1954 Mercury Monterey La Carrera Pan Americana Race Winner Historic Museum Show

Mercury Monterey 1954 Description

For your purchase consideration:
1954 Mercury Monterey Race Car - Authentic La Carrera Pan Americana Winner
1st Overall 1992 La Carrera Panamericana Mexico FIA historic marathon rally with drivers Dr. Peter Frank and Mark Williams.
This 1954 Mercury Monterey has a very interesting history.
As the story goes, Dr. Peter Frank was infatuated with the legendary race since visiting Mexico as a child on a family vacation. With his interest in vehicles and speed he decided to take this race on when it was revived by Loyal Truesdale and Eduardo Leon in 1985.
This Mercury was located in 1989 and was taken to the same shop that had built the 1988 race-winning car for the La Carrera. Dr. Frank explained, “you need a battle-ax. You want to be sure your brakes, suspension and steering are top-notch. You want a strong engine. But since it’s a 2,000 mile race, you want to tend towards reliability rather than horsepower. The Mercury is a leaner, meaner Lincoln, slightly smaller, but you could still get that big engine in there.”
It was built on a platform that included a 351-cid V-8 engine (presently a 302 - read below), automatic transmission, complete NASCAR-style brakes, upgraded suspension, full roll cage with a red and black exterior finish, along with the associated graphics from running, and winning the modern La Carrera Panamericana.
The car made efforts in 1990 and 1991 that were varying in success. In 1990 the car crashed out on the fourth day. In 1991 it finished sixth in the Turismo Mayor class, 12th overall. They entered the 1992 race with even loftier goals: to win their class and finish in the top 10 overall. By the third day in the 1992, Dr. Frank and Mark Williams found themselves in the overall lead and after the event concluded they had achieved the overall win by a 57 second margin. They had a top speed of 149-mph and averaged 121-mph. They beat the second car in the Turismo Mayor class by a whopping 13 minutes.
The car was then donated to the National Automotive and Truck Museum in Auburn, Indiana. It resided peacefully for five years before Dr. Frank “borrowed” the Mercury to once again give the race a try in 1997. This is but a small part of a very interesting story that will forever be with this Mercury Monterey. It certainly is deserving of continued attention and, perhaps, many more spirited miles.
Following the 1997 race, the Mercury was brought back to Indiana and treated to an exterior body and paint refinish of all the race-damaged areas prior to museum exhibition. It remained on display with the only change being in ownership as I purchased the mercury in 2014.
In 2016, the car was loaned to the Northeastern Indiana Racing Museum. It required a fresh battery and fuel. Within moments it fired and was ready to go. Aside from brief transporting for exhibits, the Mercury has been stationary for most of the past decade. To race again, it should be thoroughly inspected and updated. It is to be used primarily for exhibition at this moment.
Many photos, story boards and the original (237+ pages) 1997 Mexican mapped racing route are included with the purchase as well as a helmet and the large silver cup from the 1992 race win.
From Pan Americana web site: “Car #120, a 1954 Mercury Monterey, driven by Piloto Peter Frank and Co-Piloto Mark Williams ran four different LCP races (90, 91, 92, 97) and won overall in 1992. It's interesting to point out Mark Williams is one of the most sought after co-drivers in North America. Built to compete in Turismo Mayor Class, beneath the stock bodywork you will find everything found in a NASCAR Nextel Cup car. During it's last race in 1997 the blueprinted 351 blew up during the race and was replaced with a 302 in a parking lot to finish the race. This car was donated to NATMUS by owner Dr Peter Frank of Bluffton, SC.”
"...Mark (Williams) has been referred to as one of the best (drivers) in the United States and maybe in the world. ... his record as a hobbyist is superior to that of most full time professionals!” Autoweek Magazine, December 4, 1995
wikicars.org/en/Carrera_Panamericana shows the race history
lacarrerapanamericana.com.mx/2016/en/our-champions/ lists the Frank/Williams team as the 1992 Winners of the race in this Mercury.
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The Images show the car at various locations within the museums. Its race history can also be easily verified online.
The car may be inspected at the museum, but cannot be started indoors due to fire code. Successful winning bidder will be required to remit a $1000 deposit and the car must be removed within 30 days of ended listing. Located in Auburn, Indiana 46706.
Shipping Arrangement and Fees are the responsibility of the buyer. Very serious inquiries may be directed to Ty Bennett 2607504718.. I reserve the right to end the listing early without warning or notification. Sold with clear Indiana Title in a private name. Actual miles are unknown and marked EXEMPT on Title.