Vehicle Description
1949 Mercury Eight Coupe
In automotive usage, a lead sled is a standard production
automobile with a body heavily modified in particular ways (see
below); especially, though not exclusively, a 1949, 1950 or 1951
model year Ford 'Shoebox' or Mercury Eight car. In the name, "lead"
(as in the heavy metal) refers to the heavy weight of the body, and
"sled" refers to the lowering of the vehicle, giving these vehicles
the appearance that they were "slip sliding" down the highway.
For consignment an automotive work of art taking this big Merc 8
and doing some shaving, frenching, chopping, nosing, decking, and
then add in some licking flames on a two tone paint job and this
car could be in the dictionary as an example illustrating the word
cool.
Exterior
This wild creation Frankenstein's numerous parts to make up a
rolling sculpture and unique look. A 1953 Chevrolet grille has been
seamlessly molded into a custom grill shell. The headlights have
been frenched, and the hood has rounded corners and a grouping of
louvers on top. A 1953 DeSoto has donated its front and rear
bumpers for this project. Moving to the sides we see the all
original sheet metal, which sports a late model Mustang molded in
door handles, 1953 side trim courtesy of a donor Buick, and the top
has been neatly chopped 3-1/2 inches and retains its original line
and trimmings, just all a bit shorter! On the sides is also a quick
descending swoop trim that runs from the top of the front wheel
well, to just behind the front door, diving and dying at the
rocker. This panel created within is painted white base coat with a
clear coat. Lake pipes hang below the rocker, and some snazzy
fender skirts work with the mechanical air rise system which is on
all 4 corners, adding to the low and slow look. The back looking
like an extruded bubble has a rounded trunk lid matching the curve
of the rear quarters, and just below that 53 DeSoto bumper, some
rectangular tailpipe chrome. All details for the paint which is a
deep blue and over painted with a custom flame job licking
rearward. Wheel covers are a complex design with a bullet center
hum, all wrapped in wide whites.
Interior
The interior is not to be outdone by the exterior, so it artfully
utilizes blue and buttercream vinyl which undulates across the door
panels then makes its way on to the multi powered seats which are
overstuffed buckets. These use the two tone vinyl as well, and have
buttercream inserts and electric blue bolsters. Keeping in the
tradition of leaving nothing to the original and making it totally
custom, the center console has been artfully fabricated to house a
glovebox, dual cup holders, and as it rises to the metal dash
Vintage A/C controls, an AM/FM/CD player and some round vents. The
dash is custom too with a blue dash top, and a white dash front
with all new gauges save for the central round speedo, all lined up
and white faced round styling. The original large two toned
steering wheel in buttercream and electric blue quarters, has a
shiny central horn ring and is a LeCarra wheel. Like new blue
carpet floods the floors, and a tight blue headliner is above. A
note to power steering, power windows, power brakes, and multi
directional power seats.
Drivetrain
Under the slotted rounded hood is an engine bay to die for. It is
meticulously restored and then a 350ci Chevrolet V8 piece of
automotive jewelry has been plopped in. Gleaming is an
understatement with a RamJet topper, chromed valve covers, chromed
master cylinder braided stainless hoses, new wires and numerous
bolt ons blinging for your attention. On the back is a TH350
3-speed automatic using power rearward to a 2.79 rear axle 10 bolt.
Definitely takes the lead out of the sled if you get my drift!
Undercarriage
This car just laughs at you when you even try to mention rust, as
underneath there is none! A blasted X frame holds up solid with
black floor pans and rockers. Seen also is the Air ride system
fully controllable from the dash with the touch of a button. Also
is a stainless gas tank, stainless exhaust, and stainless fuel and
brake lines. A Fat Man front end, and 2-inch drop spindles go with
the low and slow motif. Disc brakes are upfront and drum brakes for
the back, all power assisted.
Drive-Ability
A climb inside and you will be Buck Rogers in your bulbous rocket
ship in 1949 form, highly modified. Snuggle in and fasten your
belts as we are ready for launch, and you can feel the G forces
having their effects on your body. The RamJet V8 has loads of
launch and even cruises nicely at low RPM. All is working just
swimmingly on this mod rod.
We see some real doozies here at Classic Auto Mall and not the
Duesenberg kind, but true works of art, and this one we are proud
to hang(out) in our hallowed halls. A beautiful total custom over
the top build that gives attention to every detail...can you tell
I'm Twitterpated??!
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 600 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia
on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is
www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914.
Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the
vehicle in person.