When it comes to style and fashion, some things age well, others do not. A common example in the automotive world is color—for example, greens and other earthtones from the 1960-70s may look ugly to modern eyes. So, what do modern eyes have to say about the roofline of our Pick of the Day, a 1964 Mercury Park Lane Breezeway? It is listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a dealer in Hopedale, Massachusetts. (Click on this link to view the listing)
The first time this reverse-slant roofline appeared on a production car was in the 1957 model year for the Mercury Turnpike Cruiser, a new fancy model that included all the gimmickry one could imagine. One of those items was what Mercury called “Breezeway Ventilation,” which was the “newest advance in draft-free, fresh-air comfort.” Both the two-door and four-door Turnpike Cruiser hardtops touted this feature as combining “roof-level air intakes and a power-operated back window.” Was it the “greatest improvement in car ventilation automotive history?” That’s what Mercury touted, claiming air was “brought in through supplementary roof-level air intakes, and flows out through the retractable, power-operated back window” when open.
But, so much for history, as Mercury discontinued the Turnpike Cruiser after 1958. That was the same year Lincoln’s Continental Mark III received a similar roofline, though the backlite also was reverse-slant—even the convertible! This continued through 1960, with the Continental being updated as the Mark IV and Mark V.
Meanwhile, in Europe, Ford UK developed the 1959-67 Anglia with a reverse-slant roofline, though the backlite did not retract. Ford UK followed suit with the larger 1961-63 Consul Classic, again with fixed backlite, but was replaced for 1964 by the conventionally styled Corsair.
Back at Mercury, Breezeway styling was reintroduced for all Monterey models (which included the Monterey Custom and Monterey S-55)—there were no other models among the full-size series for ’63. Mid-year, Marauder design was introduced, and Mercury offered both for 1964. That was the year Mercury reintroduced the Montclair and Park Lane to the full-size series, with all three featuring available Breezeway design.
This continued through 1966 for the Monterey and Park Lane, upon which the reverse-slant roofline became history, though a revamped version of Breezeway Ventilation appeared for 1967, standard for Park Lane and the new Brougham four-door sedans and optional for Monterey and Montclair sedans. This time it used a conventional roofline and a backlite that lowered two inches. This feature became optional for all sedan models for 1968, upon which it was discontinued.
Opinions may vary on how well the roofline of this 1964 Mercury Park Lane Breezeway two-door hardtop has aged, but this car features a unique combination of kitsch and upscale appointments, as the Park Lane was Mercury’s top-of-the-line model. Mr. Harold Oszman of Humbolt, Iowa was the original owner, and his new car featured the 300-horsepower Marauder Super 390 V8 with dual exhausts, automatic transmission, and air conditioning. With 32K miles on the odometer, plus original paint and interior, the seller calls this vehicle a survivor. “The original black paint is stupid nice. All the chrome bumpers, taillights, and headlights and trim are killer,” (s)he says. “Stunning factory glass. Remote driver’s mirror . . . all the emblems are in excellent condition as well. Fender mount blinkers work.”
You’ll note the brand-new Torque Thrust D wheels and redline radials, plus several under-hood upgrades including headers and Holley carb. “I would venture to say there is not a better one of these Mercs on the planet,” adds the seller. For $32,500, you’ll have an original-condition car that came equipped with two air conditioners way before dual-climate control was a thing.
Click here for this ClassicCars.com Pick of the Day.
