A Timeless Classic Subtly Reimagined by John St. Germain
By Chuck Vranas – Photography By the Author
It takes a true craftsman with an eye focused on design to even think about reworking the original lines of an iconic classic like the 1956 Mercury Monterey. From the moment it rolled into dealer showrooms, it was a winner with its first-generation (’55-56) styling showcasing a fresh look complete with a genuinely unique front bumper-grille, sweeping body side lines with full-length multi-tier chrome side molding, and stylish Flo-tone paint combinations. With Monterey production at just over 105,000 units, close to 43,000 models hit the streets as hardtop coupes, leaving very few surviving today. The ’56 hardtop coupe, which is laid out across our pages and belongs to John St. Germain of Goodwood, Ontario, Canada, showcases the talents of a true customizer with decades of experience.
To envision the fusing of elements from other models to enhance the look of the factory further is the basis for crafting a true mild custom. By exercising creative restraint in sharing subtle enhancements to make the model even more alluring, its revisions can be as delicate as rethinking grilles, altering trim pieces, or even something as simple as shaving bumpers. With a slew of noteworthy customs in his rearview mirror, including a number of Fords and Mercurys from the ’30s-’50s, it was only a matter of time till John began the search for another bone-stocker to get busy with. Fate has a funny way of uniting derelict cars with new owners, and this time around, it was the search for a ’35 Ford coupe that led to an additional barn dweller that hadn’t seen the light for decades. While looking at (and purchasing) the Ford coupe, John noticed a 1956 Mercury Monterey hardtop coupe in the distance, covered by decades of dirt and left for dead. A closer inspection revealed the car was intact, with definite possibilities for a new life. Without wasting time, a deal was made to swap greenbacks for keys.
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Once back at his home shop, a closer inspection revealed that the Monterey was as solid as they come, nearly rust-free, making it a perfect candidate. Getting busy, the car was stripped down to focus first on the chassis. With the frame back from being stripped, it revealed it was in perfect shape for the new build. John began smoothing and filling the spine while adding custom crossmembers with Eric Jackson of Oshawa. He followed with a lustrous coating of House of Kolor Kandy Brandywine laid down by John Connery of D&E Distributors of Scarborough. Out back, a refreshed Ford 9-inch rear end spins 4.11 gears through Dutchman 31-spline axles. It’s suspended in place by a custom triangulated four-link by Jackson, combined with Ridetech air suspension system, a Welder Series Panhard bar, and a matching sway bar. To set the stance, the factory Independent Front Suspension was restored and treated to a set of Fatman Fabrications 3-inch drop spindles deftly matched to fresh coils and Monroe shocks. When it’s time to drop anchor, a 1969 Corvette dual master moves fluid through stainless lines to 11-inch GM discs in front and Ford drums out back. Linking it all to the street, you’ll find a set of original 15×8 steelies topped with Auburn wide whites wearing ’52 Cadillac Sombrero caps with custom one-off centers by Nick Metauro for a truly classic look.
For just the right mill, John went to legendary engine builder/racer Carl Kearnan of Burketon, Ontario, to assemble a stout Y-block packed with a speed shop full of go-fast goods. Getting started, a 312ci block was massaged to 334 ci and filled with all the right bits from John Mummert, including a fresh stock crank linked to H-beam rods topped with forged aluminum pistons getting bumped by an Isky camshaft. Up top, reworked ’57 Thunderbird ECZ-G heads make plenty of seamless power, especially when matched to a Mummert aluminum intake and an 500-cfm Edelbrock Carburetor wearing a custom-finned aluminum air cleaner. A Mallory ignition system lights the fire while exhaust roars through a set of custom headers with 2-¼-inch exhaust and Smithy’s mufflers, all by Jackson. Other neat details include a custom wiring harness by Steve Marsden of Goodwood, a Mummert mini-starter, and an Optima battery. A Mustang five-speed transmission from Summit Transmission in Hanover, Ontario, links to a custom driveshaft to move the goods.
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When it came time to address the body, John started by having it and all related panels acid dipped. What came back was nearly perfect sheet metal, void of any rust or prior damage, making it a perfect canvas for Jackson to begin a number of mild custom modifications on. Starting in the front, the bumper was shaved with guards and teeth removed, the upper grille was stretched, and the hood was shaved and peaked. John then grafted a 1954 Mercury hood scoop in place, complete with a 1956 Lincoln grille bar, while Jackson added 1956 Lincoln Premier headlight doors and modified trim. Moving down the side, 1956 Lincoln fenders were adapted and combined with ’54 Mercury fender flares accented by 1955 Mercury trim, while John rounded the door bottoms and added custom side mirrors. To add flair, Jackson tunneled a pair of modified 1947 Lincoln door buttons in place while crafting the custom fender skirts complete with 1957 Lincoln interior star trim. Out back, the rear bumper was shaved with guards removed and treated to a stretched 1949 Chevy license plate guard. Custom-designed 1957 Lincoln stars by Metauro were then added to a set of New Old Stock. Lee accessory tail light lenses to accent the matching trunk emblem to wrap up the updates. From there the body was metal finished with all gaps set by Vic and Mike Lefebvre along with John. Terry Riste of Goodwood then massaged the body perfectly and laid down the vibe with House of Kolor Teal pearl accented by Connery’s subtle coating of Butterscotch Kandy to the roof. The noteworthy sparkle came from the team at The Plating House of Canada in Concord, Ontario, who handled all exterior plating and polishing, with the final icing coming from the brushes of Rollie Guertin.
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John started with a 1956 Oldsmobile dash filled with factory gauges while hiding dials from Stewart-Warner in the glovebox to monitor the vitals to bring equal glamour to the interior. Steering moves through a 1955 Mercury accessory wheel to a modified factory column while gear changes click thanks to a custom stick. Cool details include a custom console, 1955 Packard power window switches, 1956 Lincoln door handles, and ’50 Pontiac speaker grilles in the rear deck. For plenty of comfort on the long hauls, the factory seating was recovered by Sheldon Smith of Scugog with yards of roll and pleated butterscotch leather accented by teal Italian Corduroy leather with custom gold piping, all sourced through Steven Manchee. Smith then crafted all related interior panels, including the headliner and complementing chocolate carpeting. John’s already been laying down plenty of miles, and we must agree that this is one Mint Merc! MR
Click on this issue’s cover to see the enhanced digital version of Mint Mercury Monterey.
