Think Panoramic Roofs Are New? Check Out The One On This 1955 Mercury Montclair

Panoramic roofs have exploded in popularity and can be found on everything from mid-size sedans to luxury crossovers.

While they seem like a modern invention, they’re not as witnessed by this 1955 Mercury Montclair Sun Valley.

Set to be auctioned off by Barrett-Jackson in March, this particular model is reportedly one of 1,787 Sun Valley variants that were produced in 1955. As you’ve probably guessed, the Sun Valley name distinguished versions of the Montclair which were equipped with Plexiglas covering the front row.

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At the time, Mercury billed the model as a “convertible-influenced hardtop” that “introduced a new outlook on motoring through its transparent roof.” Brochures went on to claim “even driving in the rain becomes an exhilarating new experience as you relax in the secure comfort of its luxurious interior.”

While the roof provided amazing views, it reportedly had a big drawback – it turned the interior into an oven on sunny days. This isn’t much of a problem now thanks to modern air conditioning but, back then things weren’t as pleasant.

Putting that aside, the car is a looker as it features a Sea Island Green exterior with a white roof and acres of chrome trim. That theme continues in the cabin as there are two-tone leather seats and a matching two-tone dashboard.

The listing is light on specifics, but says the car has a V8 engine that is connected to a three-speed automatic transmission. That could be Mercury’s 4.8-liter “Super-Torque” V8, which produced up to 195 hp (145 kW / 198 PS) and 286 lb-ft (388 Nm) of torque.

The car is being sold without reserve and has received a “compete nut-and-bolt Concours-level restoration.” That seems to pan out as the vehicle won first-in-class at the Boca Raton Concours and has been featured at the Eastville Car Museum for the past eight years.

Picture credit: Barrett-Jackson