Charles Phoenix JOYRIDE: 1956 Mercury X-M Turnpike Cruiser

DREAMCAR DREAMS DO COME TRUE: I felt like the luckiest guy in the world to be among the first to see Mercury’s one-of-a-kind 1956 X-M Turnpike Cruiser, freshly restored to divine perfection. After all, for decades I’d been dreaming of the day Detroit’s ultimate concept/dream would be brought back from the dead.
Finally, after 60 years of decay and deterioration the ravishing resurrection of this ultra high-fashion cosmic carriage has triumphantly happened, all thanks to automotive restoration artist extraordinaire, Tom Maruska who heroically rescued and painstakingly restored the “eXperimental-Mercury.” The result is intoxicating. Someone, please give this man a superhero cape!
Make no mistake about it, this is the space age show car that outdid and upstaged every other prototype of its era. Unapologetically, the X-M Turnpike Cruiser epitomizes, like no other, the extravagance, exuberance, and out-of-this-world optimism that defined the skies-the-limit automotive design and style guide of the late 1950s.
We might as well just get it out in the open, the Mercury X-M Cruiser is more than a mid-century modern masterpiece, it’s a world-class national treasure of the absolute highest order to behold!
I’ve celebrated many a mid-century motor car but this one is my absolute FAVORITE CAR OF ALL TIME.

[@larrymarvin2453]

Thank You Tom Maruska for saving this piece of history, amazing restoration job.

[@stewkeene]

I agree, magnificent restoration

[@StvMcQueen1]

Amen!

[@UberLummox]

Ditto. Would love to know more about where & why it sat all these decades and how it evaded the crusher!

[@manuelsousa6509]

L

[@tonymontenegro3798]

What a beauty 👌🏼

[@billhowes7464]

Not all heroes wear capes. This gentleman deserves a gold medal for this marvelous restoration. Kept alive for future generations to see.❤️

[@anthonydilligaf823]

This obviously isn't his first restore. My Lord, this is beautiful.

[@DionicioThomas-qd6ns]

Everyone knows classic cars are more than just cars. They are pieces of art and and history We need more people who can restore these kind of cars Like tom Maruska

[@orionwarren4244]

To hand remake all of those body panels and interior pieces plus to find and then have all the chrome parts redone well, priceless and speechless are about the only words that come to mind!

[@zzzut]

Thank God for enthusiasts such as Mr Maruska. That car is over the top but as Liberace would say: Too much of a good thing is wonderful!

[@THROTTLEPOWER]

Oh wow 😍 now that is a BEAUTIFUL Mercury!!!!👍🙂

[@portlandon]

Tom also found and saved the 1963 thunderbird Italiene prototype fastback show car. He really is a car hero.

[@tpls63]

AND the 1954 Mercury XM-800 Dream Car...

[@davidkastin4240]

I love Mercurys and this is the most iconic one ever made. I've been following all videos on YT. Hard to believe it was left to be a rotted out husk. Tom is a Super Hero. I had to keep wiping my tears of joy seeing it fully restored. Thank you Tom and Charles for bringing us this Mercury Masterpiece 😍

[@jefferywarshawsky2263]

I have to agree with you ❤️

[@mauricewascom658]

Yep INDEED ❗😋❤️

[@heckmacbuff]

6000 hours! Time exceedingly well spent on this Jet Age masterpiece.

[@czechmate6916]

First time I ever saw this car I didn’t even know it existed. It’s a rolling piece of art, a masterpiece. I’m so glad this man found it and saved it. He is a very skilled craftsman to do what he did. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Designers were way ahead of their time then . This kind of ingenuity is lost and probably won’t ever happen again. This car is priceless.

[@imrytebeehyneu]

Duh, it's a concept. That's why no one knows...

[@warrenjohnson4197]

The XM Cruiser sat rotting off Telegraph Road in Flat Rock Mi for years. I remember seeing it as a high school student in the late 70s.

[@ronforeman2556]

1956, the year I was born, also was the year Congress authorized construction of the Interstate Highway System. So this Mercury "Turnpike X-M Cruiser" was absolutely forward-thinking. Heck, I can even say I was BORN to want one! I can see how they were able to scrounge parts from the 1957 Mercury Turnpike Cruiser to complete this restoration, but they must have had to fabricate those red taillight lenses somehow. Kudos to whomever did that.

[@tpls63]

There are no 57 TC parts that will fit this car. Every piece that you see was hand built in Italy. Only the chassis and drive line was production Ford/Lincoln/Mercury parts.

[@shiftintohigh5564]

Behold the glory! Dual Dagmars! Its epic! Thanks Tom!👍👍😎🇺🇸🎃

[@a.s8409]

Tom Maruska is an ABSOLUTE LEGEND! This just goes to show that any car is restoreable with the right amount of money and a whole lot of determination. This has also got to be one of my new all-time favorite cars too. It's absolutely incredible!

[@soyounoat]

This is highest level restoration. Tom Maruska, Thank You!

[@evanking920]

One of the best restos I have seen. Right on par with the Nethercut Collection and Jay Leno's Garage.

[@johnneilson377]

The project will be incomplete until Tom finds and restores the Van-o-rama and reunites them again! (No, that's meant to make you smile and nothing more.) What a beautiful job he did on this and what a great looking car. 6,000 hours of work is incredible and the result is perfection; what dedication! Love the colors. Thanks for showing this to us, Mr. P.

[@soarornor]

I was thinking the same. The Van-O-Rama must be found, restored, and reunited!

[@DwayneETowns]

Great suggestion!

[@godfreyberry1599]

Tom Maruska - a SUPERHERO is an understatement - what a magnificent contribution to creativity of the highest order. The sheer callousness of persons unnamed of simply not giving a dammn when this gem was allowed to rot in the first place beats me.

[@christopherkraft1327]

Behold The Glory!!! This Mercury Turnpike Cruiser is amazing in every way!!! The restoration is top notch & this one of a kind beauty is definitely ready for its close up!!!! 👍👍🎃

[@ValdezJu]

Hypnotizing and mesmerizing!

[@fiddlington]

I can’t believe this car was even allowed to get in such a shape. That’s utterly remarkable in itself. Thank you Tom for talking on this massive task!

[@glynngreenwood8788]

Absolutely fabulous…bearing in mind this was built in 1955… a foretaste of what was coming in four or five years. Way ahead of its time!! And for the builder - none of the missing parts available from the breakers yard or salvage from other cars…. The man is a genius. And Charles - where have you been, we have missed your fabulous presentations - your brilliant over the top narration which we LOVE! PLEASE keep them coming…

[@jimmycricket5366]

I so enjoy the OTT narration!

[@kerrymcdonagh1327]

I just discovered this on my YT feed, what a find!!! We had been to Charles shows at the Egyptian Theater in the early 2000's and a couple of his tours. "Mr Phoenix" is magical in his presentation & always had us laughing.

[@markreisen7038]

This has to be the COOLEST factory Custom ever made.. Being a life long Mercury fan, this Xperamental Turnpike Cruiser influenced Fomoco design themes for the next 3 years.. It's like 1957 only 2 years early.. That 292 Y block under the hood is the tricky part of this Radically full custom of ever built car..

[@jahjr2002]

@@jimmycricket5366 OTT INDEED, I had to mute it before I gagged 😳

[@ToyKingWonder]

@@kerrymcdonagh1327 I went to one as well, and bought a signed book afterwards! Always entertaining.

[@angeloavanti2538]

That was the promise of tomorrow. Thanks Tom for your ability and resources to do this car a solid. A 'creme cycle' of an automobile.

[@cristianabarsuglia629]

Now if somebody could re-create the Van-O-Rama, that would be the icing on the cake!

[@annemcgill6370]

Oh those long Duluth winter nights, thank you Tom Maruska for working on this beautiful car and bringing her back. It's amazing.

[@jaygatz4335]

This car is something else! This man is a magician. Love the orange colour.

[@johna.4334]

"Behold the glory"!!! Welcome back Charles, we miss you.

The most astonishing automotive creation in the known universe and beyond.

[@cjdesign5700]

Just found out about this car a few weeks ago. Thank you so much Tom for finding and masterfully restoring, and to Charles for bring us an in-depth look at this Space-Age Icon. Ironically I'm doing a painting (started 2 weeks ago) with a 57 Mercury, and famous Girl in a Car Show setting.

[@davidkastin4240]

Welcome back Charles. We missed seeing your great car videos. Hope all is well. Phenomenal restoration on this concept Mercury ❤

[@coldwarmotors]

Thanks for the close-up look at this amazing restoration of such a special car! Fantastic job; congratulations and thank you for saving this one-off machine. Cheers from Canada.

[@rayinpau.s.a.6351]

Scott , Your insight and hands do the exact work ! Do not kid yourself . it is a shame that you sleep , because your not using your hands then ! Cheers to you Agent Scott .

[@joshthemediocre7824]

I have always been a fan of old Fords, all 4 of my uncles still own 20's -60's Fords we have dozens in the family, i grew up looking at car magazines and now i sometimes sit on the internet for hours watching different auto related videos, BUT i had still never heard of this. Thanks for expanding my mind with this sweet story. The Turnpike Cruiser looks like the perfect car to do that in.

[@blizzy6392]

Thank you Tom and we’ll done, Charles! I’ve been familiar with this Dream Car for decades but I didn’t know it still existed among us. Absolutely amazed that a one-off vintage concept car can be returned from the dead like this!

[@warrenblackwell6289]

When I was 14 my Dad bought a brand new ‘57 Mercury Monterey.It was a yellow and white,two door hardtop with the Cruiser skirts.I thought it was the most beautiful car ever.It had several features borrowed from that “concept car “.Thank you for saving it,amazing restoration.

[@josephg41]

You can really see how parts of this car went into actual production. You can see the '57 Ford and especially Mercury in it. Thank you Tom for restoring this treasure

[@12345682900]

UNREAL! Thank you, Tom. Thank you, Charles. So glad to see THIS car in THIS condition!

[@modelermark172]

I guess I'm showing my age, but whenever I hear the phrase, "Car of the Future!" THIS is exactly what comes to mind! You did an excellent restoration job, Mr. Maruska! She's beautiful!!!

[@tigheentirnanog269]

Tom Maruska, your passion and vision as well as your meticulous work is highly commendable. You did an outstanding job of bringing this fine piece of machinery back from the grave, for all to admire and enjoy its stunning beauty. Tom, you will be long remembered and revered for your high quality craftsmanship. Enjoy the journey, it is well deserved!

[@MarkMeldrumChevelleHunters]

This is truly a gem - well done Charles on this great find and thanks for bringing it to us!

[@tombarb2864]

Wow, what a comeback! This was definitely a labor of love. Thanks for your video Charles.

[@vanpenguin22]

I'm up to my eyeballs in shattered pieces of the world I once knew and loved. My town has bull dozed away everything in favor of senior living apartments and lite rail. Friends and former coworkers dying off, My cars need work I have no time to do, I could go on and on. Seeing this is a wonderful gift of hope. Thank you both, gentlemen!

[@daviduliana9950]

The color is really something special.

[@bozodog428]

So glad I was born in the fifties. So many wild cars coming from Detroit as show cars and some went on as production models.

[@crankychris2]

As did this one, which sold over 23,000 Turnpike Cruisers between 1957-59. Their styling was quite similar to this concept, although they dumped the old Y block for a updated 430 cu in "Super Marauder" 400 hp engine.

[@1984xlx]

Holy Crap! That is amazing! I am SO glad this car wound up in the right hands. After watching this video, I had to go back and look at the remains that he started with to believe it's the same car. Amazing.

[@rayphillips332]

I'm 65 yrs old and I've never seen it before its beautiful.

[@gene978]

3 years of 40 hours a week No weeks off of FULL TIME RESTORATION and it shows.

[@robertgedzelman380]

Thank you for bringing to us this video. I cannot imagine the thousands of hours of work and unimaginable amounts of money this true American spent to bring this masterpiece back to life! It's really gorgeous. How did he find all the parts, the chromed letters, the high mount rear stop lamps, chrome front bumper pieces (the cost to chrome or re-chrome metal is enormous)? The energy, enthusiasm, creativity and drive of this man, so admirable. It's a work of art and engineering...what an accomplishment! The enjoyment of viewing this lovely car...it really should be in a museum. What shocks me is how Ford abandoned this car...some pathetic 'bean counter' who, if this car cost one cent per year, would still say "NO" despite how huge Ford Motor Company is. Mr. Maruska is a wonderful person who helped bring back to life a real piece of Americana! Thanks to both you, Mr. Phoenix and Mr. Maruska! (PS: what I'm amazed at is that Ford designers had no clue about air conditioning and FM radio transmission (what they would become) and three-point safety harnesses, the first two of which both were in their infancies in 1954-1955 (and the safety harnesses, so vital today.) Had they known back then...!).

[@armedinbama]

Talk about approaching the impossible! I shudder to contemplate the work involved in just getting the parts together!

[@sibman77]

This is the best possible color combination this car could ever have been. It's absolutely stunning! Charles. You're lucky just to get to touch it. Whoa!

[@bobblankenship3427]

A true true time capsule. I honestly can feel I'm back in 56, 57 again. What I wouldn't give to have this masterpiece. Love it. If Dad were here he'd love it also. Thanks for showing us.

[@RiverBanks34]

This car is the real back to the future! This car definitely runs on a flux capacitor! Thanks for restoring the PICASSO of CARS! ROBBIE the ROBOT should be behind the wheel!

[@marleenscholz4386]

OMG ... the Sound from this car ♥ YES its a Dream Car , so beautiful

[@josephconsoli4128]

It is a work of art for sure! Right away, I love the soft satin look of the paint and the color is truly eye-catching. The restoration is amazing. it's a shame that the automobile today, while safer, more wind resistant, and reliable, does not offer the sheer beauty of artistic styling these old cars had. In life, it's not only fulfilling needs, but fulfilling that place in your heart that feels joy. This car brings joy to the senses. A new SUV does not.

[@ludovicleroux9190]

Watch out for the unicorne ! Nothing about this episode could be real on earth. That's a mere dream. I can't believe it. Thumb's up !

[@StvMcQueen1]

Now you've gone and done it, Charles. You've reached the absolute pinnacle of the automotive world. This one is beyond treasure. It is a gift from God! Thank you for letting us see it, too! --Jim

[@asteverino8569]

What a delicious, creamy, off the wall car, from Ford and Ghia!!! The restoration is fantastic 🎉k Thanks Charles for bringing this car and its re-crafter to us.

[@soarornor]

This restoration truly deserves an in depth video of its own on how it was accomplished. Tom probably has a lot of photos and video of it. The amount of astonishing work that went into the recreation of this car should be detailed. Tom and his like are unfortunately a vanishing breed. Great, great video. Very much enjoyed. I will always have a major weakness for the coral/cream paint scheme. I had a ‘54 Ford Crestline with that setup. Cream on the body and coral for the hardtop.

[@kayeninetwo3585]

A truly monumental moment in your channel, Charles, and in the history of factory produced concept cars of America's golden age! Congratulations on being able to see this incredible machine in person, and many thanks for sharing the experience with the rest of us! And many thanks to Tom Maruska for saving this very significant car. I'll be following the auction with great interest (but, unfortunately, NOT as a bidder :) )

[@I-Libertine]

Totally awesome. World class treasure, indeed. Maybe my favor concept car, ever-- and i never would have know about it without you both. Oh, yeah.

[@troygoggans5495]

Saying the styling is mid century at it’s extreme is one of the greatest understatements of all time!

[@terry3193]

Thanks for sharing this. This is the most amazing car and restoration that I’ve ever seen. Tom is a hero. I can’t believe that Ford would just put it to pasture like that. That’s insane! Most people would not have the wherewithal to even begin a project like this. Thank goodness Tom took this project on and saved it. Amazing.

[@lazyrrr2411]

i live in Detriot and you'd probably be horrified to realize that there are several key scrap yards around town that have exclusive contracts with The Big 3 to cut-up & destroy these one-off show cars and experimentals

[@terry3193]

@@lazyrrr2411 That just kills me!😩

[@5455jm]

Thank you for posting this; about a month ago I saw a Ytube post of this vehicle and saw its shabby remains. I was so horrified and saddened I could not finish watching the post. This car has certainly come a very long way. Reincarnation exists; I know, you know.

[@TheHelado36]

Incredible !

[@jnucleo]

The level of restoration is incredible, kudos to Mr. Maruska! Robert McNamara must have been having fits when this was under development. Fantastic tribute, the sarcasm was hilarious! A time when America could still revel in it's glory!

[@tommyadano9853]

WOWWZAA WOWWZAA!! Stunning. Rolling art. Thank you Tom for being a master at your craft and saving History. Incredible. Thank you Charles for heading out there to Show us this incredible Car!!

[@JohnCBurzynski]

Glad to see a current (new) video. Thank you...to infinity and beyond.

[@johna.4334]

"I know"

[@MrJrich713]

I was at the Mecum car auction yesterday (1/4/23) in Kissimmee FL. I actually saw this car on display in the to be auctioned area. Absolutely awesome!

[@nealsidor1323]

What a beautiful experimental future car. Didn't know Mercury invented T-tops... Thanks for this peek at futures past.

[@karltork6040]

They didn't, Mr. Gordon Beurig invented and patented them. He also designed cars for Cord and many other car makers.

[@nealsidor1323]

@@karltork6040 Maybe Beurig patented the idea but unless that happened before the mid 50s, this idea came from the styling department of Ford Motor Company.

[@karltork6040]

@@nealsidor1323 Mr. Beurig patented them on June 5th 1951, while employed by Ford. The patent is in his name.

[@phildem414]

Geat save! Americana design in all it's Glory

[@bobpierce115]

LOVE the opening shot with (unless I'm wrong) the Top American Model of the '50s; theeeeee Suzy Parker herself.

[@philstall6262]

Not all heroes wear capes, but that's a beautiful restoration of that 56 Mercury.

[@drjonathanvrban706]

Thank you Tom for restoring this truly amazing piece of automotive history & thank you Charles for sharing it with us

[@tracebur]

What a fantastic car. I was facinated by this car as a young teenager. Later owned two 1959 Mercurys. Just loved the design. Thanks for sharing!

[@mauricewascom658]

I'm loving the "Flaps" over the doors, which surely will accommodate most of the Taller drivers and passengers ❗☺️❤️

[@Uswesi1527]

Undoubtedly, definitely unique, unprecedented, unparalleled landmark masterpiece. Undoubtedly, the Italian touch , is very clearly Visible.

[@tonycolca2241]

It is such a serious crime to allow something to deteriorate like that. BUT! Thanks so much for prople like Tom. A lot of the parts for that car had to be hand made. What a beautiful job.

[@rockarocky1384]

GRAND ! ✨

[@jeffreyrwilliams9345]

Mind blown!!

[@johna.4334]

"I know"

[@THEKINGSCOMING]

Hands down, the Best ever conceived and made by man...One in a Billion...

[@lanedexter6303]

What a beauty! It’s fun to look at concept/show cars and see what carries over into production. I can definitely see resemblance to 1957/58 Mercury here, especially from the rear quarter view.

[@mikerca]

How in the world was a car like this allow to rot away ? Amazing restoration for an amazing car !

[@job38four10]

It's an absolute shame to let these classic cars go to dust, so glad people like him can restore them to original condition, thanks for posting......

[@jamesbraun7709]

No one could do this beauty justice except Phoenix .

[@guidedmeditation2396]

This car and video are a real treat. I like the floating roof design with integrated tail lights.. The overall fun factor is something I wish a modern car could replicate.

[@dexm8846]

A Double Mater Piece: one to the original designers and make, and a second to its restoration builder and restoration. Great job, and amazing still today in 2022! Wow!

[@StvMcQueen1]

My dad bought a new '57 Mercury Monclair 2-dr. hardtop back in '57 and the whole family just loved it. It's neat to see the beast that inspired it, all fixed up like new. Thanks, Charles!

[@martinburke362]

Mercury's not always given the recognition they deserve after cadillacs Buicks and Lincoln have had their say but quite often they were totally out there and lead the way like this beauty

[@Mr05241948]

A very beautiful car, and a very stunning restoration.

[@franksliwa362]

That is a stunning car!! A truly epic restoration!!

[@wwrunk5551]

Fabulous job Tom ! I wish the car could attend the IMOA national meet in 2023......wherever it may be.

[@jefferypitts343]

An amazing car, thank you for saving it, its cooler than the batmobile!

[@Oscarphone]

Man, I so enjoy his 50's and 60's car reviews. Perfection of the highest order..

[@frankfrankenstein5933]

Wow! An absolute masterpiece! Great review! Thanks! I know!!! 😁

[@joedaly2362]

Like right, you smart *ss Mr. Charles Phoenix! (and this is why we love you!!).

[@randyhokin4043]

He is truly a master of metal fabrication. People just don't know what it took to bring that car back...... Only one ever made.....

[@GeneJenkins]

Ok... ABSOLUTELY BREATHTAKING!! ...much like your one by one detailed descriptions, Charles!! I must say I've never seen anything like it! To me I see reminders of "Whoville" and Dr Seuss! Love it! What a great restoration! Well done!!

[@markbehr88]

Fantastic. Well done Tom and thank you.

[@michaeladamo6279]

What a car!!! Thank you sir for all your hard work! and of course thank you Charles for the video!

[@thomasmulhall4873]

Tom Maruska is an artist, master, and warrior! Thank you!

[@markotnes8532]

GLORIOUS! And the paint has a unique matte finish, too. Wild!

[@ivanjones1804]

Again all thanks to to you Tom that true a real true Craftsman is still alive and kicking to this very day. Ivan I J