1963 Mercury Facts, Figures, and Specifications
Five Fast Facts You May Not Know
1963 Mercury Monterey "Breezeway" Hardtop
1963 Mercury Marauder Fastback Coupe
1. "Breezeway" Window Returns
2. 352 CID V-8 Dropped
3. "Sportback" Roof Line Adopted
4. S-55 Interior Option Retained
5. 427 CID V-8 Engines Arrive Mid-Year
Roof Lines Change for 1963
The retractable rear window used in the 1957-1958 Mercury Turnpike Cruiser returned. Mercury also introduced the Mercury Marauder with the semi fastback roof also seen on the Ford Galaxie. At mid-year Mercury introduced the most powerful engines in its history; the 410 and 425 horsepower 427 CID V-8s.
1963 Mercury Resources
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1963 Mercury Facts –
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1963 Mercury Facts – Body Paint Color Codes
Click on the Paint Code Name to See the Mix Codes for the appropriate color:
1963 Full Size
| A Black | |
| B Peacock Blue | |
| D Ming Green | |
| E Viking Blue | |
| F Pink Lustre | |
| H Oxford Blue | |
| I Champagne | |
| J Rangoon Red | |
| M Corinthian White | |
| P Silver Moss | |
| T Sandshell Beige | |
| V Chestnut | |
| W Rose Beige | |
| X Heritage Burgundy | |
| Y Glacier Blue |
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1963 Mercury Facts and Specifications
General Year Information – 1963 Mercury Full Size Car
Monterey
For 1963, Mercury full size models (all called “Monterey”) underwent a revision to their roofline, reintroducing the retractable rear window used by the 1957-1958 Mercury Turnpike Cruiser. While it used the reverse-slant design, the power-window mechanism was borrowed from the station wagon line. Again named “Breezeway”, the retractable rear window was standard on all non-convertible Monterey and S-55 models. The front grille adopted a sharply-divided concave design, with the six-lens taillamp rear fascia making a return.
The powertrain line underwent a similar revision, as the 223 six and 292 and 352 V8s were dropped, with the 390 CID 250 HP 2-barrel V-8 becoming the standard engine. A 4-barrel 300 HP 390 was offered, initially along with a 330 HP solid lifter “Police” option. The 385 HP and 405 HP versions of the 406 CID V-8 were offered initially as the performance options. In a running change during mid-year 1963, the 406 CID V-8 was replaced by the famous 427 CID V-8, with 410 hp and 425 hp outputs.
Marauder
Mercury introduced the Mercury Marauder as a 1963 1/2 model. It introduced the fastback roof line in full size Mercurys. Like full size Fords and to better compete in racing, Mercury mated the body with the roofline of the Ford Galaxie hardtop. The Marauder came in three trim levels – Monterey and Monterey Custom with bench seat and S-55 version with bucket seats. The Monterey/Monterey Custom version received the 390 2-barrel 250 HP V-8 with standard 3-speed transmission, with other transmissions and engines optional. The Marauder S-55 received the 390 CID 4-bareel 300 HP V-8 as standard with either 4-speed or 3-speed automatic transmission. Also optional were all the 427 CID V-8s.
Concurrent with the release of the Marauder was the “Marauder” and “Super Marauder” 427 CID V-8 engines delivering 410 and 425 HP. These replaced the 406 CID High Performance V-8s. These engines were available in all 2-door full size Mercurys.
S-55
For 1963, the S-55 model line was expanded to include four-door hardtops. All S-55 models were bucket seat and console equipped. The previous notchback roofline was discontinued and replaced with the “Breezeway” design whether 2- or 4-door versions – all featured the reverse-slant retractable rear window.
NOTE: Early high performance full size Mercury models were equipped with the 406 CID V-8 in the 1962 configuration. Mid-year, the famous 427 CID V-8 line was released. For more information 1963 406 and 427 CID high performance engines, see the 1963 Ford High Performance AMA Specification Sheets on the HERE.
1963 Mercury Factoids
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The 427 CID V-8 FE block replaced the high output 406 CID V-8 and horsepower rose from 405 to 425 HP in the dual 4-barrel carbureted engine. HP. See all the specs in the 1963 Ford High Performance AMA Specifications Sheets HERE.
New for 1963 was the return of the “Breezeway Window” featured in the 1957 & 1958 Turnpike Cruiser. See it featured in the 1963 Mercury Brochure HERE.
The fastback roof line “Marauder” hardtop was released mid-year. While definitely sporty, it was primarily developed to assist Mercurys in NASCAR’s high speed ovals, where their cars had been at a distinct disadvantage in 1962. The Marauder was the fastback roof style only. It came in all trim levels – Monterey/Monterey Custom with bench seat and S-55 with bucket seats. The Monterey/Monterey Custom version received the 390 2-barrel 250 HP V-8 with standard 3-speed transmission, with other transmissions and engines optional. The Marauder S-55 received the 390 CID 4-bareel 300 HP V-8 as standard with either 4-speed or 3-speed automatic transmission
You can see more detail in the Marauder Brochure HERE.
1963 Mercury Facts – Models Offered
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Monterey – Basic Monterey styling seemed more in tune with the 1961 models than the 1962s. Six taillights were (as in 1961) located in the rear deck panel. Side body moldings ran from the tailfins to the headlights. Chrome trim was on the roof quarter panels. A concave, vertical bar grille housing four chrome-rimmed headlights.
Models available were 2-door Sedan, 4-door Sedan, 2-door Hardtop and 4- door Hardtop, and 2-door Fastback Hardtop.
Monterey Custom – Tire-level full-length moldings, three rectangular chrome pieces on the rear fender and front fender nameplates distinguished the Custom from the standard Monterey. All Customs came equipped electric clock and two-speed windshield wipers.
Models available were 4-door Sedan, 2-door Hardtop and 4- door Hardtop, 2-door Fastback Hardtop and Convertible.
Monterey S-55/Marauder – The S-55 insignia in front of the rear fender chrome bars and special wheel covers were the most noticeable exterior differences between the S-55 and the Custom. When the Marauder appeared, the “Marauder” insignia appeared in place of “S-55”. Inside, the S-55 featured vinyl upholstery, front bucket seats with the center console, front and rear armrests and padded dash. Buyers could have an automatic or a four-speed manual transmission at no extra cost.
The Marauder was the fastback roof style only. It came in all trim levels – Monterey/Monterey Custom with bench seat and S-55 with bucket seats. The Monterey and Monterey Custom version received the 390 2-barrel 250 HP V-8 with standard 3-speed transmission, with other transmissions and engines optional. The Marauder S-55 version received the 390 CID 4-bareel 300 HP V-8 as standard with either 4-speed or 3-speed automatic transmission.
Models available were the 2-door Hardtop, 2-door Fastback Hardtop (Marauder), 4-door Hardtop, and Convertible.
Station Wagons – All versions of the Mercury station wagon were called “Colony Park”. All versions featured faux wood trim and Mercury Custom exterior-like trim and their own interior trim, though it emulated Monterey Custom and S-55 in level and quality. Each version differed only in interior seating. Models were available in S-55 trim in 5- and 8-passenger seating and standard trim in 6- and 9-passenger seating.
1963 Mercury Facts – Engines
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- 250 HP 390 CID V-8
- 300 HP 390 CID V-8
- 330 HP 390 CID V-8
- 385 HP 406 CID V-8
- 405 HP 406 CID V-8
- 410 HP 427 CID V-8
- 425 HP 427 CID V-8
390 CID 2-Barrel V-8 – All Transmissions. Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 390 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 4.05 x 3.78 inches.
Compression ratio: 8.9:1.
Horsepower: 250 @ 4400 RPM.
Torque: 387 @ 2400 RPM
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake: 270°, Exhaust: 270°, Overlap 49 degrees, Lift: Intake: 0.408″, Exhaust: 0.408″.
Carburetor: Ford 2-barrel Model (manual transmission) C3MF-9510-C; (automatic transmission) C3MF-9510-D.
390 CID 4-Barrel V-8 – All Transmissions. Engine Code “Z” Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 390 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 4.05 x 3.78 inches.
Compression ratio: 9.6:1.
Horsepower: 300 @ 4600 RPM.
Torque: 427 @ 2800 RPM
Valve lifters: Hydraulic.
Camshaft timing: Intake: 270°, Exhaust: 270°, Overlap 49 degrees, Lift: Intake: 0.408″, Exhaust: 0.408″.
Carburetor: Ford 4-barrel Model (manual transmission C2AF-9510-BV; (automatic transmission) C2AF-9510-BU. Mid-year (manual transmission C3AF-9510-BV; (automatic transmission) C3AF-9510-BU.
390 CID 4-Barrel “Police” V-8 – All Transmissions. Engine Code “P” Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 390 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 4.05 x 3.78 inches.
Compression ratio: 9.6:1.
Horsepower: 330 @ 5000 RPM.
Torque: 427 @ 3200 RPM.
Valve lifters: Mechanical.
Camshaft timing: Intake: 282°, Exhaust: 282°, Overlap 54°, Lift: Intake: 0.440″, Exhaust: 0.440″.
Carburetor: Ford 4-barrel Model (manual transmission) C3AF-9510-S; (automatic transmission) C3AF-9510-T.
406 CID 4-Barrel V-8 – All Transmissions. Engine Code “B” Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 406 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 4.13 x 3.78 inches.
Compression ratio: 11.4:1.
Horsepower: 385 @ 5800 RPM.
Torque: 444 @ 3400 RPM.
Valve lifters: Mechanical.
Camshaft timing: Intake: 306°, Exhaust: 306°, Overlap 78°, Lift: 0.500″.
Carburetor: Ford-Holley 4-barrel Model Holley R-3228A.
NOTE: This engine was replaced mid-year with the 427 CID version.
406 CID Three 2-Barrel V-8 – All Transmissions. Engine Code “G” Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 406 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 4.13 x 3.78 inches.
Compression ratio: 12.1:1.
Horsepower: 405 @ 5800 RPM.
Torque: 448 @ 3500 RPM.
Valve lifters: Mechanical.
Camshaft timing: Intake: 306°, Exhaust: 306°, Overlap 78°, Lift: 0.500″.
Carburetors: Three Holley 2-barrel Model 1962 (center) C1AE-AV (front and rear) C1AE-AU.
NOTE 1: This engine was replaced mid-year with the dual 4-barrel 427 CID version.
NOTE 2: The dual 4-barrel intake manifold/carburetors from the 427 CID V-8 was approved as a replacement for the three 2-barrel setup on these engines after the 427 was released.
427 CID 4-Barrel V-8 – All Transmissions. Engine Code “Q” Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 427 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 4.23 x 3.78 inches.
Compression ratio: 10.9:1.
Horsepower: 410 @ 5600 RPM.
Torque: 476 @ 3400 RPM.
Valve lifters: Mechanical.
Camshaft timing: Intake: 324°, Exhaust: 324°, Overlap 112°, Lift: 0.500″.
Carburetor: Holley 4-barrel Model R-3228A.
427 CID Dual 4-Barrel V-8 – All Transmissions. Engine Code “R” Overhead valves. Cast iron block. Five main bearings.
Displacement: 427 cubic inches.
Bore and stroke: 4.23 x 3.78 inches.
Compression ratio: 10.9:1.
Horsepower: 410 @ 5600 RPM.
Torque: 476 @ 3400 RPM.
Valve lifters: Mechanical.
Camshaft timing: Intake: 324°, Exhaust: 324°, Overlap 112°, Lift: 0.500″.
Carburetors: Two Holley 4-barrel Model (Front) C3AF-9510-BK (Rear) C3AF-9510-BJ.
1963 Mercury Facts – Chassis Features
-
- Wheelbase: 120.0 inches.
- Overall length: 215.0 inches; Wagons – 209.9 inches.
- Overall width: 80.0 inches
- Overall height: Station Wagons: 56.9 inches; Convertible: 54.9 inches; 2- and 4-door sedans: 55.5 inches; 2-door Sports Roof: 54.5 inches; 2- and 4-door Hardtop: 55.5 inches.
- Front tread: 61.0 inches.
- Rear tread: 60.0 inches.
- Tires: 7.50 x 14, Wagons, Convertibles & Air Conditioned cars: 8.00 x 14 Tubeless BW; White walls optional.
- Optional tires: 6.70 x 15 – not available on Wagons, or all: 7.10 x 15 – includes police.
1963 Mercury Facts – Powertrains
- Three Speed Manual Transmission Ratios
- 390 CID V-8: 1st – 2.42:1, 2nd – 1.61:1, 3rd – 1:1, Reverse – 2.33:1 (1-2-3 all synchronous). NOTE: Available with the 406 and 427 CID V-8s but few fitted.
- Four Speed Manual Transmission Ratios
- 390, 406 and 427 CID V-8: 1st – 2.36:1, 2nd – 1.78:1, 3rd – 1.41:1, 4th 1:1, Reverse – 2.42:1.
- Automatic Transmission Ratios
- Merc-O-Matic: 1st – 2.40:1, 2nd – 1.47:1, 3rd – 1.00:1, Reverse – 2.00:1. NOTE: While the automatic transmission was listed as not available on 406 and 427 CID V-8 engines, it could be had by Special Order.
- Rear Gear Standard Ratios
- 390 CID 250 HP V-8: 3-Speed SMT and 4-Speed SMT – 3.50:1, Optional – 3.89:1.
- 390 CID 250 HP V-8: 3-Speed AMT – 3.00:1, Optional- 3.50:1.
- 390 CID 300 HP & Police V-8 : 3-Speed SMT, and 4-Speed SMT – 3.50:1, Optional, 3.89:1, 4.11:1.
- 390 CID 300 HP & Police V-8 3-Speed AMT – 3.00:1, Optional 3.50:1.
- 406 and 427 CID High Performance V-8: 3-Speed SMT, 4- Speed SMT and 3-Speed AMT – 3.50:1, Optional, 3.89:1, 4.11:1.
- Equa-Lock optional.
NOTE: Optional – dealer installed gear ratios ranged from 2.89:1 to 4.56:1.
1963 Mercury Facts – Powertrain Options
- Engines
-
- 390 CID V-8 with two-barrel carburetor and single exhaust was standard. All Others Optional – some Special Order.
- 390 CID V-8 with four-barrel carburetor and dual exhausts.
- 390 CID 330 HP Police V-8 with four-barrel carburetor and dual exhausts.
- 406 CID 385 HP High Performance V-8 with four-barrel carburetor and dual exhausts.
- 406 CID 405 HP High Performance V-8 with three 2-bbl carburetors and dual exhausts.
- 427 CID 410 HP High Performance V-8 with four-barrel carburetor and dual exhausts.
- 427 CID 425 HP High Performance V-8 with two 4-bbl carburetors and dual exhausts.
- Transmissions
-
- Three-Speed Manual Transmission was standard on Monterey and Custom series.
- Multi-Drive automatic transmission was optional on Monterey, Monterey Custom and all Non-S-55 equipped wagons.
- Multi-Drive automatic or four-speed manual transmissions were standard in the S-55 and Marauder.
1963 Mercury Facts – Significant Options
-
- Air-conditioner with heater ($360.90).
- Back-up lights ($10.70).
- Battery, heavy-duty, 70-amp. ($8).
- Courtesy light group ($14.80).
- Crankcase ventilation system ($6).
- Electric clock ($14.60).
- Equa-Lock differential ($39).
- Luggage rack, station wagon ($45.40).
- Monterey Sedan trim option ($34.80).
- Outside remote control rear view mirror ($12).
- Padded dash ($21.30).
- Padded dash and visors ($24).
- Padded visors ($5.80).
- Power brakes ($43.20).
- Power driver’s bucket seat in S-55 ($92.10).
- Power seat ($64).
- Power steering ($106.20).
- Power windows ($102.10).
- Radio, AM/FM ($129.30).
- Radio, push-button ($58.50).
- Seat belts, front only ($16.80).
- Swing-away steering wheel ($50).
- Tinted glass ($43).
- Tinted windshield only ($28).
- Transmission, four-speed manual – required with 375 horsepower or 401 horsepower V-8 ($188).
- Two-tone paint ($22).
- Wheel covers ($19.20).
- Whitewall tires ($52.60).
- Windshield washer ($13.70).
- Windshield wipers 2-speed ($7.75).
1963 Mercury Downloads and Images
1963 Mercury Facts – Related Document Downloads
Files directly related to the 1963 Ford Full-Size Line will appear below. Click to Download:
1963 Mercury Full Line Brochure
1963 Mercury Marauder Foldout Brochure
1963 Mercury Full Size Car Print Ads
1963 Mercury Full Size Car AMA Specifications Sheets
1963 Ford Full Size High Performance AMA Specifications Sheets – Added for Reference
1963 Mercury Marauder 427 Road Test- Car Life Magazine
1963 Mercury Road Test- Motor Trend Magazine
1963 Mercury Racing Program – Car Life Magazine
1963 Mercury Facts – Related Images
Related Images to the 1963 Full Size Line will appear below
1963 Mercury Marauder 2-door Hardtop
The 1963 Mercury Marauder 2-door Hardtop cane in three model trims: Standard Monterey, Monterey Custom and S-55. Monterey and Monterey Custom production was 7,298 combined, while the S-55 version sold 2,317 units.
1963 Mercury S-55 Convertible
The 1963 Mercury S-55 Convertible was differentiated from the standard convertible by its bucket seat interior and its standard 390 300 HP V-8. 1,379 happy customers chose this model.
1963 Mercury S-55 4-door Hardtop
Lie the convertible, the1963 Mercury S-55 4-door Hardtop was set apart by its bucket seat interior and upscale engine. 1,203 were produced.
1963 Mercury S-55 2-door Hardtop
The 1963 Mercury S-55 2-door Hardtop was the most popular S-55 model with 3,863 sold.
1963 Mercury Monterey Custom Convertible
The 1963 Mercury Monterey Custom Convertible was the only other convertible in the line. It featured a bench seat interior and upscale trim. 3,783 were built.
1963 Mercury Monterey Custom 4-door Hardtop
The 1963 Mercury Monterey Custom 4-door Hardtop was the mid-level 4-door hardtop. 8,604 were produced.
1963 Mercury Monterey Custom 2-door Hardtop
The 1963 Mercury Monterey Custom 2-door Hardtop was a step up from the standard hardtop. It was one of the better sellers with 10,693 delivered.
1963 Mercury Monterey Custom 4-door Sedan
The 1963 Mercury Monterey Custom 4-door Sedan was the upscale 4-door sedan in 1963. It was the most popular 4-door in the lineup with 39,542 sold.
1963 Mercury Monterey 4-door Hardtop
The 1963 Mercury Monterey 4-door Hardtop was the entry-level 4-door this year. It was a slow seller with only 1,692 made.
1963 Mercury Monterey 2-door Hardtop
The 1963 Mercury Monterey 2-door Hardtop was the least expensive hardtop in the mercury line this year. 2,879 found customers.
1963 Mercury Monterey 4-door Sedan
The 1963 Mercury Monterey 4-door Sedan was the entry level 4-door this year. It sold well, with 18,177 delivered.
1963 Mercury Monterey 2-door Sedan
The 1963 Mercury Monterey 2-door Sedan was the base full size Mercury in 1963. 4,640 were made.