With an Overdrive this should make a great long distance cruiser. This is an unusual transmission for a car built at that time period, the reason being most were going to the 4-speeds that had become very popular then. That year model Mercury could even be ordered with a 4 on the floor. I have owned several earlier model Fords with the Overdrive, and it will work in second gear as well. Mine had a switch under the gas pedal that would disengage the overdrive if you floored it to pass someone. Then let up on the gas and you will hear and often feel the Overdrive reengage.