CARCARETOOL VEHICLE GUIDE

Mercury Custom

Mercury Custom — 1952–1956, 2-door sedan 4-door sedan 2-door coupe 2-door hardtop 4-door hardtop 4-door station wagon, 255 cuin Flathead V8256 cuin Ford Y-block V8292 cuin Ford Y-block V8312 cuin Ford Y-block V8. Explore engine specifications, fuel economy, dimensions, tire sizes, seating, maintenance and tire-pressure guidance.

Engine255 cuin Flathead V8256 cuin Ford Y-block V8292 cuin Ford Y-block V8312 cuin Ford Y-block V8

Transmission3-speed manual3-speed Merc-O-Matic automatic

About the Mercury Custom

Mercury Custom is a 2-door sedan 4-door sedan 2-door coupe 2-door hardtop 4-door hardtop 4-door station wagon in the full-size class, with source data covering 1952–1956. The available vehicle data lists 255 cuin Flathead V8256 cuin Ford Y-block V8292 cuin Ford Y-block V8312 cuin Ford Y-block V8 as an engine configuration, paired with 3-speed manual3-speed Merc-O-Matic automatic and a FR layout layout. Public source material describes the model in the context of its design, market positioning and vehicle history.

This Mercury Custom guide focuses on the details drivers commonly want to know, including engine information for 255 cuin Flathead V8256 cuin Ford Y-block V8292 cuin Ford Y-block V8312 cuin Ford Y-block V8 and 3-speed manual3-speed Merc-O-Matic automatic transmission information. Exact specifications should be matched to the relevant model year and market.

Mercury Custom specifications at a glance

Use this table for the model-level essentials. Exact figures may vary by year, trim, engine and market.

Make	Mercury
Model	Custom
Model years	1952–1956
Body style	2-door sedan 4-door sedan 2-door coupe 2-door hardtop 4-door hardtop 4-door station wagon
Vehicle class	Full-size
Manufacturer	Mercury (Ford)
Market / country	NL, NZ

Engine, transmission and performance

Engine information for the Mercury Custom includes 255 cuin Flathead V8256 cuin Ford Y-block V8292 cuin Ford Y-block V8312 cuin Ford Y-block V8.. Transmission information includes 3-speed manual3-speed Merc-O-Matic automatic.. The listed drivetrain/layout is FR layout.

Engine	255 cuin Flathead V8256 cuin Ford Y-block V8292 cuin Ford Y-block V8312 cuin Ford Y-block V8
Transmission	3-speed manual3-speed Merc-O-Matic automatic
Drivetrain / layout	FR layout

Dimensions, weight and practicality

Dimensions and capacity figures are presented as published source data when available.

Wheelbase	118.0 in (2,997 mm)(1952-54 all, 1955-56 wagons) 119.0 in (3,023 mm)(1955-56 exc wagons)
Length	202.2 in (5,136 mm)
Width	73.5 in (1,867 mm)

Mercury Custom other specifications

Name	Mercury Custom
Image	File:55 Mercury Custom (9132688304).jpg
Caption	1955 Mercury Custom 4-door sedan

Mercury Custom generations and model years

Where a source covers multiple generations, CarCareTool selects the generation(s) that best match this catalog model instead of mixing unrelated variants.

Generation / scope	Years	Engine	Transmission	Drivetrain
Mercury Custom	1952–1956	255 cuin Flathead V8256 cuin Ford Y-block V8292 cuin Ford Y-block V8312 cuin Ford Y-block V8	3-speed manual3-speed Merc-O-Matic automatic	FR layout

TIRE PRESSURE

Recommended tire pressure for Mercury Custom

Check the vehicle placard or owner’s manual for the manufacturer’s cold inflation pressure. CarCareTool estimates are clearly labelled when an exact verified value is unavailable.

Normal load32 PSI front30 PSI rear

Fully loaded34 PSI front33 PSI rear

Load condition	Front	Rear	Status
Normal	32 PSI	30 PSI	Estimate
Fully loaded	34 PSI	33 PSI	Estimate

Calculate how much air to add

Frequently asked questions about Mercury Custom

These FAQs are generated automatically for this specific vehicle from the specifications, features and ownership data available in CarCareTool. Questions are selected by relevance so the page focuses on details that can actually be answered for this model.

What engine does the Mercury Custom have?

The available source data lists the Mercury Custom engine as 255 cuin Flathead V8256 cuin Ford Y-block V8292 cuin Ford Y-block V8312 cuin Ford Y-block V8. Engine availability can differ by model year and market.

What tire pressure should I use for the Mercury Custom?

For the correct setting, use the cold inflation pressure on the vehicle placard or in the owner’s manual. When CarCareTool does not have a verified configuration-specific value, its starting estimate is 32 PSI front and 30 PSI rear for normal load. This is an estimate, not an OEM recommendation.

What is the best engine oil for the Mercury Custom?

There is no single best engine oil for every Mercury Custom configuration. Use the viscosity grade and manufacturer approval specified for the exact engine in the owner’s manual.

What body style is the Mercury Custom?

The Mercury Custom is classified as a 2-door sedan 4-door sedan 2-door coupe 2-door hardtop 4-door hardtop 4-door station wagon.

What years was the Mercury Custom produced?

The available vehicle record places the Mercury Custom in the 1952–1956 period. Exact availability can vary by market.

What are the dimensions of the Mercury Custom?

The available source data lists length 202.2 in (5,136 mm), width 73.5 in (1,867 mm), and wheelbase 118.0 in (2,997 mm)(1952-54 all, 1955-56 wagons) 119.0 in (3,023 mm)(1955-56 exc wagons).

What transmission does the Mercury Custom have?

The available source data lists 3-speed manual3-speed Merc-O-Matic automatic transmission options for the Mercury Custom.

Is the Mercury Custom FWD, RWD or AWD?

The listed drivetrain/layout for the Mercury Custom is FR layout.

Who makes the Mercury Custom?

The manufacturer listed for the Mercury Custom is Mercury (Ford).

Where was the Mercury Custom built?

The available source record lists assembly information as Main plantWayne, Michigan(Branch assembly)St. Louis, MissouriMaywood, CaliforniaMetuchen, New Jersey.

What class of car is the Mercury Custom?

The Mercury Custom is listed in the Full-size class.

Which markets or countries sold the Mercury Custom?

The CarCareTool catalog currently associates the Mercury Custom with NL, NZ. Market availability and specifications can differ.

What came after the Mercury Custom?

The available vehicle data lists Mercury Medalist as a successor where applicable.

What replaced the Mercury Custom?

The available vehicle data lists Mercury Medalist as the successor where applicable.

What cars are related to the Mercury Custom?

The available source data identifies related models as Lincoln CosmopolitianLincoln CapriMercury MontereyFord Crestline Skyliner. Relationships can vary by market and generation.

How often should I check the tire pressure on the Mercury Custom?

Check the tires regularly and before long trips, with the tires cold. Use the vehicle placard or owner’s manual as the source of the manufacturer’s recommended pressure.

Should I use the tire sidewall pressure for the Mercury Custom?

No. The maximum pressure printed on the tire sidewall is not automatically the vehicle’s recommended setting. Use the vehicle placard or owner’s manual for the correct cold inflation pressure.

Does the recommended tire pressure change when the Mercury Custom is fully loaded?

It can. Many vehicles specify a different cold pressure for heavier loads. Check the vehicle placard or owner’s manual for the exact loading condition.

Can the Mercury Custom have different tire pressures front and rear?

Yes. Some vehicles specify different front and rear pressures because axle loads and vehicle configurations differ. Follow the exact vehicle recommendation where available.

Why can mileage differ from the published figure for the Mercury Custom?

Published fuel economy is measured under a defined test method. Real-world mileage can vary with traffic, speed, temperature, tire pressure, payload, maintenance and driving style.

Data sources and verification are available in the page editor; exact specifications can vary by year, market, trim and engine.

Mercury Custom images

Vehicle images are shown from the stored source image records when available.