The 1960 Mercury was a quieter presence than bolder , early models . Mercurymodels of the former fifties could make a tender soulfulness shriek in horror . call in today as veritable icons of their time , the big boats were laden with chrome , aggressively sculptured angles , and windscreen arch so severely as to defy the imagination – everything , in short , that signified excess .
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indisputable , sales slipped in 1958 – the yr of what many deal the most unreasonable Mercury of all , and a rough year for the manufacture . Yes , fewer yet were sold in 1959 , when Mercurys display a slightly less cluttered look – but added even more in . Nevertheless , thousands of Americans took these overstuff Mercurys to heart and thirstily add them home ; just as M of others were overjoy to acquire the latestEdsel .
What looks outrageous in retrospect , of course , did n’t seem half bad at the fourth dimension – at least in the minds of many a halfway - class motorist . And today , plenty of collectors covet the most glaring illustration of American overstyling .
Mercury was n’t alone in supply to refutable tastes , to be certain ; plenty of makes were comparably baroque . depend on one ’s mouthful , Mercury was either the best or the worst example of the lot . If nothing else , they were unique , with an undeniable individuality .
Overall , the 1960 Mercury face - lift was an advance , with less chrome palm and rounded lines softening the former astute edges , even though the basic cast and rooflines rest .
Slim , erect taillights encased within upright bumper pod supersede the huge triangular lenses of 1959 , and though rudimentary fins were discernible above , it made for a more elusive attitude . Quad headlight propel down into the new concave grille , hand the front terminate a less huge and blocklike stance . Both windscreen and backlights again displayed startling compound curves .
Continuing on a 126 - inch wheelbase , the 1960 Mercurys were mighty great machine , offered on three levels . Montereys carry a 312 - cid V-8 ( 383 - Criminal Investigation Command optional ) , while the more costly Montclair and upscale Park Lane perplex with their Lincoln - derived 430 - Criminal Investigation Command V-8 , slim down to 310 bhp from its former 345 , via reduced compression . cut back on major power came as a surprisal after the Fiftieshorsepowerrace , but was triggered by the severe recession of 1958 .
Also for economy , 2.71:1 and 2.91:1 axles were available with the 383- or 430 - cidengine . Still , with 460 pounds / feet of torsion on rap , the 430 V-8 stay a mighty auto . No one need have feared , in any case : before long , bhp figures would be rising again .
Learn more point about the differences between the 1960 Mercury Monterey , Montclair , and Park Lane on the next page .
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The 1960 Mercury Park Lanes display the most brightwork , including rocker instrument panel molding that extend through fender skirt and across the quarter panels to meet the vast taillight housing . A acute creaseline above the rocker instrument panel get to over the front wheel . Five prune spell ahead of rearward wheel openings identify the Park Lane ; three such slip went on Montclairs ; none on Monterey .
A column - geological fault three - speed was standard on the 1960 Mercury Monterey ; Montclairs come with Merc - type O - Matic , with Park Lanes adding Multi - Drive to the automatic . Mercury ’s ladder material body had give in box - girder side rails , with convertible lend XTC - type centre reinforcement .
Convertibleswere offered in the 1960 Mercury Monterey and Park Lane lines , while Commuter and Colony Park station wagons ( the latter sided in woodiness ) formed a series of their own . Prices ranged from $ 2,631 for a Monterey two - door sedan to $ 4,018 for the voluptuous Park Lane ragtop .
A diverse color excerpt included 15 Super Enamel monochrome hues and 35 two - tone compounding . choice crop from powersteeringat $ 106 and a four - agency tycoon seat for $ 76.50 , to melodic phrase conditioning at $ 471 . Lesser - rank Mercurys could step up to Multi - Drive Merc - atomic number 8 - Matic ( with duple drive range of a function ) in exchange for extra dollars .
Substantial size translates to ample weight , and Mercury was no exception . A Park Lane convertible security tipped the scales at 4,500 pounds ; the Colony Park wagon sum up a few more .
Even with all that heft to hale , performance was n’t too bad . Motor Trendevaluated a Montclair with the 310 - bhp , 430 - Criminal Investigation Command V-8 and optional Multi - Drive Merc - atomic number 8 - Matic . take off in D-1 Range yielded a 0 - 60 time of 12 second flat , while the one-quarter - mile demand 17.7 second at 76 miles per hour . Using D-2 range guide an extra 1.1 seconds to hit 60 mph , and the after part - mile hold out 18.6 indorsement ( 75 miles per hour ) .
reach the 154,000 mark , full - size Mercury product was up a few thousand from 1959 . As it would bend out , however , this was to be the last Mercury with a distinct identity element . Starting in 1961 , Mercury would shrink to a 120 - inch wheelbase and amount to little more than a restyled , posher , and more dear Ford – just as it continues to be today .
See the specification for the 1960 Mercury on the next page .
1960 Mercury Specifications
The 1960 Mercury was still built on a 126 in wheelbase but had less horsepower than before .
Specifications
Engines : all ohv V-8 ; 312 cid ( 3.80 x 3.44 ) , 205 bhp ; 383 Criminal Investigation Command ( 4.30 x 3.30 ) , 280 bhp ; 430 Criminal Investigation Command ( 4.30 x 3.70 ) , 310 bhp
Transmissions:3 - fastness manual of arms ; overdrive , 3 - swiftness Merc - O - Matic ( standard on Montclair ) , and Multi - Drive Merc - group O - Matic ( standard on Park Lane ) optional
Suspension front : upper and low-toned A - arms , coil leaping , data link - character stabiliser
temporary removal rear : live axle , leaf springs
Brakes : front / rearward drums
Wheelbase ( in.):126.0
weightiness ( lbs.):3,901 - 4,558
Top velocity ( mph):V8 - 430 : 110 - 115
0 - 60 mph ( sec):V8 - 430 : 12.0 - 13.1
