1956 Mercury XM Turnpike Cruiser "Idea Car"

[mercman from oz]

Mercury's 1956 Mercury XM Turnpike Cruiser "Idea Car" has somehow missed getting destroyed like most Experimental cars from Detroit, and is presently under going a full restoration. You can read all about the restoration on this Link.
http://www.tommaruskacars.us/

[58Yeoman]

Wow! He's got his work cut out for him, but seems very capable. I'm glad Mercury toned down the styling a bit, but kept the head and tail light styles.

[5851a]

Lot of styling cues were used in later years, front fender headlamp area looks like 57 ford while the side of it looks like Mercury intermediates in later years. Stainless in the door openings like a Mk II. That thing had a lot of rust, looks like it was driven around for awhile and put away wet.

[Alaska Jim]

There is an on going story about the car in Old Cars Weekly Magazine. about how it originated, got lost, then found, and now being restored. a lot of pictures, and well beyond my capabilities as far as sheet metal work goes.

[JimNNN]

Originally Posted by mercman from oz

Mercury's 1956 Mercury XM Turnpike Cruiser "Idea Car" has somehow missed getting destroyed like most Experimental cars from Detroit, and is presently under going a full restoration. You can read all about the restoration on this Link.
http://www.tommaruskacars.us/

Wow, thanks a million for the link to an amazing concept car that I didn't know existed, Mercman from Oz! I don't know if I feel exhilarated at the prospect of the car being resurrected, or depressed for the guy who has to do it. The Thunderbird Italienne he restored was for sale on ebay just a few weeks ago. Someone said it last sold for $600,000 +, so I guess there's some money to be made taking on such a daunting task.



I'm guessing this XMTC was presented as a concept car for 1956 to get buying public ready for the new and radically styled Mercury of 1957. I've grown to like those cars - a lot - so I'm really fascinated by this project. The XM Turnpike Cruiser must've been a really nice car because they only let beautiful women drive it!!

[mercman from oz]

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As JimNNN has mentioned, a lot of styling ideas from the 1956 Mercury XM Turnpike Cruiser were included on the all new 1957 Mercurys. This 1957 Mercury Monterey is a fairly recent import into Australia.

[Dobie Gillis]

They're starting to grow on me, too. I always thought the styling wasn't as clean as the '52 through ''56 Mercs but that was just the zeitgeist of the later mid to late '50s vis a vis Detroit iron.

[mercman from oz]

Ford Motor Company spruced up the looks of the current 1956 Ford COE with Chrome Bumper and Wide White Wall Tyres to transport the 1956 Mercury XM Turnpike Cruiser "Idea Car" in an enclosed Trailer with Windows, so everyone could see the car.

[5851a]

Wow thanks for the pic. The ultimate toy hauler!

[JimNNN]

Mr. Maruska needs to find that truck/trailer and restore it, too!

[mercman from oz]

Original Brochure produced by Ford Motor Company on this 1956 Mercury XM Turnpike Cruiser

[Ford blue blood]

Tom has finished a couple of Fords show cars. He is quite a craftsman!

[58Yeoman]

I'm not usually a fan of show cars, but that Bird is really nice.

[mercman from oz]

That 1963 Ford Thunderbird Italien Fastback Concept Car is certainly a nice looking car restored by Tom Maruska. He is certainly a very talented man.

[mercman from oz]

Here are two more pictures of the 1963 Ford Thunderbird Italien Fastback Concept Car restored by Tom Maruska