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Topic starter
15/10/2023 1:56 pm
With a nod to '50's sci-fi and your favorite carnival ride, the 1957 Mercury Turnpike Cruiser was truly the first of the land yachts. The new longer body began with quad headlamps, an astounding amount of chrome and gold textured side trims and what we used to call bubble skirts. If you never wanted the car to end, you could add on the optional swing-away continental kit. It was the roof that really made this car. It started with the stylized non-functioning little antennae protruding from cabin air intakes to the ornate C pillar that housed the retractable "Breezeway Window" that became an optional roof choice all the way through the 1968 model year. The multicolored interior was cheerful, but hardly elegant. The TPCs all came with the 290 hp 368 V8 (with custom valve covers) mated to the 3 speed Merc-O-Matic transmission. With an eye to Chrysler's gimmicky Torque-Flite push button selector, Mercury offered the same set up. When the TPCs hit the road, I found them appalling. Now, I just call the TPC the definition of '50's "kitsch". Fantastic earlier work by Danbury Mint (still employing dog leg hinges).
15/10/2023 2:54 pm
Beautiful images of this Mercury stunner ! It is certainly a sensational 1/24 diecast replica and the colors are excellent. I have YM's fine 1/18 and I think this beauty is one you can get in virtually all scales.
15/10/2023 4:12 pm
No one can ever disagree that this car isn't over the top out there! But I will also add that I personally like it then, and I like it now. DM did their usual great job of replicating and we are the winners with an incredible model that will always be an eye-catcher to all who see it. Give me ONE '57 Mercury over TEN '57 Chevy's anytime!
George Schire
Oakdale, Minnesota
16/10/2023 7:27 am
Like George, I liked it then and like it now. I also have the black/pink version but it looks naked without the continental kit IMO.
16/10/2023 9:28 am
A nod to juke-box art too. I have always liked the Turnpike Cruiser and all its 'stuff'. Super photographs of a super model
Rich Sufficool and Tony Perrone reacted
16/10/2023 8:49 pm
Years ago at a car show with a turnpike cruiser I almost had my youngest brother convinced that that big bumper extension for the Continental kit had lockable compartments in it where you could store ice and use it as a cooler.
I exchanged glances with the owner of the car and we were both trying to control our laughter while my brother was looking all over it to see where the indentations were for the keys or the lockable compartments where. He and I had such a great time laughing.
Yes, my brother has never forgiven me for that.
Steve
Tony Perrone reacted