Vehicle Description
1941 Mercury Eight Convertible
Mercury is a defunct division of the U.S. automobile manufacturer
Ford Motor Company. Marketed as an entry-level premium brand for
nearly its entire existence, Mercury was created in 1938 by Edsel
Ford to bridge the price gap between the Ford and Lincoln vehicle
lines. The Mercury division got an all-new platform and body shell
for 1941, shared for the first time with the Ford passenger car
line, which was also redesigned that year. The Mercury version
sported a wheelbase of 118 inches, four inches longer than its Ford
stablemate, while the overall length was an expansive 202 inches,
creating a package that was in Pontiac/Oldsmobile territory in size
and price. Mercury was also distinguished in these years by its
larger, more powerful engine: 239ci and 95hp, compared to the
Ford's 221ci and 90hp. Naturally, this explains why the Mercury
version of the venerable flathead V8 was particularly prized by hot
rodders.
Reminiscent of the 1940's design line, this car drips full art deco
from the era. Gone are the teardrop headlight bezels, and now fully
round lights and bezels that are mounted completely within the
front fenders, a 2-piece grille with its shiny chrome bars and
running boards now ready to almost disappear, this car presents
with upscale class and in convertible form. The beneficiary of a
restoration in the early 2000's and a National 1st place winner at
Hershey in 2006 followed up by a National Junior 1st place at
Hershey 2021, this near flawless Mercury has spent time in the
Crawford Museum and also in a private museum in Florida. Now with
too many cars in his personal collection, this one is being turned
loose in our Hallowed Halls and patiently waiting for someone to
take over its award winning heritage.
Exterior
The overall designs they are-a-changin' with disappearing running
boards, integrated headlights in the fenders, a belt line trim
spear, simple curved solid bumper, bulbous fenders, and a rounded
sloping down trunk lid the beginnings of aerodynamics are in their
infancy with the design of this car. The chrome is excellent, the
top works fantastic and looks great up or down and the metal panels
are straight and rust free, bathed in the factory hue of Capri
Blue. The white canvas convertible top has a clear rear glass rear
window and some white piping trim running around it. New pie crust
wide whites are covered in the center with chrome beauty rings,
Capri Blue steel wheels, and dog dish chromed centers with the
Mercury 8 logo in red. The 1940's have started off with a bang.
Interior
Gray faced gauges sit in front of the driver and are held in a
chrome bezel cream bakelite surround. The entire dash is full metal
jacket and is covered in a wood pattern with meshes nicely with the
cream bakelite bar that runs across the face of the dash and holds
the art deco inspired clock. A chrome electric shaver style speaker
grille sits front and center in the dash and just above is the
original AM radio. The original steering wheel, in a heavy tan 2
spoke style has a half round horn ring, complete with a blue
background center with the traditional Mercury 8 call out. Navy
blue leather covers the seats on both large benches, the front
sporting a split back for easy access to the rear bench. Door
panels are a matching navy blue smooth vinyl with some carpeting
down low finish to it. A nice clean vinyl mat covers the front
floors while the rears are protected by navy blue carpet, and all
is clean inside.
Drivetrain
A 239ci V8 complete with the correct stock heads all painted in a
dark gloss gray grace this finely restored engine bay. A single
Ford 2bbl carburetor sits atop the intake manifold and is covered
by a black painted traditional oil bath air cleaner assembly.
Bolted to the back of this sought after mill is a 3-speed manual
transmission which sends power back to a 3.78 geared Columbia
2-speed rear axle.
Undercarriage
Fully restored absolutely no rust, a strong X frame and sturdy body
hangers, rockers and Capri Blue floor pans. New exhaust is noted
and seen are Smithy's mufflers in glass pack style. Transverse leaf
springs for the suspension all around, and drum brakes are in
use.
Drive-Ability
Simply...elegant, this rolling 1941 Dearborn sculpture offered up a
smooth idle, a great ride and bias free braking. After reading the
operation manual for the Columbia 2-speed rear we gave it a whirl
and found that it provides low rpm cruising at even highway
speeds.
Overall a wonderful restoration, all buttoned up, with near perfect
paint, excellent undercarriage, beautifully detailed engine and
bay, the benefit of a 2-speed rear axle for highway cruising, and
very comfortable interior. Like a fine wine it has aged very well
and can be opened anytime you want.
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 650 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.