Mercury Messenger (concept car)

This article is about an automobile. For the NASA mission to Mercury, see MESSENGER.

Mercury Messenger
Mercury Messenger at the 2003 Detroit Auto Show
Overview
Manufacturer	Mercury (Ford) Stola
Production	2003
Designer	Gerry McGovern
Body and chassis
Class	Concept car
Body style	2-door fastback
Layout	FR
Powertrain
Engine	4.6 L Modular V8
Transmission	6-speed automatic sequential

The Mercury Messenger is a concept car manufactured by Mercury in collaboration with coachbuilder Stola. It was revealed at the 2003 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan. The vehicle was named after Mercury, the Roman messenger god from whom Mercury gets its name.

Design

Mercury Messenger interior

Designed by Gerry McGovern, the Messenger was meant to signal the new design DNA of future Mercury models. Journalists pointed out similarities to past Ford and Mercury models, such as the Ford Cougar II concept and the Mercury Cougar. ^[1]

Specifications

The Messenger was intended to be powered by a 4.6 liter Modular DOHC V8 mated to a 6-speed automatic sequential transmission. It features independent rear suspension and 4-piston Brembo brake discs with anti-lock braking. The wheels feature a turbine design and measure 20 inches (510 mm) in diameter and 305 millimetres (12.0 in) wide in the rear, and 19 inches (480 mm) in diameter and 275 millimetres (10.8 in) wide in the front. ^[2]

Fate

Mercury Messenger at the Petersen Automotive Museum

In 2010, the Messenger was sold at an RM Sotheby's auction, with a final price of $52,250. ^[3] At the time of its sale, it had no engine or transmission, as they had reportedly never been installed by Mercury. ^[4] As of 2023, it was owned by the Bortz Auto Collection and has been displayed at the Petersen Automotive Museum. ^[5]

References

1. Strohl, Daniel (8 October 2014). "Could the stillborn Messenger concept car have saved Mercury?". Hemmings. Archived from the original on 4 February 2016.
2. "Messenger" (PDF). Mercury.
3. "2003 Mercury Messenger Concept | Sports & Classics of Monterey 2010". RM Sotheby's. Retrieved 2025-08-27.
4. "2003 Mercury Messenger". Bortz Auto Collection. Retrieved 2025-08-27.
5. Foote, Brett (2023-01-22). "2003 Mercury Messenger Concept At Petersen Museum: Photos". fordauthority.com. Retrieved 2025-08-27.

External links

• Mercury Messenger at Seriouswheels (archived)