Sometimes, you see a car that’s just plain cool. And then there are cars that take cool and crank it way, way up.
This 1963 Mercury Monterey Breezeway is definitely one of the latter. Imagine a big, bold American cruiser, dipped in a shimmering Candy Apple Red, suddenly appearing in the UK.
That’s exactly what’s happened with EBW 408B, a two-door coupe that’s turning heads and dropping jaws.
Currently up for auction on themarket.co.uk, this Monterey perfectly mixes old-school charm with some clever modern upgrades.
The first thing that hits you is the sheer size of this car. That big, sweeping body shows off the Candy Apple Red paint beautifully, especially with the sharp contrast of the red and black roof.
When parked, the air suspension drops the car low over its black radial spoke wheels, giving it a seriously menacing look and showing off the bright red Winwood brake calipers.
But don’t worry, it can easily lift back up to a reasonable ride height for cruising.
The original warm-glow headlamps are still there, keeping that classic 60s vibe alive, and the chrome trim is in pretty good shape overall.
Now, let’s be real – it’s an old car, so it’s not perfect. There’s some light pitting on the rear bumper, a few touch-ups on the rear wing, and a little bit of rust starting to show around the A-pillars and windscreen.
But honestly, that’s to be expected on a car of this age, and it just adds to its character.
Getting into the back of this Monterey is an event in itself, thanks to the pivoting front seats.
The interior is a great mix of original features and well-chosen upgrades. A custom alloy steering wheel immediately catches your eye, along with a Sunpro Super Tach II and Airlift Performance controls.
The original Art Deco-style instruments and what looks to be the factory radio give the cabin an authentic feel, while twin air tanks and Viair compressors are neatly tucked away in the trunk.
Under the hood, this Monterey has had some serious work done.
Invoices from Valley Gas Speed Shop between 2009 and 2011 show a full engine rebuild, a transmission overhaul, and a conversion to electronic ignition.
Although its last official inspection (MoT) was in 2017, there are no signs of any major structural issues.
The listing suggests that some preventative maintenance and minor work could be done to the underbody, but overall, this is a very cool and very usable piece of classic American steel.
If you’re looking for a classic American car that stands out from the crowd, this Mercury Monterey Breezeway is definitely worth a look.
It has the looks, the history, and the right upgrades to make it a joy to own and drive. It is a compelling blend of vintage style and modern convenience, and it’s ready to cruise the streets of the UK in style.
Source: The Market
