Introduced in 1956, the Mercury Medalist was the new base model just below the Custom. It was produced in two and four-door hardtop-only models. Medalist customers could choose from almost sixty different two-tone styles and color combinations. It also had the ubiquitous American drivetrain layout; a front-mounted V8 engine with rear-wheel drive. The car was initially only given a 5.1L V8. However, a 7.0L was available in 1958. Mercury had unique transmission types; Merc-O-Matic (three-speed), Touch-O-Matic (three-speed with overdrive), and three-speed manual. The Medalist took a hiatus in 1957 but made a one-year return to showrooms in 1958.