The first generation Mercury Monterey was introduced for the 1952 model year. The Monterey name had previously been used by Mercury for a high end Mercury Eight coupe, but starting in 1952, the Monterey became its own model. The first generation Monterey was offered as a coupe, sedan, convertible, and station wagon. The most notable variants were the Sun Valley, a hardtop with front half of the roof replaced by clear plexiglass, as well as a wood panelled station wagon. The first two years of production, a 4.2L (255 cu in) V8 engine was fitted, but for 1954, a 4.2L (256 cu in) V8 was used. Production of the first generation Monterery ended in 1954 when the Second Generation Mercury Monterey was introduced.