Street Rodder Magazine Top 100 pick in the current (October 2019) issue
The Paint: High quality PPG Candy Red Pearl metallic, base/coat, clear/coat
The Roof: 3 1/2” Chop and moved 2” forward, front original peak removed above the windshield retaining the factory rear window size and more appropriately proportioned.
The Hood 1 1/4” Pied
The Engine: GM 454 CID, built by Schnell Automotive in Portland Oregon to 465 hp, Sniper aluminum heads and intake manifold, electronic ignition, coated headers, Quick-Fuel Technology 730 cfm carburetor,
The Transmission: GM 4L80E Automatic with Overdrive new from TCI
The Differential: Ford 9” with John's Industry 3.00:1 gears with Posi-Traction
The Chassis: Original frame, customized with fully independent new Mustang II front suspension, Rack and Pinion power steering, 4 bar rear suspension.
Complete front and rear, High quality automatic Air-Ride system by “Air Tech” controlled from the console
The Interior: Very high-end “Caramel Apple” color leather hides, wrapped around Lincoln Mark VII bucket seats up front with a heated passenger seat (for the wife), and matching rear bench, seat belts for four, matching fully sculpted leather door panels and ceiling, custom courtesy lighting throughout. Textured Tweed carpeting with matching custom floor mats, and additional “Show” floor mats” with matching medallion to the seats.
Fully customized 1951 Ford dash, narrowed for proper length, fit and finish, and sculpted to accommodate the 8” vintage style gauge cluster.
“Front-Runner” polished bracket system on the front of the engine to accommodate the A/C, the chrome alternator, and Power steering pump, and the polished aluminum water pump, keeping a clean, tight appearance.
“Vintage Air” A/c and heat system
Rack and Pinion power Steering
Power windows and door locks
“Wilwood power 4 wheel disc brakes with drilled and slotted rotors
Fully operational wind shield wipers with delay
“Painless” Wiring kit
Hidden receiver hitch for the trailer
Custom Stereo with DVD player, 900 watt JL amp, 3-8” Sub-woofers and a total of 9 speakers
“Dynamat” insulated throughout the entire car, and doubled in higher road noise ares such as the rear fender areas
Full custom dual exhaust system with stainless mufflers, and electronic cut-outs controlled from the
console
26 Gallon fuel tank
Foose 18” highly polished 5 spoke wheels with Goodyear LS2 radials, 235 X 45 X18 on the front, 265 X 50 X 18” in back
If I were to try and capture every nuance that this “over the top”, unbelievably beautiful, highly functional, and precisely built this '48 Mercury really is, I would run out of space on my hard drive! You think I'm kidding? This is absolutely one of the nicest cars, I have ever had the privilege to present.
You probably won't believe this , but this car has been driven from here in Oregon to Reno Nevada to the “Hot August Nights” event...Twice!
The Candy metallic paint on this car is all but flawless...Everywhere! The shine is deep, and when in the sun, it is truly second to none!
This Merc. has has some 80+ custom touches to it. Some obvious, and some subtle, but executed so well, you'll watch people at the car show try and figure out how it was done.
This '48 was built by a very quality Custom Classic car and Hot Rod shop near here in Eugene Oregon. The builder has been in business since 1973, and is still flourishing, building high-end Hot Rods today.
Now, let me explain something, If his shop built this car for a customer, the cost would be about $300,000. This Mercury is owned by the Hot Rod shop’s owner, and he not only built the car for himself and his Wife, but, he built it to actually drive!
So, what I'm saying here is, this 1948 Canadian Merc Coupe is absolutely the best of “ALL” worlds in our hobby.
The 454 Big block has been completely rebuilt to 465 horsepower at the rear wheels (dyno sheet will verify and accompany). The firewall has been smoothed, and all A/C lines and wiring are hidden.
The Caramel colored full leather interior is butter soft and is as fine as the come. Power seats, heated passenger seat, soft interior lighting, high end stereo, Air conditioning, full compliment of gauges...You're probably going to want to just go out to your shop, and sit in the car and watch a movie on the entertainment system.
The drive train is bullet proof and roadworthy. The car drives like a dream, and the ride is so quiet, you'll think you're wearing noise-canceling earphones.
The fully upholstered trunk compartment is opened by remote,and houses the Air Ride equipment in a hidden, matching leather door.
Take a look at the ultra clean undercarriage. Everything is first class there too. No expense spared seems cliché and perhaps a little overused these days, but it certainly makes sense when I describe this Merc.
The fact is, there's more to this '48 Mercury than meets the eye. The build is nothing short of exemplary, and was completely built by a well respected company. All components utilized we're of the finest quality throughout the build. It's ready for most any level of a car show, it's ready, and capable to be driven anywhere, and I mean even across the country! This 1948 Canadian Mercury Coupe is as fine a quality custom hot rod as you will find!
The Trailer: Plymouth Prowler customized to paint match the Merc. Additional 3rd brake light fabricated in and ‘48 tail lights. Matching bright trim, matching Foose wheels and tires.
