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A rare, 1957 Mercury Turnpike Cruiser, located in UK.<br />
When did you last see one?<br />
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With innovative design and unique, space-age features, this was launched in 1957 as a true car of the future . The Turnpike Cruiser was the top-of-the-range Mercury model in 1957. In addition to its unique features, the car was further differentiated from other Mercury models (such as the Montclair) by a gold anodized trim strip in the car"s rear fin.<br />
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This car is a rare specimen! I believe this is the only 1957 Mercury Turnpike Cruiser currently in the UK. I imported it from North Carolina, USA, in 2014. Original-condition survivors like this are exceptionally desirable and scarce; only 8,305 of the 1957 4-door sedans were produced and in later years these cars were often destroyed in demolition derbies. This particular car has attracted much attention at every show I ve taken it to, and the editor of Classic American magazine was so excited about it, telling me he d never seen one in UK before, that he featured it as the cover story in October 2015 (Issue 294, see photos).<br />
This stunning example of an original-condition survivor retains the features that make the Mercury Turnpike Cruiser such a significant milestone in USA"s automotive history.<br />
V-8 engine - 368-c.i.d. engine producing 290 horsepower (220 kw) (this engine was optional on other models)<br />
"Merc-O-Matic push button auto-transmission<br />
Power steering, brakes & seats<br />
Power windows, including the Turnpike s defining electrically retractable rear window for Breeze-way Ventilation (see video of this in action)<br />
"Skylight Dual-Curve windshield<br />
A special steering-wheel flattened at the top for a better view of the road<br />
Quad headlamps (only legal in certain states in 1957)<br />
Wrapped V-angle tail lights<br />
Twin air intakes at the top corners of with a Jetsons-like antenna sticking out on each side.<br />
Gold anodized trim strip in the car"s rear door running through to the fin.<br />
Safety features (of the time!) - padded dashboard (the first of its kind), padded sunvisors, rubber housings for the tachometer and clock, an impact absorbing, deep-dish steering wheel and safety door locks<br />
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What else makes this particular car special?<br />
It was a well cared for and maintained single-family car for 49 years, evidenced by the service receipts and stickers attached to the door frame which I have and will provide with the car. The original Bill of Sale is included in this sale, and shows that Ernest Temple Hutchins bought the car new in 1957 and owned it until 1974 the ownership then passed to Vallie Maude Pulliam Hutchins until 1977 and then to Earle Manning Hutchins until 2006. It was then sold outside the family until I purchased it in 2014.<br />
Original interior in AMAZING condition the car arrived to me in 2014 with the plastic factory seat covers still intact. I decided to remove them (couldn t resist) and exposed for the first time in 57 years its spectacular white vinyl and black and silver-flecked fabric seat coverings with silver piping. (Trim; 792 white vinyl with Chinese Key Broadcloth) They re in fresh, mint condition - excepting a small fabric tear to the bottom driver-side seat frame (see photo). The door cards are original and also in excellent condition. Headliner has some slight yellowing but is intact, in great shape with no rips orsags.<br />
Engine runs like a dream! Reliable, no noise, no smoke, cruises effortlessly at speed and runs cool in traffic. I had the starter motor professionally rebuilt in 2015, added a new 12V battery and completed a full service (brakes, new oil, new oil filter, sparkplugs, leads, dis cap, condenser, rotor arm, coil, air filter, belts). Push button transmission shifts smooth as it should.<br />
All electrics work! Seat, x5 windows, horn, gauges, interior lights, dash lights, brake lights, high/low beam, indicators and Aerial see video! (Clock was working but has recently stopped) Even has a working rev counter! (standard for 57)<br />
Original paint that does show signs of age (patina - only original once!). In a couple of spots it has worn through toprimer in places but shines up well overall.<br />
Has the optional-extra large fender skirts (standard were smaller teardrop ones) - again all original and in great shape.<br />
All glass is original FORD with Blue tint on top of windshield and in great shape with no fogging. <br />
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Other minor additions I have made;<br />
the 2 rocket mirrors on both fenders have just been re-chromed<br />
new period-correct, pattern-cut, 80/20 black loop pile carpet fitted<br />
modern CD player wired in but concealed in the glove box with x2 new speakers;<br />
The car is supplied with 4 sets of keys and lots of old bills and registration papers. Please note that the whitewall tires look great but they are old.<br />
All duties paid and fully registered for use on UK roads with UK log book in my name.<br />
I have included links to youtube that include the car driving and a walk around also a link showing the removal of the clear plastic seat covers.<br />
Copy and paste the links below into your browser;<br />
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VOH_JXUxfME<br />
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YKz8HQyXZA0<br />
Only serious inquiries/bidders please. I am happy to ship overseas and to work with your shipper but the car will not be released until full payment has been made. Thanks for looking!<br />
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Grab this rare opportunity to be the only person at the show with a "57 Turnpike Cruiser!<br />
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Date written: 07-Jun-2016
Price: £25000 As stated
More about this vehicle on carandclassic.co.uk
ID: 3753
