), could be recent.
>The body's been customized, but I couldn't tell how as I
>don't know what one looks like uncustomized.  Asking price is 6800.
>The owner claims I could sell it for 10,000 in California (where I could be
>moving soon).  Is this reasonable?  I would think that a CA car would be worth
>more here in Pittsburgh, since relatively rust free cars are rarer here.
>Why would it be worth more in CA?  (The owner's idea: "They like cars like this
>a lot more out there").
>I'd be grateful for any information on this car, as well as any opinions on
>a reasonable price.
>
>Chris Nuuja


chris,

   First of all lets address the statements the current owner made.
I would NEVER take ANYBODY'S word about the value of a car when references
are so easily found (Hemmings, Old Car Price Guide, others).  So, forget what
he has said. (of course you're doing that by posting a question).   Now then,
off the soapbox and looking through Hemmings(not this months) 
we find a 55 Montclair for sale:
    1955 Mercury Montclair 2dr (excellent #2)   9,350.
not good enough to help us.

So then looking up the production info:  (from Encyclopedia of American Autos)

1956 Mercury Montclair (wheel-base 119.0)   WEIGHT   PRICE   PRODUCED 
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
  57A   Phaeton htp sdn                      3,640   2,835   23,493
  58A   Sport Sedan 4d                       3,610   2,786    9,617
  64A   Sport htp cpe                        3,620   2,765   50,562
  76B   conv coupe                           3,725   2,900    7,762

(you didn't specify bodytype so I list all)  

ok.  so now we have the facts, you should be able to weigh the car, measure
it's wheelbase and find pictures of the original by doing a little library
research.  Chances are you have a few days to make a decision (despite what 
the seller tells you.)  I'd go to a bookstore and find a copy of "Old Cars 
Price Guide" This guide gives DETAILED information describing EXACTLY the 
ranges that your car could be worth.  Sounds like from your description, 
the car may be a #3 or maybe a #2, so average the numbers to 
extrapolate a price.

Sounds like it might be a real nice auto.  You can check the body for bondo
by using a tiny refrigrator magnet (sticks=steel; no stick=bondo) check the
quarter panels, those are the most likely to rust in a Northern car.

Finally NEVER buy a car as an investment, only the professionals can get
away with that.  I've NEVER made money on a car (that's the reason we call
this a hobby!)

write back and let me know how it turns out.
good luck,

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    | Brian LaRose |  974-3647          |
    | Ayres 217    |  larose@cs.utk.edu |
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Newsgroups: alt.autos.antique