For 1953, a styling change was made to the grille. It was still integrated with the bumper, but the bumper guards were now bullet-shaped. The trunk lid featured a new medallion. Side chrome trim consisted of a full-length, mid-body spear and rear fender molding. "Mercury" appeared on the middle front of the rear fender just behind the chrome trim outlining the front of that fender.

The doors could stay in position either half-way or fully opened. An enlarged tailpipe and new, straight-through muffler greatly reduced back pressure and helped performance. Power brakes were first offered in April of 1953, and fifteen percent of Mercurys were equipped with them. A month later, power steering was introduced. Only eight percent of 1953 Mercurys were sold with this option.

The 1953 Mercury production was double that of 1952 at 305,863 units. The 40 millionth vehicle built by Ford Motor Company was a 1953 Mercury convertible.

1953 Mercury Custom - SERIES 3M

The Custom was little changed in either styling or options, except as noted above.  Mercury standard equipment was similar to 1952 and included: cigarette lighter, electric clock, locking glove compartment, twin horns, two sun visors, arm rests on each front door, foot control for high beam headlights with beam indicator on instrument panel, two ashtrays in rear compartment, friction-lock, ventilating windows in front, dimming control for instrument lights, luggage compartment light, and spare wheel and tire in luggage compartment. Power window lifts and seat adjustment were standard on the six-passenger convertible and available at extra cost on all models but the station wagon.

1953 Mercury Monterey - SERIES 3M

Two-tone paint, fender skirts and chrome rocker panels were standard on the Monterey series. "Monterey" and a Mercury shield logo were placed on the upper front fenders except on those cars built early in the model year. The rear side windows of the station wagon featured sliding glass.

Body Colors -

• 01 India Black
• 02 Superior Blue
• 04 Mohawk Maroon
• 05 Glenwood Gray
• 06 Beechwood Brown
• 06A Brentwood Brown 
• 07 Banff Blue
• 09 Tahiti Tan
• 11 Sherwood Green
• 12 Pinehurst Green
• 12A Asheville Green 
• 13 Village Green
• 17 Bittersweet
• 19 Yosemite Yellow
• 20 Siren Red
  

Upholstery -

• Vinyl and cloth in closed models.
• Vinyl and nylon in Convertible.
• The Station Wagon used vinyl.

Mercury Engines -

• L-head V-8. Cast iron block. Displacement: 255.4 CID. Bore and stroke: 3.19" x 4.00". Compression ratio: 7.20:1. Horsepower: 125 @ 3700 RPM. Torque: 218 @ 1700 RPM. Three main bearings. Carburetor: Holley 1901-FF two-barrel.

Chassis: All Models -

• Wheelbase: 118".
• Overall length: Passenger Cars - 202.4" Station Wagon - 208.5"
• Front tread: 58.0".
• Rear tread: 56.0".
• Tires: 7.10 x 15, Monterey Convertible and Wagon 7.60 x 15.

Powertrain Options -

• Merc-O-Matic automatic transmission was optional.
• Three-speed manual column mounted transmission was standard.
• Touch-O-Matic Overdrive was optional
• Rear Axle ratio 3.9:1 standard, Axle ratio for overdrive 4.27:1.

Significant Options -

• Courtesy/Map Light
• Engine Compartment Light
• Heater/Defroster
• License Plate Frames
• No-Glare Rear View Mirror
• Oil bath air cleaner
• Outside Rear-view Mirror
• Plug-in Utility lamp
• Power Seat (standard in convertible)
• Power windows (standard in convertible)
• Radio with station changing push buttons
• Seat Covers
• Spot Light
• Two-tone Paint
• Undercoating
• Visor Vanity Mirror
• Whitewall Tires
• Windshield Washers