This very special, and eye-catching concept car shown here is none other than the 2003 Mercury Messenger. The Messenger concept was built in collaboration with Italian automotive company, Stola, and was named after Mercury, a prominent messenger deity in Roman religion and mythology, recognized as one of the twelve Dii Consentes in the ancient Roman pantheon. The Messenger was first ever put on public display during the 2003 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The long hood, and lively stance of the Messenger concept is complimented by a set of turbine-inspired 20-inch wheels at the rear and 19-inch wheels at the front. The interior of the Messenger was designed to be compact, fully functional, and technologically advanced, yet, simple to use all-around. The displays inside the cabin emit only vital information, to ensure the driver is responded quickly and concisely, which is a general theme inside the car as a whole, being that the Messenger is extremely driver-focused. The Messenger features an innovative monocoque design that combines a composite and aluminum hybrid chassis, known as a ‘tub,’ with super-formed aluminum panels securely attached. Furthermore, the Messenger is equipped with an integral safety cell structure and a comprehensive Personal Safety System, featuring a global vehicle theft location system for enhanced security. Safety is further bolstered by self-leveling high-intensity projector headlamps, LED brake lights that respond quickly, and an automatically monitored tire pressure sensing system. Additional features include rain-sensing windshield wipers, an automatically dimming interior rearview mirror, powered and heated exterior mirrors, an adjustable steering column, Low-E glass to minimize UV and heat buildup, and stowage space behind the seats with integrated child seat fittings. Gerry McGovern was responsible for the design of Lincoln and Mercury during a brief period in the early 2000s.
How many made? 1
Engine: 4.6 liter DOHC V8
Debut: 2003 North American International Auto Show
Top Speed: n/a
0-60mph: n/a
Photo Credit: @pauljrharrington
Research: @rarecarsonly
2003 Mercury Messenger
15.11.2024
Mercury