1956 Mercury Montclair 2-door hardtop in SW Austin at Mercury Charlie’s garage. The stock Montclair featured a 312 ci OHV V8 making 225 hp, a 12-volt electric system, standard dual exhausts, automatic self-lube and the Ford Lifeguard safety system that included a flexible deep-dish steering wheel, safety door locks, tubeless tires, and a breakaway safety glass rear view mirror. Childproof rear door locks, seatbelts, and a padded dashboard were optional. I’ve take a bunch of pics of this wonderful Merc and I wouldn’t be surprised if this car has been warmed up a bit.

Here is what they say about themselves: “Charlie’s crew is skilled in all aspects of customization and old-school hot rodding. Fabricators. Mechanical savants. Horsepower wranglers … operating under the influence of a man who has been a custom-car icon since long before reality TV muscled its way onto the Central Texas car scene. You might say we’re the real deal, as not seen on cable.” It’s all true!

Charlie has generously permitted me to freely take many pics at his garages and is a regular stop in my travels. Here’s a bit of history about Charlie and hot rodding in America. Thanks, Charlie!