1951 Mercury Eight Unknown

This 1951 Mercury sedan will easily catch every sleeping at the next stop light grand prix. Without a chopped top, it merely looks like a clean old Merc, but under the hood is a thundering 429 cubic inch big block Ford, and for that reason, sleeper fans should be cheering. Finished several years ago and thoroughly enjoyed ever since, this is a refreshing change from all the chopped and channeled lead sleds out there. One glance through any car magazine and youll find that chopped Mercurys are a dime a dozen, but finding a relatively stock-looking sedan is no easy feat. The design is handsome, no arguing there, and with a very nice black paint job, this one stands out for what it isnt, rather than for what it is. All the original trim, including the iconic Mercury grille, has not only been retained, but restored so it looks dazzling against the black paint. Traditional 50s mods include the fender skirts, dummy teardrop spotlights, and chrome headlight covers. But other details such as the quarter panel trim leading to the rear bumper, the taillights, and the hood ornament are all as the factory made them. Cool, right? Inside they stuck with the basics, and covered the original seats with comfortable black and gray fabric with very subtle maroon piping. The result will make you do a double-take, and it retains all the utility and comfort of a full-sized 4-door. A custom tilt column and a late-model GM steering wheel blend in neatly with the original dashboard, and all the original gauges have been retained. Aftermarket A-C was added, but its period correct inside so it looks right, while R134a refrigerant ensures that youll always be able to keep it working right. The original AM radio remains in the dash, but an upgrade will be easy thanks to a 12-volt conversion. Long-distance cruising is easy thanks to the Mercs spacious trunk, which also holds a full-size spare tire wearing its own matching cover. But this Mercury packs something unique: a Ford engine. And not just any Ford, but a 429 cubic inch mill that has been built for performance and reliability. Theres a Holley carb atop an Edelbrock Performer 460 intake, 10:1 TRW flat-top pistons, and a mild cam to keep it streetable. Stylish Mickey Thompson finned valve covers add some period flash, but since this car was built for the road, its more function than form. Underneath, the front clip is from a 1971 Thunderbird, which also donated the C6 3-speed automatic transmission and 9-inch rear with 3.00 gears inside. Dual exhaust with Flowmaster mufflers give it a righteous snarl, terminating in polished, angle-cut tips right under the rear bumper. Other goodies include a new gas tank and power disc brakes. Chrome Cragar mags wear 215-60-17 Bridgestone radials, the ideal combination of old and new. Fast, fun, and surprisingly practical, this Mercury will surprise folks both on the road and on the show field. Call today! This vehicle is located in our Atlanta showroom. For more information, please call (678) 279-1609 or toll free (877) 367-1835.