My dad had one of these in 1957. My uncle was a Lincoln-Mercury dealer in Jonesboro AR and some how or another - we had another one - my uncle convinced him to bring this one home. I was seven and can still remember incidents associated with the car including one day when my mother was driving a friend of mine home after a play date and he crawled out the back window on to the trunk. I remember going 77 mph in it with my dad at the wheel and I also remember his being unhappy with the airconditioner because he'd have to shut it off ever so often because it froze up. He also hated taking it in for service or a wash because the guys who washed the car had to diddle with the power windows and he really, really didn't want one to break. My dad 'threatened' to not trade it but instead, keep it and put it up on blocks... but went ahead and traded it. We lived in a small Mississippi river town in Arkansas and apparently some black lady bought it. I remember sometime around 1970-75 spying it on the street just off downtown. I stopped and asked around and found the lady who owned it sitting on her porch. I told her about it being my dad's years ago (he sold it when I was ten or so) and how I had always admired it. Anyway, I talked her into letting me take it around the block. Glad to this day that I had the gumption to ask although, by that time, it was showing its age. Still, it went but was loosey-goosey, squeaking and sloppy as it had not had shocks, grease jobs, and other essential maintenance. Still, I got to drive it. It was blue, with a black top, power windows but without the continental package (tire extension on the back) It did have fender skirts.
Yeah, the rest of the story regarding my mother is that she had grown up in New York City and was, at that time, just learning to drive. I mean when Dale climbed out on the trunk, she really freaked :) and the car also had power brakes and he came tumbling back in head over heals ... It was memorable :)
That's the same color as the little diecast one i just bought. Blue on the sides with the anodized gold trim, black roof, hood, and trunk. Has a blue and white interior also.
Well Lou, you've done it again. Brought back some fond memories. My Dad (rest his soul) bought a '57 Mercury Monclair (middle of the line) new back in '57 and suddenly family outings became more of a joy. Dad wanted the Turnpike Cruiser so badly, but decided to economize and roll with the Montclair. But he was proud to open the hood of that Monclair, because he did opt for the Turnpike Cruiser engine and was sure to let everyone know that was what it was. Late in life I found a convertible Turnpike Cruiser Indy 500 Pace Car replica for sale and talked him into going to see it. He liked it, but was turned off by "all that lettering on the side." So, no sale. He would've hopped on this one, though! Thanks again for the memories, Lou. --Jim
What an amazing 50's classic. The Mercury Turnpike Cruiser! They don't get more classic then one of these cars. Talk about the unique features presented on this vehicle - the curved windshield, upper fresh air vents, the power rear window for ventilation, memory seat, tachometer, and computer clock. These cars and Park Lane in 58 were so cool and imagine one with a 430 triple carb 400 hp - how rare and unique one would be. Thanks for sharing this great 57 Merc with us, Lou.
This may be my favorite Car Story car. Wild design, advanced features. Its bold as brass and stands out from all the amazing mid century masterpieces produced in the 50's. AMAZING CAR!
@@loucostabile Hi Lou, are those lights or reflectors in he rear bumper? I was thinking maybe 'sequential' turn signals, but probably not? This car reminds me of the bulgy 50s Chryslers a lot!
This car just oozes late 50's Americana. One of the most unique cars of that era. My dad had a '64 Monterey Breezeway. It had the inverted power rear windshield and like many Fords and Mercury's of the era the hood opened from back to front.
Hi Michael Reilly, Happy to read you appreciate this car :-) Thank you for viewing, sharing and I believe you're going to see many more cars on this Channel you'll enjoy. Hope you Subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this TH-cam Channel, Lou
That isn't so much a car as it is a work of art. Incredible to think that once upon a time, beautiful cars like this rolled off assembly lines every day. Style really mattered then, didn't it? Sad to think how long ago that was. Sadder still to think about the garbage they build today.
Agreed it is incredible & agree it looks like a work of art. The good news is today cars do last longer & the engines are more reliable & efficient with much more horsepower & handling due to much better tires and grip. I do understand where you're coming from and that's why I so enjoy when I find a Owner and car like this to video and share. Thank you for viewing and sharing, Lou.
During its day this particular Ford company model did not sell, because of being too much even for the customers taste of the late fifties. Allthough the ride was excellent and it offered all the luxuries of the time. It was a shade of things to come for the failure of Edsel
Agree totally!today's cars, trucks ,suvs = YAWN! ,HO HUM, you seen one , you've seen them all,the classics = rolling works of art!style ,class , character easily tell one from another ,all were unique.
This video has me in amazement of this car with all of it's uniqueness, especially that back window, and makes me feel as though Lou and his channel are a treasure. Thanks, Lou and Bill!
Hi Sabba_Dabba, Happy to read "This video has me in amazement of this car with all of it's uniqueness" :-) Agree, the back window is a unique feature. High praise on the Channel. Thank you for viewing, sharing, and you're welcome, Lou
Wow! This car brings back LOT's of memories!!! I purchased one in 1968 and drove it daily for quite a while...EVERYTHING worked and it rode like a dream! Thank Heaven gas prices were less than 30 cents a gallon (if not lower!) as it was a gas hog! Great car and had sooo many innovative features for it's time! Neat! Neat! Neat! Great to see one that has been sooo well maintained and loved as this one obviously is!!!
This Mercury Turnpike Cruiser had a lot of features that WERE WAY ahead of its time........I LOVE THOSE little " antennas" out the front ventilation holes in the roof ......and a tachometer in A fullsize top of the line family cruiser....that IS TRUELY incredible.....& what a gorgeous interior with all those ' creature comforts' . The rear window is the ' bomb'....up N DOWN window LIKE a station wagon...!!!!!! This Mercury was definitely the ' Cream of the Crop' Thank you for the video, Bill & Lou.
A very beautiful car in fantastic shape.. the owner is rightfully proud of this incredible car. Lou, your channel is a fantastic resource for people who love older cars.
Hi Jesse Mag, Happy to read you enjoy the looks and condition of this car :-) I'm glad you're finding the Channel a "fantastic resource". Glad you're along the ride, Lou
A very unique automobile with a number of features way ahead of its time, some never to be seen again. When Ed Sullivan did a live commercial for Mercury's Turnpike Cruiser on his television show he referred to it as a production car with dream car styling. Superlative in quite a number of ways. I do prefer the quad headlamps. Somehow they enhance an already gorgeous image.
Well I'm only 5 years late on this video Bill that car is absolutely beautiful and I agree with the idea of having something unique everybody has a 57 Chevy A turnpike cruiser and all it has to offer epitomizes the way things were with turnpikes in highways just beginning to open up across the country. Enjoy it and thank you for showing us your car and thank you for finding it.
I was raised up as a kid in a 58 Mercury Monterey , four head lights, I am glad you mentioned the light difference from 57.I did not appreciate the car at the time,It was neat with the push button Trans .This video makes appreciate it so much and the great cars they owned! As well as 65 impala 327 4 SD. And 67 Buick 430 that my mom drove like a rocket .Thanks for showing the Merc!
COULD YOU IMAGINE WAXING THAT CAR! WHAT A TREAT THOUGH, WHEN FINISHED. THE DESIGNER WAS OBSESSED! WHAT A PARTS LIST! CAR, SPEED BOAT, HARLEY COMBO. IT IS BEYOND DRIVEN. A CONCEPT THAT SLIPPED THROUGH. YOU COULD SIT UNDER A SHADE TREE AND LOOK AT THIS CAR ALL DAY.
Hi Brett, Happy to read you appreciate this car :-) Thank you for viewing, sharing and I believe you're going to see many more cars on this Channel you'll enjoy. Hope you Subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this TH-cam Channel, Lou
Hi John Roberts, Glad you enjoyed this one, and you're correct, you don't see this one on the road for sure. Hope you see many more cars on the Channel you'll learn about. Have you seen this one? Enjoy, Lou th-cam.com/video/Y3Y-gQwhOdY/w-d-xo.html
Hi Ms. Sonshine, Happy to read this car brings back memories of your Neighbors car :-) Thank you for viewing and sharing. Hope you see many cars on this Channel you enjoy! Please Subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this TH-cam Channel, Lou
My Father in law was a car dealer and the family went to visit his family in Miami and buy cars and he bought a 57 Turnpike Cruiser just like yours and that was my car to drive that was in 1964 but it didn't have the continental kit but it was black I Loved that car
Hi mrbhpj45, Sound like wonderful memories :-) Thank you for viewing, sharing, and adding to the story. Hope you see many cars on the Channel you'll enjoy, Lou
I try and watch all of your videos after all you do have the Greatest Cars like I said my father in law was a car dealer and I got to drive some really great cars just had to remember which one you were driving and I worked at a Car Dealer Ship so I really like your Videos.But that was a long time ago I remember driving a 62 Olds Starfire Convertible in 64 to the Prom Wow what a car that was. Well You keep making the Videos and I will watch as many as I can Thank You for the Memories Your Friend Buck
Hi Buck, Happy to read you're enjoying the Channel :-) Having a Father In Law in as a Car Dealer when you're a "Car Guy" is a nice bonus to the marriage! I'm having fun sharing the cars and the memories, Lou
Cars like these made me want to design automobiles. Today, one can remove the emblems of an Audi and a Kia and not tell them a part. So sad humanity does not see the bigger picture here...
I think it was Dr. Seuss who said, "Don't be sad it's gone, just be glad it happened." That helps me David Adams, and I hope it helps you too. Bonus is we have the video to see this car again, and again, and share with others too, Lou
David, absolutely right. Besides this, head or tail lights are not part of the body design anymore. Entire car outline look like a kids drawing, no details, taillights in particular just arbitrarily placed somewhere on the back, shapes with no reference the car body but with a brightness that will blind you.
Losing uniqueness and esthetic appeal in the race for manufacturing simplicity, reduced material due to the "war effort" and cost reduction is a pathetic venture for sure.
My dad had one similar to this only no continental kit sold it to a co worker and one month later a collector came to the house and he told him where the car was later the guy told my dad that he got 2 grand for it this was in 1969
@@copperhammer Boy you nailed that one!! How true!! It's about shitty quality a mass production as fast as they can slap em together!! Then they all look the same?!
Before I saw some you tube videos, I never heard of a turn pike cruiser. They are really sharp and so nice looking. So classy, and I'm sure as time go by they will only look better and better and be more appreciated. I'm glad your car is in such nice shape and so pretty. I love the 'M' on the front grill.
Hi Jeffrey, Happy to read you appreciate this "awesome" car :-) Thank you for viewing, sharing and I believe you're going to see many more cars on this Channel you'll enjoy. Hope you Subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this TH-cam Channel, Lou
My dad sold his ' 50 Merc & bought a brand new black '57 Turnpike Cruiser from Burdumy Motors in Upper Darby, Pa. Those were the days my friend..... Your '57 brings back nice memories. Good luck with it !
Hi Quinton, Happy to read this car brings back memories of your Dads car :-) Thank you for viewing and sharing. Hope you see many cars on this Channel you enjoy! Please Subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this TH-cam Channel, Lou
One of my ALL time Favorite Different Classic Cars Lou! When I first saw read about these usually in 4 door I was hooked! Never seen one with the skirts. Great Driver quality and Must get a lot of lookers. I usually see these in medium Green in pictures.
This car is basically the inspiration for the lowrider scene in all it's glory. Super over the top in every way possible. It is truly amazing what they were able to accomplish back then.
Hi Greg Clem Kadiddlehopper, Happy to read you appreciate the looks of this car :-) Thank you for viewing, sharing and I believe you're going to see many more cars on this Channel you'll enjoy. Hope you Subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this TH-cam Channel, Lou
family had a 57 colony park wagon. awesome. dad taught me how to drive his 59 colony park which had grown to 126in wheelbase, much bigger than the ford country squire which was what the 57 was based on.crazy about these. both were black/woodys on red. stunning.
Hi geo dot, Happy to read this car brings back memories of your Family's car :-) Thank you for viewing and sharing. Hope you see many cars on this Channel you enjoy! Please Subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this TH-cam Channel, Lou
That is AWESOME!!! WHEN I DRIVE BOTH OF MY DADS 58 EDSELS, 1 is a Pacer 4 Dr sedan, the other is 4 Door hard top, I GET THE SAME EXACT REACTIONS AS HE DOES, PEOPLE ARE FREAKN OUT STARING N STARING 😳😱 AND ESPECIALLY THE ELDERLY, THEY'RE ALL SHOCKED TO SEE THESE CARS ON THE ROAD AGAIN, I GET ALL KINDS OF GREAT AMAZING POSITVE COMMENTS AND I ALSO GET CONSTANTLY THIS SIGNAL, (👍). ONE TIME A TRAIN ENGINEER BLEW THE HELL OUT OF HIS HORN GIVING ME THUMBS UP!! GREAT VIDEO, THANKS FOR SHARING, ❤️👍.
Hi Edsel, High praise :-) Glad to read you have some cool cars too. Appreciate the kind words on the video. My pleasure sharing with you, and you're welcome, Lou
As much as I love British cars I still think America made the best and most advanced cars of this era. I've never even heard of these but am blown away by its sophistication and levels of equipment. I would love one but don't think it's ideal for Britain's tiny roads. I can but dream....
Johnny, that's not much good for today's American roads. When traveling think 18 wheeler routing. An absolutely beautiful car, but not much in the sanity department. In the 50s though those kinds of tanks ruled. Chrysler had a couple with features so advanced it would be decades before adopted to "normal" cars. This may not have been American engineering at its best, but as far as design we will never again see the likes. That's sad.
Hi JohnnyTheWolfLupino, Happy to read you appreciate this car :-) Thank you for viewing, sharing and I believe you're going to see many more cars on this Channel you'll enjoy. Hope you Subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this TH-cam Channel, Lou
The utter opulence of top tier American cars in the 50s. The absolute demonstration of excess. Makes a Rolls look plain. So very cool. To think this was what they were competing to be, Pontiac, Mercury, Chrysler, Studebaker, etc. Such a different time, such a different mindset. Just a great car, and you covered it well.
@@loucostabile The Destruction Derbies of the 60s and 70s were dominated by two cars: The Mercury Turnpike Cruiser and the Imperial, and it was a fight to the finish. The rear coil spring 60s T-birds were also serious contenders.
Dual Headlights: Nice classic car! 1957 was the first year. At the beginning of the model year not all states allowed 4 headlights so some makes put off the change until 1958. The 1957 Plymouth had (2) large turn signals next to the headlights so in 1958 the headlight could replace the turn sign for a Dual headlight for 1958 Plymouth. Thanks for sharing!
Hi Tony, Thank you for viewing and sharing your knowledge. My pleasure sharing with you and you're welcome. Hope you see many more cars on this TH-cam Channel you enjoy. Please subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this TH-cam Channel, Lou
Hi Orwellknew911, Happy to read you appreciate this car :-) Thank you for viewing, sharing and I believe you're going to see many more cars on this Channel you'll enjoy. Hope you Subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this TH-cam Channel, Lou
I had never seen one of these till I was watching the old reruns of the Annette miniseries from Disney. There was a Montclair convertible in it. I never knew there was a turnpike model I would not mind investing into one of these. It is a very interesting car I really like the vents mounted up on each side of the windshield and fact the rear window goes down! I enjoy this video
Hi Milla 69, Happy to read this car brings back memories of your Dads car :-) Thank you for viewing and sharing. Hope you see many cars on this Channel you enjoy! Please Subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this TH-cam Channel, Lou
I have a 57 Monarch Richelieu 4 door and is well equipped with power steering, brakes memory seat, radio, clock, pushbutton transmission anodised aluminum rear panels and red reflectors in rear bumper.
Hi Michael, Happy to read you "love the old Turnpike Cruiser" :-) Hope you see many more cars on this TH-cam Channel you enjoy. Please subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this TH-cam Channel, Lou
back when cars had character. this truly is one of a kind. everything about it is unique and very detailed. to make one of these you had to have craftsmanship. they couldn't afford to sell these today and could kind the people with skills. a beauty
First car I drove in 1966 was our family’s 😊1957 Turnpike Cruiser 4 door, black with red and black interior. But no fender skirts and a bit of rust above the headlights and rocker panels. It was a northern Minnesota car.
When I was 6 & 7 yrs old my dad had a 57 turn Pike cruiser convertible. It was pink & white. This was 1962 & 63. Bought it used. I remember it having 2 hoses that went from 5 & 7 o'clock positions on the air cleaner down to 2 air inlets between the bumper & the head lights, kind of a ram air I guess. It didn't move very fast from zero to say 50 mph, but if you were doing 50 mph & floored it, it would raise the hood & you'd be going 70 in no time. I read an article in Hemings motor news about 15 yrs ago, all about the make & model. How few were made, especially the convertibles & if you had the continental spare tire kit, it was even more rare. Seems I remember that the price range was 35 k to 45 k for one in excellent shape. When I read that, I thought, if dad had only kept it. But in 1963 it was just an old car. He sold it to a 19 yr old neighbor kid.
What a beauty! That must have always been a standout vehicle on the road. Also so glad to see someone who respects it as the manufacturer built it, keeping it all original but with upkeep. Kudos to the owner and kudos to you Lou for making the video for all the rest of us to enjoy!
Hi JonR Mang, Glad to read you enjoy this car. I too like when a car is original so you can get the exact feeling of what the Designers and Engineers were doing in that time period. Appreciate the kind words on the video, Lou
That's another good one. I believe that early models the rear window was crank down in the back seat area and that parents didn't like that option when the children would lose things out the back.
Hi Patrick, Happy to read you appreciate this car :-) Thank you for viewing, sharing and I believe you're going to see many more cars on this Channel you'll enjoy. Hope you Subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this TH-cam Channel, Lou
Nice car interesting to note that when Edsel was released the citation was the same body style as the turnpike really cool looking I thought it was a citation at first
Back in the day it was a family night out to go look at the new cars when they came out. The 57 mercury is the one car that has always stuck in my memory as it was just so different and special looking. You do find some great cars...
Good video work. Almost like being there. You ask all the right questions and the owner was great. The Turnpike Cruiser was the height of 50's bling......Many car enthusiasts are not aware that Mercury used push button transmission controls.
Hi rizzle razzleuno, Thank you for the kind words, and glad you enjoy this car & video :-) Hope you see many more cars on this TH-cam Channel you'll enjoy, Lou
My father purchased a 1957 BIG M in August of 1957 this was the car I learned to drive in the styling was great for its day. Ours came with the Dual Head Lights which they ALL did in the middle of the model year as far as I know it was NOT an option the Mercury came in the beginning of the year with single head lights and Mercury changed them to dual head lights mid year so half the year they were single and mid year on went to Duals.... Also the stone guards as you called them over the wheels are called "Fender Skirts" in the back they are only to make the car look more dressed up and has NOTHING to do with Stones!! Ps-- Get your story straight))
Hi Ashook, Happy to read you appreciate this car :-) Thank you for viewing, sharing and I believe you're going to see many more cars on this Channel you'll enjoy. Hope you Subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this TH-cam Channel, Lou
I have seen these cars over the years...in pohotos. Always thought they were a little strange. Love your up close detail. After studying it, and watching this video, I have more respect for it. A few little 50's quirks, but a beautiful car! Oh man! I had no idea these had push button gears!!! I also did not know that the Turnpike Cruiser was the Top of the Line Mercury for 1957.
Hi Rick InNepa, Happy to read you appreciate this car :-) Thank you for viewing, sharing and I believe you're going to see many more cars on this Channel you'll enjoy. Hope you Subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this TH-cam Channel, Lou
Tri-A! Authentic American Automobile. Memory power seat! In 1957! That little stamp with last words "FORD MOTOR CO. DEARBORN, MICH" Ohhh... America what happened? Man said he wanted something unusual. But 60 years ago these cars were around. On every corner across the country. And now across the America the beautiful nothing but a shopping malls! And they don't even built Mers anymore - freaking beautiful!
Hi PAVEL K., Happy to read you appreciate this car :-) Thank you for viewing, sharing and I believe you're going to see many more cars on this Channel you'll enjoy. Hope you Subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this TH-cam Channel, Lou
That continental kit kills the clean design. The rear window is super awesome always loved that. Great that you gave the owner props and respect. Owned it since 1988 that’s true love ha. 👍🏼
I hope memory is clear. My father had one of these with the "Mercury Super Marauder" engine. Basically, when you opened the hood, you found an enormous aluminum air filter covering 3 2 barrels, and reading as above. For years, I was told no such engine was available. With the advent of eBay, I see the manifolds turning up with the explanation that they were a dealer installed option.
Hi Warrington Faust, Happy to read this car brings back memories of your Fathers car :-) Thank you for viewing and sharing. Hope you see many cars on this Channel you enjoy! Please Subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this TH-cam Channel, Lou
Hi ferlenarab, Happy to read this car brings back memories of your Friends Father who likes these cars :-) Thank you for viewing and sharing. Hope you see many cars on this Channel you enjoy! Please Subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this TH-cam Channel, Lou
Awesome, a really unique look back to a fifty’s classic. The most fun car I ever owned was a 58 Ford with a nice dual exhaust. I loved to drive down country roads listening to the sound reverberating from the woods. Fun times while serving in the USAF.
My first car. Sure wish I still had it, same color, 6 way power seat non automatic,no skirts or continental kit rear window went up automatically if the trunk ornament got wet. Also standard mirrors and fender ornaments.
The back window was a standard on Mercs for many years. My dad had a few. Good for disposal of cigarette ashes and beer cans and fart gas. You and 3 buddies could go to the Lakeland Arena in Caseville, everybody pickup a date and plenty of room for everybody to go to Port Austin for a Pizza. Those were the days. I saw Bob Seeger for $1.50 in Caseville, also Question Mark and the Mysterians. Take me there.
Hi Greg, Thanks for sharing your knowledge, and happy to read this car brings back memories of your Dads cars :-) Thank you for viewing and sharing. Hope you see many cars on this Channel you enjoy! Please Subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this TH-cam Channel, Lou
My dad had a '57 Turnpike Cruiser that he bought new and drove until 1962. I remember being driven to school, it was like being in a parade car. Red and white two-tone exterior with the gold-anodized spears down the last 1/3 of its length, black and white cloth and vinyl interior. I don't remember if it had the tachometer, but I do recall the turbine/jet-like whine of the Merc-o-Matic transmission when he held it in 1st gear (at my request!). Would love to have that 'Big M' today.
Hi thoof2001, Happy to read this car brings back memories of your Dads car :-) Thank you for viewing and sharing. Hope you Subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this TH-cam Channel, Lou
in canada they had the monarch which is another copy of these cars.my dad owned a 1954 monarch and i bought one of those as soon as i turned 16 and had a drivers license the turnpike cruisers were hard to locate in canada and i can only recall seeing one on a dealers lot.
Hi Jim, Happy to read this car brings back memories of your Dads car :-) Thank you for viewing and sharing. Hope you see many cars on this Channel you enjoy! Please Subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this TH-cam Channel, Lou
This man has one of a kind, I remember this car when I was a kid at Williams Ford in West Hartford Ct. Long gone now. It was ordered and the man could not afford it when it arrived and it's sat there for the longest time before somebody bought it, it was kind of a showpiece for a while there and I was upset when it finally left because every time we went to get our station wagon fixed I would sit in it while waiting.. I think I'm the reason why they had to disconnect the battery cuz I kept playing with the back window switch LOL
Hi Jarome, Cars have an amazing way of looking better with age. Hope you see many more cars on this TH-cam Channel you enjoy. Please subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this TH-cam Channel, Lou
Hi Dan Wagner, Thank you for sharing your encounter with one like this :-) Hope you see many more cars on the Channel you'll enjoy, and share the Chanel with all the other Ford Guys you know, Lou
Mr. Lou, I been watching u because I love classic cars. I have 1957 Mercury and Sir, I going to need some advice how to take care of it. So Mr. Lou I be talking to u
ok Lou.... you got me, im 52 and never seen a machine like this one! this is gotta be one of the koolest car I've ever seen, if I was behind the wheel of this baby I probably thought I was in heaven! great job!
Hi Karl Maier, We have a Winner! Don't feel bad, I've seen very few myself. Now that you're looking for them, let's see if in the next year or two you see one. I hope you do, Lou
I drove one of these from Seattle to Mountain Home Arkansas great ride only had to tweak the carburetor going over the pass in Denver air fuel mixture, other than that it was a good trip Road nice. It was salmon pink and white really a nice car 312 engine. Traded for a 1957 Ford retractable at Mountain Home Arkansas and drove that back to Seattle, that was not such a nice trip back, but the Merc was a great ride
My dad had one of these in 1957. My uncle was a Lincoln-Mercury dealer in Jonesboro AR and some how or another - we had another one - my uncle convinced him to bring this one home. I was seven and can still remember incidents associated with the car including one day when my mother was driving a friend of mine home after a play date and he crawled out the back window on to the trunk. I remember going 77 mph in it with my dad at the wheel and I also remember his being unhappy with the airconditioner because he'd have to shut it off ever so often because it froze up. He also hated taking it in for service or a wash because the guys who washed the car had to diddle with the power windows and he really, really didn't want one to break.
My dad 'threatened' to not trade it but instead, keep it and put it up on blocks... but went ahead and traded it. We lived in a small Mississippi river town in Arkansas and apparently some black lady bought it. I remember sometime around 1970-75 spying it on the street just off downtown. I stopped and asked around and found the lady who owned it sitting on her porch. I told her about it being my dad's years ago (he sold it when I was ten or so) and how I had always admired it. Anyway, I talked her into letting me take it around the block. Glad to this day that I had the gumption to ask although, by that time, it was showing its age. Still, it went but was loosey-goosey, squeaking and sloppy as it had not had shocks, grease jobs, and other essential maintenance. Still, I got to drive it. It was blue, with a black top, power windows but without the continental package (tire extension on the back) It did have fender skirts.
What a great story. I'm glad you were able to drive the car too! Thanks for sharing, Lou
Yeah, the rest of the story regarding my mother is that she had grown up in New York City and was, at that time, just learning to drive. I mean when Dale climbed out on the trunk, she really freaked :) and the car also had power brakes and he came tumbling back in head over heals ... It was memorable :)
I don't think she drove that car ever again. Dad got her a compact Rambler American to drive.
Lot's of memories. Gotta love cars and the stories, Lou
That's the same color as the little diecast one i just bought. Blue on the sides with the anodized gold trim, black roof, hood, and trunk. Has a blue and white interior also.
I've never seen anything like this before. It's beautiful.
Glad you enjoy this one SuperSix Delta :-) Hope you see many more cars on this TH-cam Channel you'll enjoy, Lou
Well Lou, you've done it again. Brought back some fond memories. My Dad (rest his soul) bought a '57 Mercury Monclair (middle of the line) new back in '57 and suddenly family outings became more of a joy. Dad wanted the Turnpike Cruiser so badly, but decided to economize and roll with the Montclair. But he was proud to open the hood of that Monclair, because he did opt for the Turnpike Cruiser engine and was sure to let everyone know that was what it was. Late in life I found a convertible Turnpike Cruiser Indy 500 Pace Car replica for sale and talked him into going to see it. He liked it, but was turned off by "all that lettering on the side." So, no sale. He would've hopped on this one, though! Thanks again for the memories, Lou. --Jim
Hi Jim, Glad this one brought back memories :-) Thank you for viewing, and sharing the details of your Dad's car and adding to the story, Lou
Nadda problem, Lou. You just keep digging up those cool cars and sending them out here. Just love it! --Jim
What an amazing 50's classic. The Mercury Turnpike Cruiser! They don't get more classic then one of these cars. Talk about the unique features presented on this vehicle - the curved windshield, upper fresh air vents, the power rear window for ventilation, memory seat, tachometer, and computer clock. These cars and Park Lane in 58 were so cool and imagine one with a 430 triple carb 400 hp - how rare and unique one would be. Thanks for sharing this great 57 Merc with us, Lou.
Hi Michael Cerza, I think you did a great job sharing the details. Thank you for viewing, Lou
michael cerza 0
This may be my favorite Car Story car. Wild design, advanced features. Its bold as brass and stands out from all the amazing mid century masterpieces produced in the 50's. AMAZING CAR!
Hi Peter, High praise :-) Lou
@@loucostabile Hi Lou, are those lights or reflectors in he rear bumper? I was thinking maybe 'sequential' turn signals, but probably not? This car reminds me of the bulgy 50s Chryslers a lot!
This car just oozes late 50's Americana. One of the most unique cars of that era.
My dad had a '64 Monterey Breezeway. It had the inverted power rear windshield and like many Fords and Mercury's of the era the hood opened from back to front.
Hi sheehy933, Glad this one brought back memories of your Dad's 1964 :-) Lou
64 Mercury hoods opened from the front not the back
Only USA could have produced such a magnificent automobile
Hi Michael Reilly, Happy to read you appreciate this car :-) Thank you for viewing, sharing and I believe you're going to see many more cars on this Channel you'll enjoy. Hope you Subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this TH-cam Channel, Lou
That isn't so much a car as it is a work of art. Incredible to think that once upon a time, beautiful cars like this rolled off assembly lines every day. Style really mattered then, didn't it? Sad to think how long ago that was. Sadder still to think about the garbage they build today.
Agreed it is incredible & agree it looks like a work of art. The good news is today cars do last longer & the engines are more reliable & efficient with much more horsepower & handling due to much better tires and grip. I do understand where you're coming from and that's why I so enjoy when I find a Owner and car like this to video and share. Thank you for viewing and sharing, Lou.
During its day this particular Ford company model did not sell, because of being too much even for the customers taste of the late fifties. Allthough the ride was excellent and it offered all the luxuries of the time.
It was a shade of things to come for the failure of Edsel
@@waltertaljaard1488 i can see "it being 2much for the cus." Thats a lot of car, nice tho.
Yes all vehicles today have Easter egg styling.
Agree totally!today's cars, trucks ,suvs = YAWN! ,HO HUM, you seen one , you've seen them all,the classics = rolling works of art!style ,class , character easily tell one from another ,all were unique.
This video has me in amazement of this car with all of it's uniqueness, especially that back window, and makes me feel as though Lou and his channel are a treasure. Thanks, Lou and Bill!
Hi Sabba_Dabba, Happy to read "This video has me in amazement of this car with all of it's uniqueness" :-) Agree, the back window is a unique feature. High praise on the Channel. Thank you for viewing, sharing, and you're welcome, Lou
Wow! This car brings back LOT's of memories!!! I purchased one in 1968 and drove it daily for quite a while...EVERYTHING worked and it rode like a dream! Thank Heaven gas prices were less than 30 cents a gallon (if not lower!) as it was a gas hog! Great car and had sooo many innovative features for it's time! Neat! Neat! Neat! Great to see one that has been sooo well maintained and loved as this one obviously is!!!
Hi Old Codger, Glad to receive a "Wow!" from you and that this one brings back memories :-) Lou
This Mercury Turnpike Cruiser had a lot of features that WERE WAY ahead of its time........I LOVE THOSE little " antennas" out the front ventilation holes in the roof ......and a tachometer in A fullsize top of the line family cruiser....that IS TRUELY incredible.....& what a gorgeous interior with all those ' creature comforts' .
The rear window is the ' bomb'....up N DOWN window LIKE a station wagon...!!!!!! This Mercury was definitely the ' Cream of the Crop' Thank you for the video, Bill & Lou.
Happy to read you appreciate this car :-) Thank you for viewing and sharing.
A very beautiful car in fantastic shape.. the owner is rightfully proud of this incredible car. Lou, your channel is a fantastic resource for people who love older cars.
Hi Jesse Mag, Happy to read you enjoy the looks and condition of this car :-) I'm glad you're finding the Channel a "fantastic resource". Glad you're along the ride, Lou
A very unique automobile with a number of features way ahead of its time, some never to be seen again. When Ed Sullivan did a live commercial for Mercury's Turnpike Cruiser on his television show he referred to it as a production car with dream car styling.
Superlative in quite a number of ways. I do prefer the quad headlamps. Somehow they enhance an already gorgeous image.
Hi ddkoda, Thank you for viewing and sharing your knowledge. I found that to be interesting info regarding Ed Sullivan, Lou
Thanks. I think there's still a video of this commercial somewhere on TH-cam.
What an amazing automobile! My favorite Mercury of all time. The Lincoln Kit puts it over the top.
High praise for this Mercury :-)
Well I'm only 5 years late on this video
Bill that car is absolutely beautiful and I agree with the idea of having something unique everybody has a 57 Chevy
A turnpike cruiser and all it has to offer epitomizes the way things were with turnpikes in highways just beginning to open up across the country.
Enjoy it and thank you for showing us your car and thank you for finding it.
Hi Robert, Happy to read you enjoy this car :-) My pleasure, and you're welcome, Lou
I was raised up as a kid in a 58 Mercury Monterey , four head lights, I am glad you mentioned the light difference from 57.I did not appreciate the car at the time,It was neat with the push button Trans .This video makes appreciate it so much and the great cars they owned! As well as 65 impala 327 4 SD. And 67 Buick 430 that my mom drove like a rocket .Thanks for showing the Merc!
Hi Mark, Happy to read this car brings back memories of the car you were raised in :-) Thank you for viewing, sharing, and you're welcome, Lou
COULD YOU IMAGINE WAXING THAT CAR! WHAT A TREAT THOUGH, WHEN FINISHED.
THE DESIGNER WAS OBSESSED!
WHAT A PARTS LIST!
CAR, SPEED BOAT, HARLEY COMBO. IT IS BEYOND DRIVEN.
A CONCEPT THAT SLIPPED THROUGH. YOU COULD SIT UNDER A SHADE TREE AND LOOK AT THIS CAR ALL DAY.
Hi Brett, Happy to read you appreciate this car :-) Thank you for viewing, sharing and I believe you're going to see many more cars on this Channel you'll enjoy. Hope you Subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this TH-cam Channel, Lou
What a really rare find car! Never seen this before anywhere until now. Thank you Lou for recording, John
Hi John Roberts, Glad you enjoyed this one, and you're correct, you don't see this one on the road for sure. Hope you see many more cars on the Channel you'll learn about. Have you seen this one? Enjoy, Lou th-cam.com/video/Y3Y-gQwhOdY/w-d-xo.html
My neighbor had one of these and I thought the back window was amazing. What technology without the modern computers.
Exactly!! No overthinking over computerized frilly crap!!
Hi Ms. Sonshine, Happy to read this car brings back memories of your Neighbors car :-) Thank you for viewing and sharing. Hope you see many cars on this Channel you enjoy! Please Subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this TH-cam Channel, Lou
My Father in law was a car dealer and the family went to visit his family in Miami and buy cars and he bought a 57 Turnpike Cruiser just like yours and that was my car to drive that was in 1964 but it didn't have the continental kit but it was black I Loved that car
Hi mrbhpj45, Sound like wonderful memories :-) Thank you for viewing, sharing, and adding to the story. Hope you see many cars on the Channel you'll enjoy, Lou
I try and watch all of your videos after all you do have the Greatest Cars like I said my father in law was a car dealer and I got to drive some really great cars just had to remember which one you were driving and I worked at a Car Dealer Ship so I really like your Videos.But that was a long time ago I remember driving a 62 Olds Starfire Convertible in 64 to the Prom Wow what a car that was. Well You keep making the Videos and I will watch as many as I can Thank You for the Memories Your Friend Buck
Hi Buck, Happy to read you're enjoying the Channel :-) Having a Father In Law in as a Car Dealer when you're a "Car Guy" is a nice bonus to the marriage! I'm having fun sharing the cars and the memories, Lou
Cars like these made me want to design automobiles. Today, one can remove the emblems of an Audi and a Kia and not tell them a part. So sad humanity does not see the bigger picture here...
I think it was Dr. Seuss who said, "Don't be sad it's gone, just be glad it happened." That helps me David Adams, and I hope it helps you too. Bonus is we have the video to see this car again, and again, and share with others too, Lou
David, absolutely right. Besides this, head or tail lights are not part of the body design anymore. Entire car outline look like a kids drawing, no details, taillights in particular just arbitrarily placed somewhere on the back, shapes with no reference the car body but with a brightness that will blind you.
Losing uniqueness and esthetic appeal in the race for manufacturing simplicity, reduced material due to the "war effort" and cost reduction is a pathetic venture for sure.
My dad had one similar to this only no continental kit sold it to a co worker and one month later a collector came to the house and he told him where the car was later the guy told my dad that he got 2 grand for it this was in 1969
@@copperhammer Boy you nailed that one!! How true!! It's about shitty quality a mass production as fast as they can slap em together!! Then they all look the same?!
Just so darn spectacular! A piece of Art and Enginéering that you can drive and enjoy
Hi IntlOilman, High praise for this car :-) Lou
Another example why that era of cars were the best. Those windshield vent spears and rear glass.👏😳😁
High praise :-)
Before I saw some you tube videos, I never heard of a turn pike cruiser. They are really sharp and so nice looking. So classy, and I'm sure as time go by they will only look better and better and be more appreciated. I'm glad your car is in such nice shape and so pretty. I love the 'M' on the front grill.
Hi kfl611, Happy to read you enjoy this car. You don't see them to often, so happy to be able to share this one with you. Lou
My Dad (R.I.P) told me he once owned what he called a Ford Turnpike Cruiser. Never seen one before .. not even at car shows. Nice video, thanks.
Hi OperTM1274, Happy to read this car / video brings back memories of your Dad's car, Lou
So awesome of a car. Have been in love with this model since i found an article in magazine with a white 59 convertible.
Hi Jeffrey, Happy to read you appreciate this "awesome" car :-) Thank you for viewing, sharing and I believe you're going to see many more cars on this Channel you'll enjoy. Hope you Subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this TH-cam Channel, Lou
My dad sold his ' 50 Merc & bought a brand new black '57 Turnpike Cruiser from Burdumy Motors in Upper Darby, Pa. Those were the days my friend..... Your '57 brings back nice memories.
Good luck with it !
Hi Quinton, Happy to read this car brings back memories of your Dads car :-) Thank you for viewing and sharing. Hope you see many cars on this Channel you enjoy! Please Subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this TH-cam Channel, Lou
One of my ALL time Favorite Different Classic Cars Lou! When I first saw read about these usually in 4 door I was hooked! Never seen one with the skirts. Great Driver quality and Must get a lot of lookers. I usually see these in medium Green in pictures.
Hi Gene978, Glad I found an ALL time Favorite. I'm sure you're right that this car gets many lookers. Thanks for viewing and commenting, Lou
This car is basically the inspiration for the lowrider scene in all it's glory. Super over the top in every way possible. It is truly amazing what they were able to accomplish back then.
Hi Michael Hughes, Thank you for viewing and sharing your thoughts on this car :-) Lou
I love that back window! They used them into the 1960's Mercury. A grand old Mercury turnpike cruiser!
Glad you enjoy this Mercury cruiser :-) So many little fun details.
What a land yacht! Mercy! I actually new a family in my neighborhood when I was 10 that had one of theses.
Hi david carroll, "All aboard!" :-) Lou
Beautiful car Lou.@@loucostabile
What an awesome car, unbelievable you could get something like that back then. I've never seen an interior like that, beautiful! Good video Lou
Hi Gary, Happy to read you enjoy this "awesome car" :-) Thanks for the kind words on the video, Lou
That thing is gorgeous!
Hi Greg Clem Kadiddlehopper, Happy to read you appreciate the looks of this car :-) Thank you for viewing, sharing and I believe you're going to see many more cars on this Channel you'll enjoy. Hope you Subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this TH-cam Channel, Lou
This has always been my favourite year of Mercury! It's just absolutely beauuuutiful!!❤️
Happy to read this is a favorite year Mercury for you B Bt :-)
family had a 57 colony park wagon. awesome. dad taught me how to drive his 59 colony park which had grown to 126in wheelbase, much bigger than the ford country squire which was what the 57 was based on.crazy about these. both were black/woodys on red. stunning.
Hi geo dot, Happy to read this car brings back memories of your Family's car :-) Thank you for viewing and sharing. Hope you see many cars on this Channel you enjoy! Please Subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this TH-cam Channel, Lou
Never ever heard of fresh air vents at the top of the windshield. So cool😊
Thank you for sharing the details you notice.
That is AWESOME!!! WHEN I DRIVE BOTH OF MY DADS 58 EDSELS, 1 is a Pacer 4 Dr sedan, the other is 4 Door hard top, I GET THE SAME EXACT REACTIONS AS HE DOES, PEOPLE ARE FREAKN OUT STARING N STARING 😳😱 AND ESPECIALLY THE ELDERLY, THEY'RE ALL SHOCKED TO SEE THESE CARS ON THE ROAD AGAIN, I GET ALL KINDS OF GREAT AMAZING POSITVE COMMENTS AND I ALSO GET CONSTANTLY THIS SIGNAL, (👍). ONE TIME A TRAIN ENGINEER BLEW THE HELL OUT OF HIS HORN GIVING ME THUMBS UP!! GREAT VIDEO, THANKS FOR SHARING, ❤️👍.
Hi Edsel, High praise :-) Glad to read you have some cool cars too. Appreciate the kind words on the video. My pleasure sharing with you, and you're welcome, Lou
Turnpike Cruiser is my all-time favorite large Mercury. I would LOVE to have one.
Hi Neighborhood Car Reviews, Glad you like this one and a Winner of a car :-) Hope on day you get yours, Lou
My dad had a covertable version of this car.
Cub
@@freddyjames1120 cub??.
An old post but I had to watch because I never saw anyone show a Turnpike Cruiser before.
Thanks Lou.
An oldie but a goodie :-) You're welcome Gary.
As much as I love British cars I still think America made the best and most advanced cars of this era. I've never even heard of these but am blown away by its sophistication and levels of equipment. I would love one but don't think it's ideal for Britain's tiny roads. I can but dream....
Johnny, that's not much good for today's American roads. When traveling think 18 wheeler routing. An absolutely beautiful car, but not much in the sanity department. In the 50s though those kinds of tanks ruled. Chrysler had a couple with features so advanced it would be decades before adopted to "normal" cars. This may not have been American engineering at its best, but as far as design we will never again see the likes. That's sad.
Tom Swinburnkkkllo
Nopi7
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Check out the Tucker that Henry Ford all but robbed the world of. They're still trying to catch up to Preston's genius
Hi JohnnyTheWolfLupino, Happy to read you appreciate this car :-) Thank you for viewing, sharing and I believe you're going to see many more cars on this Channel you'll enjoy. Hope you Subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this TH-cam Channel, Lou
The attention to detail on these wonderful vintage cars show just how much of a work of art they really were.
Great video Lou
Hi Mike, Glad you enjoy the details on this car :-) Appreciate you sharing you think the video is great :-) Lou
Awesome car. I guess the lock type push button above the radio was for opening the glove box. Thanks for posting.
Hi Donovan Hagel, Glad you liked the car / video. Thank you for sharing a wonderful comment, Lou
drop dead gorgeous
Hi Napoleon Einstein, Glad you like this one :-) Hope you see many more on the Channel you'll enjoy too, Lou
Not really drop dead gorgeous. Could use some clean up around the dash at 6:14 and beyond.
The utter opulence of top tier American cars in the 50s. The absolute demonstration of excess. Makes a Rolls look plain.
So very cool. To think this was what they were competing to be, Pontiac, Mercury, Chrysler, Studebaker, etc. Such a different time, such a different mindset. Just a great car, and you covered it well.
Hi Todd Wall, Thank you for sharing your thoughts one this one :-) Appreciate the kind words on the coverage too, Lou
Thanks for the shots of the interior lights. Turnpike Cruisers are so cool.
Hi Daryl, My pleasure sharing this car with you. You're welcome, Lou
@@loucostabile The Destruction Derbies of the 60s and 70s were dominated by two cars: The Mercury Turnpike Cruiser and the Imperial, and it was a fight to the finish. The rear coil spring 60s T-birds were also serious contenders.
Just can’t beat those 50’ and early 60’s American cars...beautiful...had a 59 eldarado for my wedding.
You're right, the 50's & 60's are easy on the eyes :-)
just too cool I now have a new favorite car .... old one was 53 stude
Hi Alvin Prettyman, Glad you think this one is cool and a "new favorite" :-) Hope you see many other cars on the Channel you'll enjoy too, Lou
Dual Headlights: Nice classic car!
1957 was the first year. At the beginning of the model year not all states allowed 4 headlights so some makes put off the change until 1958.
The 1957 Plymouth had (2) large turn signals next to the headlights so in 1958 the headlight could replace the turn sign for a Dual headlight for 1958 Plymouth. Thanks for sharing!
Hi Tony, Thank you for viewing and sharing your knowledge. My pleasure sharing with you and you're welcome. Hope you see many more cars on this TH-cam Channel you enjoy. Please subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this TH-cam Channel, Lou
@@loucostabile Lou - Hello! Thank you - I sure will. Take care!
That’s a real jewel of a car. Those features inside and out are just spectacular!
Hi Orwellknew911, Happy to read you appreciate this car :-) Thank you for viewing, sharing and I believe you're going to see many more cars on this Channel you'll enjoy. Hope you Subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this TH-cam Channel, Lou
I had never seen one of these till I was watching the old reruns of the Annette miniseries from Disney. There was a Montclair convertible in it. I never knew there was a turnpike model I would not mind investing into one of these. It is a very interesting car I really like the vents mounted up on each side of the windshield and fact the rear window goes down! I enjoy this video
Hi Gerard, Happy to read you enjoy the details of this car :-) Lou
I remember my dad bought one and we were amazed that the back window went up and down and it was the first car he bought with power steering
Hi Milla 69, Happy to read this car brings back memories of your Dads car :-) Thank you for viewing and sharing. Hope you see many cars on this Channel you enjoy! Please Subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this TH-cam Channel, Lou
I have a 57 Monarch Richelieu 4 door and is well equipped with power steering, brakes memory seat, radio, clock, pushbutton transmission anodised aluminum rear panels and red reflectors in rear bumper.
Thanks for viewing this car, and sharing the story of your car. Lou
I love the old Turnpike Cruisers. This is a nice one.
Hi Michael, Happy to read you "love the old Turnpike Cruiser" :-) Hope you see many more cars on this TH-cam Channel you enjoy. Please subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this TH-cam Channel, Lou
back when cars had character. this truly is one of a kind. everything about it is unique and very detailed. to make one of these you had to have craftsmanship. they couldn't afford to sell these today and could kind the people with skills. a beauty
God times, good times :-)
First car I drove in 1966 was our family’s 😊1957 Turnpike Cruiser 4 door, black with red and black interior. But no fender skirts and a bit of rust above the headlights and rocker panels. It was a northern Minnesota car.
Hi Mn Mike, Happy to read this car brings back memories of your Family's car :-) Thank you for viewing and sharing, Lou
Now that is a car about as long as a football field and absolutely beautiful
Hi Gary, Happy to read you enjoy the looks of this long car :-) Lou
I saw a cream colored one at a classic car auction years ago, it was a beauty!!
Hi Greg, Happy to read this car brings back memories of the car you saw :-) Thank you for viewing and sharing, Lou
When I was 6 & 7 yrs old my dad had a 57 turn Pike cruiser convertible. It was pink & white. This was 1962 & 63. Bought it used. I remember it having 2 hoses that went from 5 & 7 o'clock positions on the air cleaner down to 2 air inlets between the bumper & the head lights, kind of a ram air I guess. It didn't move very fast from zero to say 50 mph, but if you were doing 50 mph & floored it, it would raise the hood & you'd be going 70 in no time. I read an article in Hemings motor news about 15 yrs ago, all about the make & model. How few were made, especially the convertibles & if you had the continental spare tire kit, it was even more rare. Seems I remember that the price range was 35 k to 45 k for one in excellent shape. When I read that, I thought, if dad had only kept it. But in 1963 it was just an old car. He sold it to a 19 yr old neighbor kid.
Hi Stan Taylor, Thank you for viewing, and sharing details on Dad's car :-) Lou
What a beauty! That must have always been a standout vehicle on the road. Also so glad to see someone who respects it as the manufacturer built it, keeping it all original but with upkeep. Kudos to the owner and kudos to you Lou for making the video for all the rest of us to enjoy!
Hi JonR Mang, Glad to read you enjoy this car. I too like when a car is original so you can get the exact feeling of what the Designers and Engineers were doing in that time period. Appreciate the kind words on the video, Lou
That's another good one. I believe that early models the rear window was crank down in the back seat area and that parents didn't like that option when the children would lose things out the back.
Hi Robert, Happy to read "That's another good one" :-) Thanks for viewing and sharing, Lou
I've seen a lot of these programs and that is the coolest thing I've seen. 👌
Hi Patrick, Happy to read you appreciate this car :-) Thank you for viewing, sharing and I believe you're going to see many more cars on this Channel you'll enjoy. Hope you Subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this TH-cam Channel, Lou
Bill's the man, and looking after the mercury just fine. God bless him.
Nice :-)
Thanks Lou, you did a good job too...……...
Nice car interesting to note that when Edsel was released the citation was the same body style as the turnpike really cool looking I thought it was a citation at first
Hi Matt Attack, Glad you enjoy this car :-) Lou
Back in the day it was a family night out to go look at the new cars when they came out. The 57 mercury is the one car that has always stuck in my memory as it was just so different and special looking.
You do find some great cars...
Hi BartRicky, Happy to read your memories of this car :-) Appreciate you see the effort I put in to share cars I believe you and I will enjoy, Lou
America will never have the gorgeous cars they made at this era. I was born in 1952, cars were so beautiful in the late 50's and 60's.
Happy to share those 50's & 60's cars with you :-)
Good video work. Almost like being there. You ask all the right questions and the owner was great. The Turnpike Cruiser was the height of 50's bling......Many car enthusiasts are not aware that Mercury used push button transmission controls.
Hi rizzle razzleuno, Thank you for the kind words, and glad you enjoy this car & video :-) Hope you see many more cars on this TH-cam Channel you'll enjoy, Lou
The 57 Merc styling was radical. People either loved it or they hated it. I loved it. Thanks for this. Brings back good memories.
Glad you loved it! Lou
My father purchased a 1957 BIG M in August of 1957 this was the car I learned to drive in the styling was great for its day. Ours came with the Dual Head Lights which they ALL did in the middle of the model year as far as I know it was NOT an option the Mercury came in the beginning of the year with single head lights and Mercury changed them to dual head lights mid year so half the year they were single and mid year on went to Duals.... Also the stone guards as you called them over the wheels are called "Fender Skirts" in the back they are only to make the car look more dressed up and has NOTHING to do with Stones!! Ps-- Get your story straight))
First car to drive in ! Pretty nice first ride :-) Thank you for viewing and sharing Terry Strahl, Lou
Another awesome and rare fine👍 thanks again for that treat... we are looking forward to your next video
Hi BP A, Happy to share this 'treat" with you :-) You're welcome, Lou
trunk hood ornament or trunk ornament,,,,,,whatever a whole lot of bling on this Turnpike!
Yes, you're right, lots of bling good stuff :-)
Amazing car! The first one I’ve ever seen.
Hi c5back9, Glad you found this unique car "amazing" :-) Lou
Awesome car. I met Bill several years ago at a cruise night i Lombard, Il.
Hi Gary, Clearly an awesome car, and very memorable, Lou
The glorious past of American Iron long gone but will never be forgotten, a true beauty 😍❤️💋💯🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🙏🙏🙏
Hi Ashook, Happy to read you appreciate this car :-) Thank you for viewing, sharing and I believe you're going to see many more cars on this Channel you'll enjoy. Hope you Subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this TH-cam Channel, Lou
Great! Another car I have never seen! It is crazy decorated, but still very stylish. Dude hit jackpot on that upholstery.
Hi Redmenace96, Happy to share this one with you. I've only seen two of them, Lou
@@loucostabile Well, I feel foolish because it was an Indy Pace Car in '57, I'm a fan and your vids are pretty cool.
flippin beautiful piece of American history...those 1950s lines...excellent
Hi Jonathan Capogrossi, Glad you enjoy the looks of this car :-) Lou
I have seen these cars over the years...in pohotos. Always thought they were a little strange. Love your up close detail. After studying it, and watching this video, I have more respect for it. A few little 50's quirks, but a beautiful car! Oh man! I had no idea these had push button gears!!! I also did not know that the Turnpike Cruiser was the Top of the Line Mercury for 1957.
Hi Brian, Cars have an amazing way of looking better with age. Happy to read you enjoy the details I share. Lou
Another fine specimen! Thanks for the link, Lou.
Hi Mark, Happy to read you enjoy this "fine specimen!" :-) You're welcome, Lou
Maybe I am getting old, but I love that Mercury Turnpike, this car is another wonderful example of the glorrious decade of American cars (57 - 67)
Cars have an amazing way to look better with age :-)
What a beautiful automobile. Wonderful design. Very original.
Hi Rick InNepa, Happy to read you appreciate this car :-) Thank you for viewing, sharing and I believe you're going to see many more cars on this Channel you'll enjoy. Hope you Subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this TH-cam Channel, Lou
Tri-A! Authentic American Automobile. Memory power seat! In 1957! That little stamp with last words "FORD MOTOR CO. DEARBORN, MICH" Ohhh... America what happened? Man said he wanted something unusual. But 60 years ago these cars were around. On every corner across the country. And now across the America the beautiful nothing but a shopping malls! And they don't even built Mers anymore - freaking beautiful!
Hi PAVEL K., Happy to read you appreciate this car :-) Thank you for viewing, sharing and I believe you're going to see many more cars on this Channel you'll enjoy. Hope you Subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this TH-cam Channel, Lou
Always liked the Turnpike Cruiser since I was a kid. Have a Danbury Mint version.
Hi Preston Parker, Glad to read this is a favorite of yours :-) Lou
That continental kit kills the clean design. The rear window is super awesome always loved that. Great that you gave the owner props and respect. Owned it since 1988 that’s true love ha. 👍🏼
Hi Dave auf dem BMW, Happy to read the details you enjoy about this episode :-) Lou
That back window is just amazing, no need for A/C!
Agreed, it's pretty cool :-)
I hope memory is clear. My father had one of these with the "Mercury Super Marauder" engine. Basically, when you opened the hood, you found an enormous aluminum air filter covering 3 2 barrels, and reading as above. For years, I was told no such engine was available. With the advent of eBay, I see the manifolds turning up with the explanation that they were a dealer installed option.
Hi Warrington Faust, Happy to read this car brings back memories of your Fathers car :-) Thank you for viewing and sharing. Hope you see many cars on this Channel you enjoy! Please Subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this TH-cam Channel, Lou
Warrington Faust 58 383 Tri Power 400 HP had the (Star Wars) air cleaner that your talking about
I had a friend whose father always liked the BIG-M Mercuries of this period!
Hi ferlenarab, Happy to read this car brings back memories of your Friends Father who likes these cars :-) Thank you for viewing and sharing. Hope you see many cars on this Channel you enjoy! Please Subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this TH-cam Channel, Lou
Awesome, a really unique look back to a fifty’s classic. The most fun car I ever owned was a 58 Ford with a nice dual exhaust. I loved to drive down country roads listening to the sound reverberating from the woods. Fun times while serving in the USAF.
Good times :-) Thank you for viewing and sharing, and hope you see MANY more cars on this TH-cam Channel you'll enjoy.
My first car. Sure wish I still had it, same color, 6 way power seat non automatic,no skirts or continental kit rear window went up automatically if the trunk ornament got wet. Also standard mirrors and fender ornaments.
Wonderful memories of your first car :-) Thank you for sharing Johnathan Sanders, Lou
Another gorgeous car !!! I am so glad that I subscribed !! Thank you Lou !! 😁
Hi Gary Desbois, Happy to read you're a Subscriber, and you enjoy the looks of this car :-) My pleasure sharing with you, and you're welcome, Lou
LOU ,A TRIP DOWN MEMORY LANE … we actually had one of these without the continental kit in 1964 same color🤗😎💚💚💚
Hi Budget Audiophile Life-long, Happy to read this car brings back memories of your car :-) Thank you for viewing and sharing, Lou
That is truly awesome Cruiser unbelievable options on that car and that's the year I was born 57 was a great year for cars
Hi Joseph Taverna, High praise for this car, and a special year too :-) Lou
The back window was a standard on Mercs for many years. My dad had a few. Good for disposal of cigarette ashes and beer cans and fart gas. You and 3 buddies could go to the Lakeland Arena in Caseville, everybody pickup a date and plenty of room for everybody to go to Port Austin for a Pizza. Those were the days. I saw Bob Seeger for $1.50 in Caseville, also Question Mark and the Mysterians. Take me there.
Hi Greg, Thanks for sharing your knowledge, and happy to read this car brings back memories of your Dads cars :-) Thank you for viewing and sharing. Hope you see many cars on this Channel you enjoy! Please Subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this TH-cam Channel, Lou
My dad had a '57 Turnpike Cruiser that he bought new and drove until 1962. I remember being driven to school, it was like being in a parade car. Red and white two-tone exterior with the gold-anodized spears down the last 1/3 of its length, black and white cloth and vinyl interior. I don't remember if it had the tachometer, but I do recall the turbine/jet-like whine of the Merc-o-Matic transmission when he held it in 1st gear (at my request!). Would love to have that 'Big M' today.
Hi thoof2001, Happy to read this car brings back memories of your Dads car :-) Thank you for viewing and sharing. Hope you Subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this TH-cam Channel, Lou
in canada they had the monarch which is another copy of these cars.my dad owned a 1954 monarch and i bought one of those as soon as i turned 16 and had a drivers license the turnpike cruisers were hard to locate in canada and i can only recall seeing one on
a dealers lot.
Hi Jim, Happy to read this car brings back memories of your Dads car :-) Thank you for viewing and sharing. Hope you see many cars on this Channel you enjoy! Please Subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this TH-cam Channel, Lou
This man has one of a kind, I remember this car when I was a kid at Williams Ford in West Hartford Ct. Long gone now. It was ordered and the man could not afford it when it arrived and it's sat there for the longest time before somebody bought it, it was kind of a showpiece for a while there and I was upset when it finally left because every time we went to get our station wagon fixed I would sit in it while waiting.. I think I'm the reason why they had to disconnect the battery cuz I kept playing with the back window switch LOL
Hi Royce Lane, Happy to read this car brings back memories for you :-) Thank you for viewing and sharing, Lou
totally amazing stuff, cool car and owner and a great vid, thanks
Thank you radioguy1620, Appreciate your kind words. Hope you see many more cars on the Channel you'll enjoy, Lou
I was never a fan of the roofline. Yet today in all its garishness it vibes really well. The interior it quite the bomb!
Hi Jarome, Cars have an amazing way of looking better with age. Hope you see many more cars on this TH-cam Channel you enjoy. Please subscribe, and hit the "bell" so you can see all the cars when they are uploaded on this TH-cam Channel, Lou
A beautiful example won the best in show at our All Ford Show last year in Minnesota. Stunning cars.
Hi Dan Wagner, Thank you for sharing your encounter with one like this :-) Hope you see many more cars on the Channel you'll enjoy, and share the Chanel with all the other Ford Guys you know, Lou
Mr. Lou, I been watching u because I love classic cars. I have 1957 Mercury and Sir, I going to need some advice how to take care of it. So Mr. Lou I be talking to u
Hi mona b on it! Glad you're enjoying this TH-cam Channel :-) I'll help you the best I can, Lou
ok Lou.... you got me, im 52 and never seen a machine like this one! this is gotta be one of the koolest car I've ever seen, if I was behind the wheel of this baby I probably thought I was in heaven! great job!
Hi Karl Maier, We have a Winner! Don't feel bad, I've seen very few myself. Now that you're looking for them, let's see if in the next year or two you see one. I hope you do, Lou
I drove one of these from Seattle to Mountain Home Arkansas great ride only had to tweak the carburetor going over the pass in Denver air fuel mixture, other than that it was a good trip Road nice. It was salmon pink and white really a nice car 312 engine. Traded for a 1957 Ford retractable at Mountain Home Arkansas and drove that back to Seattle, that was not such a nice trip back, but the Merc was a great ride
Hi Loren Johnson, Thank you for viewing and sharing your experience in a car like this :-) Lou