Mercury Custom 454 V8 1949
General description :
BUILT 2 THE 9'S, NO EXPENSE SPARED, CUSTOM EVERYWHERE, DEEP PAINT, 454 V8, 700R4
We've all seen the famous '49 Mercury lead sleds, but we're pretty sure you've never seen one this amazing. With a list of custom tricks five or six pages long, it's got the right look. And with a big block V8, a street-worthy chassis, and all the creature comforts, it's the rare custom that you can actually drive in the real world. Check it out!
Finished a few years ago, this Merc will still bring home trophies at some pretty big shows. The look is traditional, of course, although you don't really see many custom ragtops simply because they're so rare. This one is finished in an incredible candy burgundy that looks good enough to eat and the exemplary bodywork backs it up with smooth flanks and clear reflections in the finish. It's been nosed, decked, shaved, chopped, channeled, frenched, and just plain smoothed to give it this look and while it's easy to recognize, it's tough to spot all the custom work. The grille is made up of 1956 Chevrolet bumper guards, the headlights are from a '55 Olds, and much of the sheetmetal is NOS so it fits beautifully. Unlike many customs, the doors swing easily and latch closed without a massive slam and the side trim appears to be hand made just for this car in a pattern that offers an inverse of the fender line. As I said, it's impossible to see all the tricks, but the whole is truly spectacular.
The white interior eschews tradition and goes right for state-of-the-art trick, starting with a set of swivel bucket seats from a '60s Chrysler. The dash is beautifully finished with a lot of custom stainless steel and you'll note that there are motorized doors for all the controls, so everything disappears when you turn off the key. Turn it on and you're greeted by a set of Dakota Digital gauges, an AM/FM/CD stereo up high, and the controls for the Vintage Air A/C system in the center. A custom center console based on an early '60s Thunderbird unit houses a horseshoe shifter and the power window controls and that steering wheel is 100% unique to this car. Of course you also get a tilt column, remote door openers, and a set of Air Ride controls in the former ashtray in the console. Too cool! The back seat is still usable as a seat, with a pair of buckets mirroring those up front, and to make this car truly remarkable, it has a functioning folding convertible top, which fits as neatly as an original. A fully finished trunk is truly massive and has a hidden fuel filler that's actually easy to reach.
For power, it relies on a 454 cubic inch Chevrolet V8. It's not radical, but it's plenty powerful to make this custom feel downright fast. It's also beautiful with a lot of chrome and custom plumbing, along with a lightly modified air cleaner from a mid-50s Cadillac. Finned valve covers, some custom brushed aluminum tank work, and hand fabricated inner panels make it look especially clean. The big block is augmented by an Edelbrock 4-barrel carburetor, a set of powdercoated exhaust manifolds, and a custom dual exhaust system with glasspack style mufflers for a traditional sound. The chassis offers power steering and front disc brakes complements of a Nova subframe transplant, while the rear end is a Mustang 8.8 hanging on trailing arms and leaf springs. In between you'll find a 700R4 4-speed automatic transmission so it's an effortless cruiser at any speed. It's clean, well-detailed, and has no stories or excuses. The Air Ride suspension adjusts the height to your tastes and it sits on 215/70/15 whitewall radials that are probably the right choice on a custom like this.
We've never seen a nicer Mercury lead sled, and the fact that this one has so many features that all work so well remains rather amazing to us. Turn the key, win a trophy, it's just that easy with this Merc. Call today!
Features : Remote Door Openers, Power Windows, Power Steering, Power Brakes, Front Disc Brakes, Tilt Wheel, Heat, Air Conditioning, Power Convertible Top, CD Player, AM/FM Radio
https://www.streetsideclassics.com/vehicles/3986-atl/1949-mercury-convertible
1949 Mercury Custom 454 V8 is listed sold on ClassicDigest in Lithia Springs by Streetside Classics for $119995.
Car Facts
Car type : Car Make : Mercury Model : Custom Model Version : 454 V8 Engine size : 0.0 Model Year : 1949 Sub type : Convertible Location : Atlanta
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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.