Vehicle Description
This lovely 1940 Mercury Eight Convertible coupe represents one of
the earliest Mercurys, a beautiful vehicle that is ready to tour
and enjoy. Designed to bridge the gap between the Ford Deluxe and
the Lincoln Zephyr, the Mercury was introduced in late 1938 and was
instantly popular with those that wanted something a little bit
different that the rest of the crowd. Although the Ford family
resemblance is clear, the Mercury cousin rode on a unique frame,
shared no body panels with any Ford, and was powered by a larger
239 cubic inch flathead V8 that made an extra 10 horsepower. This
custom build stays faithful to that 'extra special' spirit, and it
includes an upgraded 350 V8 drivetrain, a custom suspension,
lowered stance, gorgeous Pearl White paint, and comfortable
two-tone A/C interior. Take a closer look, this is a very rare bird
indeed...
Finished in traditional Pearl White, this gorgeous Merc shows you
why original-style colors always look best on old cars. Showing a
lovely soft glow that is entirely appropriate, the paint and
bodywork on this car are very good throughout, with the only real
demerits being simply age-related. It's an older build, likely from
the late-'90s if we're to follow the vehicle history report, and
although it does show signs of use and age today, it's still quite
the looker in person. It's got a very period-correct aura, with
paint that shines up great but isn't too perfect, excellent panel
fit, and details that make the car look very upscale. It is also
loaded with bling, including that gorgeous split front grille, the
slashing angled hood trim, and the end-to-end profile trim piece
that gives the car an even longer profile look. The running boards
have been restored using the proper textured rubber, and with the
top down this Merc has off-the-charts curb appeal. This is a car
that will get a lot of appreciative second-glances, one because
it's not quite a 1940 Ford, and two, because it's just so
beautifully executed.
Two-tone maroon-and-cream leather was the material of choice
inside, where the interior has been artfully crafted to offer
modern levels of comfort. Low-back bucket seats up front are every
bit as comfortable as they look, and although the car was finished
some years ago, it shows only minor signs of use and age. In fact,
the comfort marks on the leather might even enhance the inviting
look, don't you think? The door panels were upholstered to match
and the painted dash is a beautifully matched piece of art, housing
an array of factory instruments, lots of aluminum accents, and a
modern Kenwood AM/FM/Cd/AUX head unit. Note how carefully
integrated things like the A/C vents and controls for the power
windows/locks/seats are, and the custom center console down the
middle is bespoke piece that houses a couple auxiliary gauges and
cup holders. Custom carpets in a matching dark maroon with thick
piping give it an upscale look, and a tilt column with a
leather-wrapped LeCarra banjo wheel looks right in the vintage
cockpit. A snug-fitting maroon canvas convertible top is power
actuated, but folds easily into the well behind the rear seats
where it's hidden under a matching maroon boot. Even with the top
down, the trunk is commodious thanks to the 4-inch wheelbase
stretch compared to a Ford, and it has been fully carpeted for a
luxurious look.
Ford's justifiably famous flathead was heavily revised for use in
the Mercury, effectively bridging the horsepower gap between the
standard V8 and the Zephyr's V12 without added complexity. With
that big horsepower pedigree in mind, the builders knew they had to
go big or go home to keep this Merc's high-powered spirit alive, so
when it came time to transplant the car's heart they chose wisely
and installed a strong 350 V8. Beautifully dressed in loads of
chrome and polished pieces, it's a powerful small block that's
assisted through a polished Edelbrock intake, big Holley 4-barrel
carburetor, Hooker headers, and an HEI ignition. Chrome Edelbrock
valve covers and a matching air cleaner get most of the attention,
but in addition the chrome brackets, neatly wrapped and organized
plumbing, a big Walker radiator, and smoothed and painted inner
fenders and firewall mean this engine bay is ready to be shown off
with great pride. Underneath, the chassis has been reinforced with
a Mustang II front clip that features power steering and power
front disc brakes, upgraded shocks and springs throughout, and a
heavy-duty rear end. A great-sounding dual exhaust system with
glasspack-style mufflers gives it a wonderful soundtrack, and the
rolling stock includes traditional painted steelies adorned with
Mercury hubcaps and beauty rings, all of which are wrapped in thin
whitewall radials that finish the look perfectly.
With a dialed-in build and plenty of performance, this is a very
rare pre-war Mercury convertible that's one of the most exciting
cars we've ever had the pleasure to feature. Rare birds like this
never last long. Call today!
