The Montclair was a new edition to the Mercury portfolio in 1955, slotted above the more pedestrian (if a Mercury could be thought of that way) Monterey. Montclair would comprise nearly one-third of all Mercury production that year and more than 71,500 copies would be 2-door hardtops like the seller’s car. Located in a field in Rosedale, Maryland, this two-tone vintage Merc needs work, but we know little else about it. The asking price is $5,500 here on craigslist. Our appreciation goes to Mitchell G. for the white-over-red tip!

While it’s strictly conjecture, it’s thought that the Montclair name came from the town in New Jersey that was near the company’s Mahwah manufacturing plant (but why?). Mercury would use the nameplate from 1955 to 1960 and again from 1964 to 1968 before moving on to something else. The original Montclair was only built for two years before a redesign would take place. To differentiate its higher level of trim from the Monterey, the cars deployed an interesting styling feature using a contrasting color panel just below the window line on both sides of the car.

As we stated, not much information is imparted regarding this 1955 Mercury. For example, why is it sitting in a field and how long has it been there? Did something go awry with its engine, likely a 292 cubic inch V8 that was also used in the Ford Thunderbird that year? That motor was rated at 195 hp. An automatic transmission is or was present.

Is rust a problem with this seemingly forgotten car? Maybe, but the external sheet metal doesn’t seem to be brimming with it. The interior will need carpeting at a minimum (and maybe a seat cover or two), but there are no photos of the rest of the passenger compartment. And what about the trunk? What’s inside? Perhaps a goldmine or extra parts? Or nothing at all? A ’55 Mercury Montclair is not so widely in demand that only six words of description may be enough to sell it.