1963 MERCURY MONTEREY - RARE SURVIVOR - PARNELLI JONES HISTORY / 1963 PIKES PEAK

Parnelli Jones - Pikes Peak 1963 1963 Mercury Monterey Parnelli Jones' 1963 Mercury Monterey 2-Door S-55 Hardtop A Rare Unrestored Survivor with Documented Provenance / 1963 Pikes Peak Hill Climb Period 427c. i. V8 Engine w/ Factory 4-Speed Transmission & Locker Rear End Installed by Bill Stroppe "In the Day" __________________________ NOTE: Our listings are rather lengthy. They not only describe this particular car but also some history of the make/model. considerations in buying a classic car and facts about our firm. However. we continually hear from out of state / out of country buyers (many of our clients) that they prefer the level of detail that we provide. However. if you are not prepared to read the full listing. please read the OVERVIEW below along with the PHOTOGRAPHS at the bottom. If you'd prefer. please call us at 925-846-1451 and we'll gladly discuss the Mercury S-55 and answer any questions over the telephone. including our "Buy it Now" policy. Yes. the Mercury S-55 can be purchased prior to the end of the eBay auction. PHOTOGRAPHS PLEASE NOTE: EACH TIME WE LIST A VEHICLE ON EBAY WE RECEIVE COMMENTS THAT THERE ARE NO PHOTOS OF THE INTERIOR. ENGINE. UNDERCARRIAGE. ETC. OF THE CAR. THERE ARE CLOSE TO 100 PHOTOS OF ALL AREAS OF THIS MERCURY S-55. BUT WHEN YOU REACH WHAT APPEARS TO BE THE LAST PHOTO. YOU WILL NEED TO SCROLL DOWN ON eBay TO VIEW THE REMAINING PHOTOS. IF YOU ARE STILL UNABLE TO SEE THEM. PLEASE CALL US AT 925-846-1451 AND WE WILL PROVIDE A DIRECT LINK. NOTE: IT IS A VIOLATION OF EBAY POLICY FOR US TO LIST THE URL ON THE EBAY LISTING. PLEASE LET US KNOW IF YOU WOULD LIKE ADDITIONAL PHOTOS OF ANY PART OF THE MERCURY S-55. ALL OF OUR PHOTOS ARE TAKEN IN NATURAL LIGHT AND WE DO NOT "PHOTO-SHOP" OR TOUCH-UP THE PHOTOS IN ANY WAY. INTRODUCTION This car is offered at a realistic price and. unlike bidding on cars in the currently hectic environment of Scottsdale. where limited detailed information is often lacking. with our listings. you have the benefit of extensive information and history on the car prior to making a buying decision. Equally as important is the fact that Classic Cars Ltd. has been in business for 21+ years and enjoys an excellent national / international relationship with nearly 815+ positive eBay feedback responses. We are personally familiar with our cars and have them in our inventory so we simple do not use phrases like "it is reported that" or "the owner tells us. " The information comes directly from us. not a broker or middle man. Please keep in mind that we will gladly. 1. Answer any questions over the telephone and take the time to guide prospective customers through the buying process (925-846-1451). 2. Assist with locating a quality. suitable transporter at very competitive prices. 3. Provide proof that we are licensed. bonded (for the financial transaction). fully insured. and operate from an established showroom environment. 4. Provide feedback from previous buyers. and specific references for vehicle purchases in your area (we also ask that you view our detailed eBay feedback by clicking on the number to the right of the eBay user name) 5. Offer additional information including specific photographs or clarification of any part of our description of the vehicle Thank you again. please let me know if I can be of assistance. Happy "eBaying"! Paul R. Wankle. Pres. Classic Cars Ltd. Pleasanton. CA 925-846-1451 OVERVIEW-THIS PARTICULAR 1963 MERCURY MONTEREY S-55 We must admit that we are rarely at a loss for words. Additionally. after 21+ years in business. it is unusual for a car to really peak our interest. Well. this is one such car! This is an opportunity to not only own a "Big Block" 4 speed vintage "Hot Rod" sedan originally given to the famous race car driver and owner Parnelli Jones with a totally documented history / lineage. This car is a difficult to find. cosmetically unrestored survivor but has been professionally restored to original mechanical specs. As such. it is an absolute blast to drive with the big 427 and 4-speed stick. Major features include: - Fresh 427 cu. in. V8 engine - T-10 close ratio 4-speed manual transmission w/ recent rebuild - 9-inch locker differential - Power steering - Power brakes w/ recent rebuild of entire system - Coil-over shock absorbers - Huge traction bars - Dual exhaust w/ Flowmaster mufflers - Factory bucket seats and console - Console signed by Parnelli Jones - Considerable documentation verifying provenance DETAILS-THIS PARTICULAR 1963 MERCURY MONTEREY S-55 This 1963 Mercury Monterey S-55 hardtop. was actually driven by famous race car driver and owner Parnelli Jones and has an absolutely fascinating history that is well documented by the included information. The car is freshly mechanically restored to original specs but has not been cosmetically restored. It remains in lovely "survivor" condition and has been cared for by its collector owner who recognized the value of maintaining the car in its current state. Needless to say. it shows some paint and trim imperfects but has a marvelous patina that cannot be duplicated at any cost. The interior presents amazingly well including an autograph by Parnelli Jones who actually drove this car down Pikes Peak during the 1963 event. As the photos depict. this Mercury is a rare example that represents a true. rare survivor with provenance. With the big 427 coupled to a 4 speed it is a joy to drive; a full size "hot rod" sedan. HISTORY OF PARNELLI JONES AND THIS PARTICULAR CAR Rufus Parnell "Parnelli" Jones is a retired American racing driver and race car owner. He is most remembered for his accomplishments at the Indianapolis 500. where he began racing in 1961. Jones was named the 1961 Indianapolis 500 Rookie of the Year. In 1962. he was the first Indy driver to qualify over 150 mph. winning the pole position at a speed of 150. 370 mph. Jones dominated the first two-thirds of the race until a brake line failure slowed him. and he settled for a seventh-place finish. In the 1963 race he again started on the pole and won the race. He then famously broke down while leading the 1967 race with three laps to go in a turbine car. Later. during his career as a car owner. he won the Indy 500 in both 1970 and 1971 with driver Al Unser. Sr. By 1963 Mr. Jones was in his prime. winning a variety of races in various venues. In 1963. racing wizard and Mercury expert Bill Stroppe (Google Bill Stroppe Colorado) built a Mercury Marauder USAC Stock car for Jones to race in the July 4. 1963 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. The build of this car as part of a stable of Mercury race cars for that season is detailed in a March 1963 edition of Motor Trend. a copy of which is included with the purchase of this car. Note: Later in the 1960's Bill Stroppe's company was acquired by Holman Moody. In addition. Mr. Stroppe built an identically powered Mercury S-55 for Mr. Jones to use as a practice vehicle prior to the actual Pikes Peak race. This particular car being offered for sale is that Parnelli Jones practice car. Both the race and practice cars had 427 V8 engines. T-10 transmissions. 9-inch locked differentials. coil-over shocks and huge traction bars. In a rather famous (or infamous) incident. Mr. Jones was involved in a head-on collision of this practice car with another on July 1 while scouting out the race course prior to practice sessions. He was coming downhill and was somewhat over the center line and the two cars collided on the left fronts. Damage was not substantial but there were passenger injuries. Mr. Jones was subsequently ticketed for reckless driving. but it was later reduced to a warning. Several news articles describing the incident are included with the sale of this car. Just 3 days later. Mr. Jones won the 1963 Pikes Peak Hill Climb in the Stroppe-built Mercury race car and broke the stock car speed record for that event. posting a time of 14:17. 4 for the 12. 42 mile course with a 4700 foot rise. It was only the second time Mr. Jones had raced this venue. The practice car's damage was professionally repaired and it was sold on February 4. 1964. as a used car by Bob Foss Motors in Colorado Springs to a Mr. Retallack. A copy of this invoice is included with the car. The invoice identifies the car as "P-Jones-1". Mr. Jones. Rick Mears and Ivan Stewart returned to the Pike's venue in 1999 to participate in a Toyota promotion racing Toyota vehicles. At that event. Mr. Jones personally signed the console lid in this car. A 1999 photo of Mr. Jones alongside the car is included with the sale. THE NUMBERS The car bears Colorado Collector Vehicle license 54L76 and is currently listed as in-op. The VIN is 3Z67Z500398. The data plate on the driver's door frame lists the following: Body 65C=2-door S-55 hardtop Color B =Peacock Turquoise Trim 57 =Light Turquoise Date 11J Axle1 Trans 4 Vehicle Warranty Number 3Z67Z500398 RECENT MAINTENANCE Considerable mechanical maintenance has been recently completed including the following: Engine 427c. i. - Completely overhauled due to a terminal rod knock. Engine is now an exact replica of the engine as built by Stroppe for Parnelli. Built by Ricky Freeman of RF Racing. an experienced engine builder. Since the engine has few miles since overhaul. an oil and filter change is recommended in about 1000 miles. - Original pistons (. 030" oversize) - Cylinders honed - New rings - Re-sized rods w/ new Clevite bearings - Re-ground "period correct w/ correct casting marks" crankshaft . 020 & . 030" undersize (original crankshaft was beyond saving) - New Clevite main bearings - New Comp Cams camshaft and solid lifters w/ original grind as used by Stroppe (cam card included in documentation); valves need occasional adjustment - New timing chain and gears - New Melling high pressure oil pump - Rebuilt heads w/ new stainless steel valves; rebuilt rockers and rocker shaft; did not install hardened seats - Rebuilt and restored Holley carburetor In correct numbers for the 427 engine; one model year newer than car but probably like Stroppe used as the engines did not come from Ford with a carb - Original water pump - New high temperature gaskets for oil pan and valve covers - New temperature sender - New oil pressure sender - New main bearing seals - New intake manifold to solve gasket leak - Custom built fan shroud using a Mustang shroud - New Pertronics ignition module (dramatically improved starting and overall performance) - New distributor - New belts and hoses Transmission-the T10 transmission was rebuilt with: - New main shaft bearings - New lay shaft needle bearings - New shift fork - New synchronizers for all gears - New Center Force clutch and disk; resurfaced flywheel; new pressure plate and throw-out bearing; rare 11" clutch Other Maintenance - Replaced power steering pump - Rebuilt power steering cylinder - New hardened bolts. properly torqued - New brake system w/ new Doorman master cylinder. new wheel cylinders. new brake shoes & hardware - New anti-sway bar links - New universal joints - Packed front wheel bearings. new seals - New rear axle seals - New dual exhaust system w/ Flowmaster mufflers Many of the removed parts have been kept and are in the trunk of the car. MECHANICAL - Period 427 cu. in. V8 engine. 410 hp. 476 lb-ft. torque! (Original car was a 390c. i / 4bbl. But the car was prepared by Bill Stroppe for Pikes Peak in the early 60's and has had the existing drive-line since it was virtually new!! - Chrome valve covers - Original 4-barrel carburetor w/ NASCAR air filter - T-10 4-speed close-ratio manual transmission - 9-inch locker differential - Power steering - Power drum brakes - Coil-over shocks - Huge traction bars - Dual exhaust w/ Flowmaster mufflers - P215/75R14 radial tires. older w/ 60+% tread remaining EXTERIOR The paint is the original Peacock Turquoise color. with partial touch-ups but still showing original paint ion several areas. Door jambs. trunk and engine bay support the cars original color and paint. There are localized chips. scratches. and small dents and. considering the cars fascinating history and the region where it spent the majority of its life. very minimal rust. This is especially true in the areas most prone to rust (rocker panels. front fenders. etc. ) on the early 60's vintage cars. All original badging appears to remain on the car and is excellent condition as the photos support. The stainless trim is very presentable but has the expected small dents that do not attract from the cars overall appearance. Both bumpers are good with bright chrome. no pitting or rust and only a few minor dents. no major damage. The grille is very nice and damage free. The aluminum trim between the rear bumper and the trunk lid is equally nice. Both doors. along with the hood and the trunk close well. All glass is good and all windows crank easily. The car is termed a "breezeway" hardtop as the rear window glass goes down electronically from a dash operated switch (fully operational). The underside of the car is very clean. solid and has not been detailed for this presentation (refer to online photos). INTERIOR The interior is the original Light Turquoise Deluxe color. As with the exterior. the interior has not been restored but shows very well showing only minimal wear. Front seats are factory buckets. The passenger seat is quite nice while the driver's seat has a few areas of stretched stitching. The rear seat is extremely nice. The front seats have lap-only seat belts of the old clamp type. The door panels are nice with wear only on the driver's arm rest. The headliner and both sun visors are excellent. The rear carpet is nice while the front shows the expected wear for an unrestored car. The factory console has been signed by Parnelli Jones during a meeting with the owner when he declared "That is the big block I drove at Pike's Peak. " Both sill plates are shiny Fisher Body with a few small dents. The steering wheel is remarkably free of defects. The dash pad is very nice with one screw hole/dent on the left side. The weather strip on both doors needs replacing. The dash came from the factory with a full complement of gauges including a Fuel. Oil. Alt. and Temp gauge. The speedometer reads 0-120 mph speedometer. A VDO tachometer is mounted forward of the console. The car has a factory clock that is inoperative. The factory heater/defroster is intact and both the heater and blower work very well. All gauges. lights and heating system are fully functional. The odometer reads 13. 90. Mileage is being judged as "total miles unknown" (TMU) as there are no records to support otherwise. However. the survivor condition of the car indicates that the speedometer has likely not rolled over. OTHER - Clear Colorado title with non-op Colorado registration - California smog test not required for vehicles 1975 and older - Passed the California required safety inspection for working wipers. turn signals. lights. brakes. etc. - 1961 Mercury Maintenance Manual plus 1963 Shop Manual Supplement - Many replaced mechanical parts are included with the S55 HISTORY OF THE MERCURY S-55 The Mercury S-55 is an automobile manufactured by Mercury. a division of the Ford Motor Company. Mercury added the S-55. a full-size performance / luxury vehicle to its S or "Special" line in 1962 to match Ford's Galaxie 500/XL. The S-55 joined the existing Mercury "S" or "Special" line consisting of the S-22 Comet and S-33 Meteor. The first year model run offered the S-55 package in two body styles. 2 door hardtop and convertible. The completely redesigned 1963 S-55 was offered in four different body styles: a 2-door Breezeway Hardtop. a 4-door Breezeway Hardtop. and a 2-door Convertible. Later as a 19631⁄2 you could also get the S-55 as a 2 door fastback. Each of these models included the full S-55 trim of bucket seats and console. Power trains available for 1962-1963 included two different versions of the 390 CID (300 hp and 330 hp) and the 406 CID (3-2V or 4V). Available for the first time in 1963 was Ford's famous 427 CID 4V. Most auto enthusiasts are very familiar with the incredible history of the 427c. i. engine and its use in a wide range of applications. Perhaps the most well know figure when it comes to the 427c. i. is Carrol Shelby who. in the mid 60"s was committed to taking on Ferrari with the "big block" 427c. i. powered Cobra's. He made history with same displacement (427c. i. ) engine that was used successfully in the infamous race winning Cobra's. For additional fascinating information. please GOOGLE "How Carrol Shelby Kicked Ferrari's Ass" PURCHASING A COLLECTOR VEHICLE - THINGS TO CONSIDER As always. we recommend that you carefully review the seller's background for any collector car being sold over the Internet. It is important to ask yourself a number of questions including. but not limited to: - How long have they been in business? - How much experience do they have with collector cars? - How many positive collector car vehicle sales have they completed (positive eBay feedback)? - How detailed/complete is the description of the vehicle? - Do the photos show details of the interior. exterior. top. chrome. etc. or are they simply "glamour shots" taken from a distance? - Does the seller have a Surety Bond to protect the financial transaction? - What about insurance. licensing by the state. and a local business license? - Does the seller (if a business) have any DMV (Motor Vehicle) complaints and/or other history of legal action. grievances? - Does the seller enjoy a favorable local and national/international reputation? - Can the seller assist with funding sources. transport and out of state/country sales? ABOUT CLASSIC CARS LTD. - Classic Cars Ltd. has been in the same. small. California town for over 20 years. We operate a small "brick & mortar". indoor showroom. and specialize in the sale. consignment. and purchase of sports. high performance and specialty vehicles of all types. We have a particular interest in sports cars and unique vehicles. - The majority of our vehicles come from local. private owners and collectors. and many were sold new in California. We appreciate that rust free cars. with excellent documentation and history are especially attractive to our buyers both locally. and around the country. As a result. we do not purchase our collectible cars from "distressed" sales. such as wholesale auctions. salvage sales. or lien sales. We do not sell vehicles with salvage titles. or those that have a history of significant accident damage or repair. We have sold hundreds of unique. classic and collectible vehicles and regularly deal with buyers that have not had the experience of purchasing a large (both physically and monetarily) item on eBay. or through an Internet source. Our eBay feedback is 100% positive on all vehicle sales from customers around the globe and is a reflection of our commitment to accurate. complete. and thorough vehicle descriptions. - We have been shipping vehicles for years and have established excellent contacts that are not only high quality but very price competitive. We do not use brokers. terminal shipping or other discount methods. Call us or email for a quote directly to your home or office. We are often able to obtain quality enclosed transportation (the kind of travel this car deserves) for the cost of open shipping. - Please review our feedback on eBay (user name Never22Many) representing over 800+ positive transactions to buyers all over the United States / World. - We are fully insured. bonded. and licensed for collector car sales all over the United States/World. - Classic Cars Ltd. carries a $50. 00 Surety bond to cover financial transactions - We frequently sell vehicles to out of State / out of country buyers. and will be glad to provide references for buyers in your area. MISCELLANEOUS GENERAL INFORMATION - As with virtually all collector/specialty vehicles. we find that parts and resources are readily available for this (and most every vehicle). thanks in large part to the Internet. - In addition to the purchase price of the vehicle. California buyers will be subject to sales tax. a documentation fee. DMV transfer fees and license/registration. Out-of-state buyers will be responsible for the purchase price of the vehicle and any local taxes/fees will be the purchaser's responsibility to pay in their respective state. IMPORTANT NOTE: If the vehicle is delivered or driven in California and driven on California roads. sales-tax. license/registration and transfer fees will be assessed per California law. - While we encourage telephone calls to discuss this vehicle in greater detail we will not respond to inquiries asking "What is the reserve". Also. if you would prefer that we call you to answer any questions about the vehicle; shipping alternatives. etc. please e-mail us with your telephone number and will gladly get back in touch with you. - We encourage inspections of this Mercury S-55 by serious. qualified individuals or professional inspectors. Please call at 925-846-1451 to arrange a convenient time. - As with any collectible vehicle of this vintage we are unable to provide a warranty or guarantee of condition. However. we make every effort to accurately represent our vehicles. and highlight both positive items as well as areas that require attention. We ask that prospective buyers consider our eBay history/feedback. standing in the community. length of time in business. and other factors when purchasing a collectible vehicle from Classic Cars Ltd. - Minor cosmetic issues/flaws may be present on every vehicle (regardless of cost) including small chips. nicks. scratches. etc. that can be seen on even the best restoration. or even a relatively new. used "pre-owned" vehicle. Also. ownership of a collectible / specialty vehicle is more enjoyable if the owner is familiar with the "realities" of these unique cars. Unlike more modern day vehicles. these cars require regular. ongoing care/maintenance and some mechanical knowledge. patience. and understanding can make the experience considerably more pleasant. That said. collector / "specialty" car owners will tell you (emphatically) that they love their cars and wouldn't trade them for anything!! - The information contained in this description is believed to be accurate but. in some instances. has been provided by the car's owner / owners or outside sources. As a result. we are unable to guarantee the accuracy of the information. We encourage verification of "numbers" and significant data prior to the purchase of any collector vehicle that you are considering. Classic Cars Ltd. 925-846-1451 Specifications: Body Type / Style:Coupe Exterior Color:Peacock Turquoise Interior Color:Light Turquoise Engine:V8 Transmission: T10 Mileage:13590 Drive:Rear Doors:2 Equipment: 427c. i / 425hpCar Cover IncludedExcellent DocumentationFactory AM RadioFactory Bucket SeatsFactory Center ConsoleFactory Original Spare / ToolsFactory Padded DashFresh Clutch/SlaveFresh Engine Fresh EngineFull InstrumentationHardtopHeater / DefrosterIncredible "Survivor"Rebuilt EngineRebuilt TransmissionRuns / Drives Very WellSEE DESCRIPTION. Seat Belts (Front)Extensive Documentation Unique History 427c. i Factory S55 Factory 4-Speed! Factory Bucket Seats Beautiful Original Conditon Excellent Body Bright Exterior Trim Factory Stock Exterior Beautiful Stainless VERY 60's Lights! Dual Exhaust Excellent Panel Fit Original Glass Original. Excellent Interior. Very Fast!! HOT ROD!! Factory Gauges - All Work Center Mounted Tach Working Heaat / Defrost Beautiful Dash Signed by Parnelli Jones!! VERY Clean Original Factory Colors Factory ID Tag No Rust Rockers / Doors Very Well Cared For Beautiful. 427c. i / 450~+ hp?? Fresh