1957 Mercury Turnpike Cruiser Pace Car Convertible Re-creation: A Classic Gem from Indy
On May 30, 1957, the 46th running of the Indianapolis 500 took place, marking a historic day in Indianapolis, Indiana. Celebrating this significant occasion is the meticulously restored 1957 Mercury Turnpike Cruiser Pace Car Convertible Re-creation. Awarded a senior national first place winner in 2002, this classic gem continues to captivate enthusiasts with its timeless appeal.
Historical Significance and Restoration:
- Indy 500 Heritage: This Mercury pays homage to the 1957 Indianapolis 500, where it played a part in the festivities as a pace car. It received the honor of being a participant in the 100th Anniversary Indianapolis 500 in 2011.
- Frame-Off Restoration: The car underwent a…
1957 Mercury Turnpike Cruiser Pace Car Convertible Re-creation: A Classic Gem from Indy
On May 30, 1957, the 46th running of the Indianapolis 500 took place, marking a historic day in Indianapolis, Indiana. Celebrating this significant occasion is the meticulously restored 1957 Mercury Turnpike Cruiser Pace Car Convertible Re-creation. Awarded a senior national first place winner in 2002, this classic gem continues to captivate enthusiasts with its timeless appeal.
Historical Significance and Restoration:
- Indy 500 Heritage: This Mercury pays homage to the 1957 Indianapolis 500, where it played a part in the festivities as a pace car. It received the honor of being a participant in the 100th Anniversary Indianapolis 500 in 2011.
- Frame-Off Restoration: The car underwent a comprehensive nut-and-bolt, frame-off restoration, ensuring that it stands true to its original glory. The attention to detail is evident in every aspect of the vehicle.
Manufacturing Details:
- Production Date: Crafted on January 5, 1957, at Ford’s Hazelwood Assembly Plant in suburban St. Louis, Missouri, this Mercury carries the unique code SL.
- Sun Glitter Yellow: Adorned in the correct Sun Glitter Yellow paint (code 2000), the exterior showcases excellence in both paint quality and trim.
Exterior Features and Styling:
- Pace Car Graphics: The car comes with removable “pace car” vinyl graphics, allowing the owner to experience the authentic pace car look.
- Continental Kit: A Continental Kit with a Dream Car Spare Tire Carrier adds a touch of vintage elegance to the rear, complemented by a full-size spare tire and wheel in the trunk.
- Quadri-Beam Headlamps: Uncommon for its time, the car features “Quadri-Beam” dual headlamps as standard, a distinctive feature that sets it apart.
Wheel Ensemble and Undercarriage:
- Wide Whitewall Tires: Rolling on BFGoodrich Silvertown wide whitewall tires, size 8.00-14, and mounted on well-maintained wheels, the car exudes authenticity.
- Detailed Undercarriage: The undercarriage has been not only restored but also highly detailed, showcasing the commitment to excellence in the restoration process.
Powerful Performance:
- Lincoln Y-block Engine: Beneath the hood resides a rebuilt Lincoln Y-block 368 CID V-8, featuring a four-barrel carburetor, dual exhausts, and a 9.75:1 compression ratio.
- Merc-O-Matic Transmission: Paired with a Merc-O-Matic three-speed automatic transmission, the car ensures a smooth and enjoyable driving experience.
Interior Comfort and Features:
- Black-and-Yellow Interior: The matching black-and-yellow vinyl interior (code 2005) perfectly complements the exterior, creating a cohesive and stylish interior space.
- Pushbutton Automatic Transmission: Embracing the era’s design, the car features a pushbutton automatic transmission, a unique and nostalgic touch.
- Convenience Features: Power recirculating-ball steering and power four-wheel drum brakes contribute to the overall driving comfort.
Documentation and Memorabilia:
- Historical Documentation: A rich collection of historical documentation includes a photo of the original pace car in the 1957 Indy 500 race, promotional signs, a scale model of the ’57 Mercury Turnpike Cruiser Pace Car, an official 1957 Indy 500 Race Program, admission ticket, trading cards, and framed photos.
In the competitive realm of 1957 convertibles, this Mercury Turnpike Cruiser stands out, rivaling offerings from Buick, Cadillac, Chrysler, Continental, DeSoto, Dodge, Imperial, Lincoln, and Oldsmobile. As a testament to automotive history and craftsmanship, this pace car recreation continues to captivate and represents a cherished piece of racing heritage.