1966 Mercury Parklane Breezeway - The Mistress

I was looking through Craigslist to see what classic cars were out there even though I wasn't in the position to purchase one. I came across this car, which was posted a month earlier. I reached out to the gentleman selling it to find out he still had it, so after a week of talking about the car my...

See more

I was looking through Craigslist to see what classic cars were out there even though I wasn't in the position to purchase one. I came across this car, which was posted a month earlier. I reached out to the gentleman selling it to find out he still had it, so after a week of talking about the car my mom and I took a road trip to Portal Arizona which is 3 hours 1 way with a trailer to look at it. Upon arrival, I was speaking to the seller. He told me the only reason he baught it from the original family was because he wanted to pull the engine and put it in his truck. The more I looked at it the more I loved the car and how original and intact it was. Granted it had a tremendous amount of oxidation from sitting in the Arizona sun for 7 years it started right up and ran really well. After handling the paperwork and handing over $1,800 the ole girl drove right onto the trailer and we started our 3 hour drive home. Once home I instantly started polishing all the stainless and chrome. Then I gave the car a bath with Ajax to quickly and safely rid the car of all the oxidation. After that I went over the paint with the buffer to fully bring the factory paint back to its original beauty. I wanted a center console that housed a full navigation system but also allowed for cup holders. So I went to get a few quotes, all of which were about a grand. I wasn't sure the outcome was going to be what I envisioned, so I went to Home Depot and bought what was needed. I went home and made it myself to mimic the door panels so it didn't look like an afterthought. I also purchased fender skirts and had them painted the factory color. I also started searching for trim which wasn't easy to come by and I'm sure I've upset some purists. Fender skirts were never an option for this car, so it's all custom work only for it to look factory. I also added bellflower exhaust tips and have a full airride setup which will soon be installed. Overall I don't want to take away from the car, yes I do want to dabble in the 60s era of kustom. So the roof will get repainted with a vanilla creme paint and a heavy orange flake to compliment the factory color. There will also be a hidden flamethrower kit which will shoot about 2-3 foot green flames. When it's all said and done though the car will still be able to speak for itself as its done this whole time. One of my favorite things about the car is showing it off at shows, or cruise ins. Not for generic reasons, but because it allows me to see those who grew up in those times to reminisce. Whether their parent, neighbor, or teacher had one. It allows them to reminisce of the good times, and seeing that on their face is the happiest and proudest moment for me. These cars were meant for family time, and so many times it brings those moments back. I love hearing stories of them growing up and admiring the car or riding in the car.

In 1966 there were 8,696 of these cars produced and not many still on the road today. It is the only one in Tucson, and working on finding out if it's the only one in the state. Parts are not easy to come by, and the engine is not very common at all. It is actually considered a factory stroker, with 390 internals, heads from a 427 cobra jet, low restrictive manifolds. Everything about the engine was designed to breath. Many of the factory tags are still on the engine and will be placed back on the engine once rebuilt. There are also still markings on the car as it rolled through the assembly line.

The interior although not in pristine condition, the dash, and door panels are all still in great condition. Eventually the seats and carpet will be redone to allow it to look better than currently. The fabric for the seats has been found, but due to the uniqueness of the fabric. The price per yard is rather high, but it's to nice not to return it to that.

I did find one of the original vehicles registration and managed to track down the original owner to hear his side of the story. He bought the car from a dealership in St Louis not far from where it was built. Shortly after he and his family moved to Silver Springs Utah where the car was mostly stored during the winter, so rust is minimal. They drove the car to California a time or two which evidence has been found under the rear seat, and simply enjoyed it as our family does. When I purchased the car it had 103k on the odometer and now has about 118k. I do drive the car regularly as you can see in the miles. Once the engine and trans are rebuilt we do plan to drive the car on vacations. We want to cruise PCH as well as catch Route 66 in Laughlin and cruise it. To us the car isn't simply a mode of transportation, its part of the family. It has its own personality, and we love that.

My beautiful and amazing better half supports me when it comes to the car, which is why its named The Mistress. There's been times where I've spent more time and money on the car, but she understands and loves taking the car out for car shows, cruising, date nights, even if it's just to the grocery store.

The car has since gone through an elevation change with fully adjustable air ride. Its now the first of its kind to not only be on air bags, but to also be as low as it is. Aired out she sits 3 inches off the ground, so still able to drive without having to cut into the floor. The engine is being flaked from air cleaner to oil pan in blue with flaked gold accents and all visible hardware and brackets have been powder coated black.

Special thank you to my better half Katalia for understanding the time and effort that goes into the car. Also a special thank you to my mom Shirley, she helped me get the car and loves the car and how far it's come in a short amount of time.