Features 1956 Mercury XM-Turnpike Cruiser.

https://www.bemidjipioneer.com/news...e-classic-car-expected-to-fetch-1m-at-auction

Interesting car and gentleman.
80,000 on chrome alone.

 

I'm enamored with the show cars of the 1950s. The designers took big risks, some of which worked their way into later models, and others that were scrapped. These cars were a look into the future of styling, and were at least 3 years ahead of their time. This one is no exception. Looks like this fellow did a stellar job of restoring it.

 

Wow. I've seen a video of the finished car, but never saw the before pics. Beautiful car.

 

Amazing nod to the past glory of the Auto Industry….

 

I remember seeing an article about this car when he purchased it, my thoughts were that it could never be saved. To see it in its completed condition is unbelievable, the money, labor, and persistence it took is remarkable. And from what the article states the restoration was done without the assistance of a professional shop, a testament to the skill of the owner.
The article mentions that he also restored the XM/100 concept Mercury, a couple of years ago I was visiting the private collection housed on a large warehouse, in one corner I came upon the XM/800 in its restored state. Here is a couple of photos I took of it that day:

Jim

 

If I had the mooolah to buy it, I would definitely have enough to build the '56 COE Transport, with the windowed trailer.

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Yea, I’d drive it daily during nice weather.

 

Anyone remember the Packard Predictor ????

 

Fantastic workmanship to bring this car back. It had really deteriorated badly, glad it fell into this guy's hands.

 

Screw the car, I want the '56 COE and accompanying trailer! I wonder where they're hiding at?!

 

When I was a member of the Minnesota street rod association, he was posting early restoration photos and articles on its history and build progress in the monthly news magazine. I also thought it would never be completed, mostly because everything about it is one off. A lot of the trim and other parts were missing and had to be fabricated. Amazing dedication and workmanship. Imagine the cost of having wide whites made for that truck now a days! lol Larry

 

Imagine the cost of having wide whites made for that truck now a days! lol Larry

They would probably be out of round also.

 

The XM TURNPIKE CRUISER is the XM-100, the other Mercury concept car I restored was the XM-800 and it doesn’t have another name. I also restored the ‘63 Thunderbird Italien concept car

 

Still has a ways to go to reach the 1.4 million Shoebox...