1957 Mercury Turnpike Cruiser 2 Door Hardtop Coupe
2025.0041.0001, Savoy Collection
Engine: 368 cu. in. (6L) Cast-iron block, OHV, V-8
Output: 290 HP @ 4,600 RPM
Transmission: Automatic
Wheelbase: 122 in.
Overall Length: 211 in.
Weight: 4,005 lbs.
Top Speed: 115 MPH
No. Produced: 7,291
Original Price: $3,758
Manufacturer: Mercury
When developing a concept car, Mercury’s design staff, headed by John Najjar, created what became the genesis of the 1957 Mercury Turnpike Cruiser. Reaching around the world to Ghia in Italy, the company spent a reported $80,000 for that one-off vehicle. When the Mercury XM-Turnpike Cruiser Concept Car debuted in 1956, it gave onlookers a view of what the future may hold. One year later, a production model emerged and the future was now!
The Turnpike Cruiser offered many of the concept cars remarkable features. There was the “Skylight” dual-curved windshield, and a canopy style roof with a power-operated retractable “Breezeway” rear window. Shifting the Merc-O-Matic transmission was simple. A touch of the “keyboard controlled” push-button selector on the dash made changing gears effortless. The stylish continental kit incorporated into the rear bumper gave the Mercury Turnpike Cruiser a proper finishing touch. Mercury proved the future was much closer than anyone imagined.