Mercury Coupe 350 cubic inch V8 1946
General description :
Looking for a street rod that’s easy to drive, but not the same old stuff you see at all the shows? A car with the stuff you need like working A/C, power steering, disc brakes, and a decent stereo? A car with timeless good looks that won’t seem dated in a few years? A car with a lot of recent work and bulletproof reliability so you can just get in and go? Oh, and a price that’s so reasonable you couldn’t come close to building it yourself, even if the labor was free?
Well look no further than this very appealing 1946 Mercury Deluxe business coupe. Starting with a Mercury instead of a Ford gives you a bit of an edge, because they’re far less common. And while they may seem very similar at a glance, the Merc is notably larger and sits on a longer wheelbase, so it’s bigger, more comfortable, and has a great look with a longer hood that really accentuates the stance. And you just don’t see that many Mercurys like this, so if you like standing out without making a lot of noise, this is a great choice. The build is a few years old but has been recently and extensively freshened, so the vivid Quasar Blue paint looks fantastic. It’s a late-model color that has kind of a chameleon look depending on the lighting, from deep blue to almost purple, and we find it very attractive. The bodywork underneath is quite nicely done, too, with straight sheetmetal and no evidence that this was ever a rusty or wrecked car. The doors fit well, the hood snugs down without a lot of tweaking on the hinges (a common issue on FoMoCo cars of this period), and the brightwork was all installed where it belongs. No modifications, no chopped top, no dated graphics, just a classic-looking Merc with some very understated pinstripes on the nose and trunk. You’ll also note a few desirable items, including the ultra-rare bumper ends that are probably worth a few bucks by themselves, as well as a pair of Unity spotlights mounted on the A-pillars. The look is familiar, but even Ford guys will want to give this car a closer look.
The comfortable interior is recent and includes all the creature comforts we demand in our street rods today. The gray and blue upholstery is comfortable and neutral enough so that it always looks good and it suits the personality of the cool coupe just fine. The upgrades include bucket seats and a console with a built-in radio (switches in the center console control the functional power antenna, power for the radio, and lighting), tilt steering column with a handsome wood-rimmed wheel, cold A/C, and a fully array of vintage-looking VDO gauges, including a tach over on the passenger’s side. Everything works like it should and you’ll note that all the various knobs have been replaced with matching blue jewel pieces that look slick and fit right in. There’s even a neat little clock built into the center console! The back seat is comfortable enough for full-sized adults and it’s quiet and cool inside for cruising on warm days with the A/C cranking. You also get a giant trunk that’s great for all your gear on a road trip, and it includes the battery with master shut-off switch and a space-saver spare just in case. There’s some staining on the carpet in the trunk, but that’s a minor demerit in a pretty nicely finished interior. Even the underside of the trunk lid is neatly upholstered.
Power comes from a reliable 350 cubic inch Chevy V8, and if you’re going to hit the road that’s an ideal choice. Built for a good compromise between power and reliability, it features a 4-barrel carburetor and HEI ignition system, so it fires up quickly and runs great, offering a smooth idle that sounds muscular without being annoying or fussy. The combination was proven years ago, so you can buy parts almost anywhere and you should have no qualms about your next road trip. There’s also a giant aluminum radiator up front, some chrome dress-up parts to make it look its best, and you’ll spot red paint on the engine for just a little extra flash. Other niceties include power steering and power disc brakes, making it easy to handle, and all the wiring is new so no worries there. We don’t know the horsepower on the engine, but it’s strong enough to feel quick around town and there’s enough cam inside to make the exhaust sound right for a street rod. And it just works like it should, which is the whole point of putting modern hardware in a vintage car.
Underneath it sticks to the tried-and-true, which is why this Mercury is such a smart choice for cruising. The front suspension is from a late-model GM car, including the A-arms, power steering box, and disc brakes, so service is easy in the future. The transmission is a 700R4 4-speed automatic with overdrive, so this car is ideal for long highway drives where it just loafs along at 75 MPH. There’s also a set of what we believe to be 3.08 gears in the 10-bolt rear end, adding to its relaxed demeanor. Note the ultra-clean floors, straight frame, and professional wiring and plumbing, all leading to the conclusion that this is a car built to drive. The exhaust uses vintage-style mufflers with a nice bark, as well as polished stainless megaphone tips for just the right look. Ride and handling is comfortable yet competent, assisted by chrome steelies, baby moon hubcaps, and recent 215/75/15 whitewall radials all around.
A set of accessory fender skirts are included, already painted to match the car.
This clean Mercury gets everything right and the reasonable price gets you all the features you want wrapped in handsome sheetmetal. We get calls about all the street rods we sell, and almost everyone asks for A/C, power steering, and a good stereo, which this car offers. Add in a classic old-school look, an unusual brand name, and excellent road manners, and you end up with a car that will be happy to travel with you anywhere you go and do it in style. Call today!
Harwood Motors always recommends and welcomes personal or professional inspections of any vehicle in our inventory prior to purchase.
http://www.harwoodmotors.com/vehicles/inventory_details.php?id=1195
1946 Mercury Coupe 350 cubic inch V8 is listed sold on ClassicDigest in Macedonia by for $26900.
Car Facts
Car type : Car Make : Mercury Model : Coupe Model Version : 350 cubic inch V8 Engine size : 0.0 Model Year : 1946 Sub type : Coupé Location : Ohio
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About Mercury
Mercury, the automotive brand, has a rich history that extends beyond its role in the customization and hot-rodding scene, particularly with the iconic Mercury Eight. Here are some key points to know about Mercury:Formation and Early Years:
Mercury was introduced by the Ford Motor Company in 1938 as a mid-priced brand, positioned between the affordable Ford models and the luxury Lincoln lineup. The brand aimed to fill the gap between these two segments.
Mercury Eight:
The Mercury Eight, launched in 1939, is perhaps the most famous model in the brand's history. It featured a sleek design and a powerful V8 engine. This model became popular for customization and hot-rodding, earning it a significant place in American automotive culture.
Customization Culture:
The Mercury Eight, with its distinctive styling and relatively affordable price, became a favorite among custom car builders. It played a pivotal role in the development of the custom car and hot rod culture, particularly in the post-World War II era.
Lead Sleds and Customization:
The term "lead sled" is often associated with heavily customized cars from the 1940s and 1950s. These cars, including the Mercury Eight, were often modified with lowered suspensions, chopped roofs, and other stylistic changes. Lead sleds were a prominent part of the custom car scene, and the Mercury Eight was a popular choice for such modifications.
Post-War Prosperity:
In the post-World War II period, Mercury, like many other American automakers, experienced a surge in popularity as the economy boomed. The brand contributed to the era's fascination with stylish and powerful automobiles.
Evolution of Models:
Over the years, Mercury continued to produce various models, contributing to Ford's lineup. Some notable models include the Mercury Monterey, Mercury Comet, and Mercury Cougar.
Decline and Discontinuation:
Despite periods of success, Mercury faced challenges in establishing a unique identity separate from Ford. As consumer preferences shifted, the brand struggled, and Ford eventually announced the discontinuation of Mercury in 2010.
Legacy in Popular Culture:
Mercury, especially models like the Mercury Eight, holds a significant place in American popular culture. Its association with the customization and hot-rodding scene, as well as its distinctive designs, has left a lasting impact.
In summary, while the Mercury Eight is celebrated for its role in the customization and hot-rodding subculture, Mercury as a brand played a broader role in automotive history, contributing to mid-priced segments and reflecting the automotive trends of its time.