'57 Mercury (Keffhoffer)tornado.... value?

[duckstuffer]

I have a '57 Mercury 15hp motor. This motor runs good but has a little metal fatigue in the lower unit.It is still painted with the original green paint. Is there any vintage value in this motor to a collector and what ,if any would it be worth.<br />I was told this was the first motor built after Mercury bought out Keefhoffer.<br />Also, where else would I go for more info about this.

 

[humblechoice]

Re: '57 Mercury (Keffhoffer)tornado.... value?

I find a lot of my information in the "Old Outboard Book" by Peter Hunn. Very informative, has helped me a lot with my collection.

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: '57 Mercury (Keffhoffer)tornado.... value?

Hi Duckstuffer,<br /> First, lets get the year nailed down - do you have the serial number for the motor? Mercury didn't make a 15hp in 1957. There should be a model number somewhere, too.<br /> As for value, it depends on a number of factors. Mercury built their one millionth motor by 1957 and there are still a lot of them around. There are also relatively few people collecting them - supply and demand is in the buyer's favor. Typical non-racing 1950s Mercs seem to go for $50-$200 at meets depending on condition and model. <br /> Carl Kiekhaefer started Mercury, so he couldn't have been bought out by them...<br />- Scott

 

[duckstuffer]

Re: '57 Mercury (Keffhoffer)tornado.... value?

Scott, thanks for the detailed answer. AS you can see I know little about the motor itself. I'll look for a serial and see if I can post up again.