A Brief Look at the Mercury S-55
First Generation (1962-1964)
The Mercury S-55, also known as the “Special 55”, is a mid-sized car that was produced by the Mercury division of Ford Motor Company. It was introduced in 1962 as the top of the line performance option for the Mercury Monterey, and was available until 1970.
The first generation of the Mercury S-55 was produced from 1962 to 1964. It was only available as a two-door hardtop, and came equipped with the 390 cubic inch V8 engine producing 300 horsepower. The car sat on a 120-inch wheelbase, and had a distinctive grille, taillights, and trim. The S-55 could reach a top speed of 120 mph and boasted 0-60 acceleration in 9.1 seconds.
In 1963, a convertible model was added to the line-up. It came with a 406 cubic inch V8, producing 385 horsepower. The convertible S-55 also featured bucket seats and a center console as standard equipment, making it the luxury and performance car of choice for drivers and passengers alike.
Second Generation (1965-1966)
In 1965, the second generation of the Mercury S-55 was introduced. It was based on the new Marauder platform, which was a modified version of the full-sized Ford platform. The new platform allowed for more flexibility in design, and as a result, the S-55 looked sleeker and sportier than its predecessor.
The 1965 S-55 was available in either a two-door hardtop coupe or a convertible, and was fitted with a 390 cubic inch V8 engine that produced 300 horsepower. The S-55 boasted an improved suspension system and a larger front sway bar, which allowed for better handling and stability on the road.
For the 1966 model year, Mercury offered two different versions of the S-55. The first was a standard model with the 390 cubic inch V8 engine producing 275 horsepower. The second was a premium model, known as the S-55 “Breezeway”, which came with a 428 cubic inch V8 engine producing 345 horsepower. The Breezeway featured a retractable rear window, unique to the Mercury brand.
Third Generation (1967-1968)
The third generation of the Mercury S-55 was produced from 1967 to 1968. It was based on the new intermediate Marquis platform, which was smaller and lighter than the previous platform. The new platform made the car more agile and responsive on the road.
The 1967 S-55 came with a 390 cubic inch V8 engine producing 320 horsepower, and was available in either a two-door hardtop or a convertible. The styling was updated with a new grille, taillights, and trim. The car featured a unique “speedometer ribbon” instrument panel that was shared with the Ford Thunderbird.
In 1968, the S-55 was fitted with a 390 cubic inch V8 engine producing 335 horsepower. A new fastback roofline was introduced, which gave the car a sportier and more modern look. The S-55 also featured hidden headlights that were activated by vacuum-operated actuators.
Fourth Generation (1969-1970)
The fourth and final generation of the Mercury S-55 was produced from 1969 to 1970. It was based on the same intermediate Marquis platform, but was updated with a new, more aerodynamic body style. The car featured a long hood, short deck, and a fastback roofline, giving it a sporty and aggressive appearance.
The 1969 S-55 came with a 390 cubic inch V8 engine producing 320 horsepower, and was available in either a two-door hardtop or a convertible. The car featured an upgraded suspension system and a larger front sway bar, which improved handling and stability. The S-55 also came with power front disc brakes as standard equipment.
For the 1970 model year, the S-55 was fitted with a 429 cubic inch V8 engine producing 360 horsepower. The car featured a new grille, taillights, and trim, and was available in a variety of new colors and interior options. The car was highly praised for its combination of luxury, performance, and style.
The Legacy of the Mercury S-55
The Mercury S-55 was a symbol of luxury and performance during its time. It was a car that stood out on the road, thanks to its unique styling and impressive performance capabilities. The S-55 was produced during a time when muscle cars were at the height of their popularity, and it is still highly regarded by enthusiasts and collectors today.
Although the S-55 was discontinued in 1970, its legacy lives on as a classic American muscle car. The car remains a sought-after collector’s item, and continues to inspire new generations of automotive enthusiasts. The history and evolution of the Mercury S-55 is a remarkable story of innovation, design, and engineering, and it will forever be remembered as a true automotive icon.