Mercury Deluxe 239 cubic inch V8 1940
General description :
One of 980 built. Beautiful restoration, proven tour car. Attractive traditional color combination, excellent paint and chrome, nicely finished interior and top. 59AB flathead V8 runs great! Fully sorted and ready to tour!
Mercury was only in its second year of production when this beautiful convertible sedan was built. Interestingly, Ford discontinued the convertible sedan in the Ford line, moving it upscale and with an original sticker price of $1212, it was some 20% more expensive than the top-of-the-line Ford. Looking at the styling it’s easy to see both Ford and Lincoln DNA in the Mercury, which was surely the intention—it’s a really pretty car. We don’t know much about who did the restoration beyond the fact that they knew what they were doing. The Ford Maroon paint is deep and lustrous, the bodywork underneath is laser-straight, and all four doors close with precision, which is a real achievement in a 4-door convertible. The fine-toothed grille echoes big brother Lincoln and the chrome is in beautiful condition, as is the rest of the brightwork on the car. Teardtop-shaped headlight housings incorporate parking lights, while the rear deck is adorned with art-deco “MERCURY EIGHT” lettering. Those bumper ends are a very rare accessory and it carries twin door-mounted mirrors for safety in traffic.
The spacious and luxurious-looking interior is befitting Mercury’s upscale image. It’s just the right size for four adults, remaining maneuverable in traffic but still looking imposing. The leather upholstery is the right stuff—shiny and a bit stiff—and it has been stitched into factory patterns for a very accurate look. The dash is body-colored and highlighted with dark blue plastic inserts, which is correct. A wide speedometer sits atop four auxiliary gauges, all of which are operational save the oil pressure gauge, which has been supplanted by an aftermarket gauge under the dash. Other accessories include an AM radio (not operational, sadly), and a heater/defroster unit under the dash. Tailored carpets add to the Mercury’s luxurious feel and all four windows wind up and down easily. Overhead, the tan canvas convertible top is relatively easy to erect and stow, although it’s always best to do it with a friend. There’s also a good-sized trunk with a matching full-sized spare tire.
1940 Mercurys received a slightly larger 239 cubic inch version of the venerable flathead V8. This is a desirable 56AB version, restored to stock specs and making 95 horsepower. It starts remarkably easily, idles smoothly, and once it’s warmed up, is virtually imperceptible at about 400 RPM. Very impressive! It’s correctly dressed in Ford Green engine enamel with a familiar downdraft carburetor and air cleaner assembly. There’s an accessory oil filter mounted on the firewall (yes, even in 1940, oil filters were optional) and the 6-volt generator has a proper regulator so the electrical system is powerful enough for night driving. The 3-speed manual transmission shifts quite nicely with smooth clutch action, although you don’t want to rush a 3-2 downshift until it’s full warmed up. Dual exhaust with glasspack-style mufflers give it a traditional flathead V8 sound that’s mellow but never too aggressive. You’ll note the floors are original and incredibly clean and fortunately, Ford had switched to hydraulic brakes by the time this one was built. 15-inch steel wheels carry hubcaps and trim rings, as well as a set of 6.70-15 BFGoodrich wide whitewall tires.
Extras include a set of fender skirts, hubcap, and a matching bag for the convertible top boot. Harwood Motors also has a significant cache of spare parts for flathead Fords available, including two spare engines—please inquire.
Having spent some time behind the wheel of this Mercury, we’ve come away very impressed with not only its great road manners but also the quality of the restoration. Mechanically, it’s totally dialed-in and remains a joy to drive. It has no bad habits and always attracts attention wherever it goes. Just a beautiful and rare Mercury, ready to enjoy. 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=1440
1940 Mercury Deluxe 239 cubic inch V8 is listed sold on ClassicDigest in Macedonia by for $59900.
Car Facts
Car type : Car Make : Mercury Model : Deluxe Model Version : 239 cubic inch V8 Engine size : 0.0 Model Year : 1940 Sub type : Convertible 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.