Vehicle Description
1947 Mercury 79M
1947 was to be an interesting year in our history as we saw a
gallon of gas at 15 cents, Harry S. Truman was our president,
inventions such as the Polaroid camera, and the transistor came to
the forefront, the Cold War began as US and Russia fought for world
dominance, and Chuck Yeager broke the sound barrier.
For consignment, Mercury's sister car to the Ford Super Deluxe.
Having done some tours out west and even drove a lap on the fabled
Indianapolis Motor Speedway this car is ready to be driven and
enjoyed. Sporting plenty of chrome, Taffy Tan paint, a LeBarron
Bonney interior, and a later model Ford 8BA Flathead V8 this car
shows very nicely. A few faults, but overall clean as a whistle. If
you are into cars that have large slabs of curved steel, big
chrome, and some neat history, have we got a car for you!
Exterior
Starting at the nose we note a two-tiered grille framed at its
bottom with a large chrome bumper, all in good condition. Moving
upward, we see a bulbous hood with a chrome hood ornament that
resembles an electric shaver, and drips slightly downward at the
very front of the hood. Flanking the hood are the large bezeled
turn signals. Finally, at the edge are single headlights. These are
the start of a wonderful round curved front fender, which is
wrapped with dual chromed spears that run the length of the fender
and pick back up on the equally as curved rear fender. Just for the
heck of it, let's throw on some accent trim on top of the front
fender. Another higher chromed spear starts at the hood, and
streaks rearward over the doors and curves gently downward above
the rear fender. Speaking of which, these are embellished with the
continuation of the beltline dual spear which culminates at the
back in the form of a taillight bezel. We also note a front
protective black fender protector, and sexy fender skirts that
emulate the curve of the rear fender. Nice rocker trim and down
below this menagerie of chrome and Taffy Tan paint are body colored
steel wheels with Mercury moon caps wrapped in older bias ply wide
white wall rubber. Rounding out the body is a nice split windshield
lurking under a tan visor. Overall, the Taffy Tan paint is good,
and has some scratches and slight crazing, but it retains a
beautiful shine.
Interior
Green door panels in smooth vinyl are bedecked with chrome trim
spears, a horizontal stitch line and a vinyl and cloth armrest.
Above this vinyl is a herringbone pattern green and gray cloth
section and below is a low pile carpet section in gray. Spattered
within the door panels are very nice chromed cranks with cream
bakelite bezels and knobs. Seen on top of the door is a lightly
worn and chipped steel panel. Moving inside sitting in a sea of
nicely preserved gray carpet with a rubber and cloth mat added for
protection. More green and gray herringbone broadcloth covers the
seating surfaces, and green smooth vinyl bolstered split back bench
that stretches from door to door. Upfront is a beautiful art deco
design dash, with more exterior matching Taffy Tan steel and in the
center, a silverish tan panel which houses the speedometer and a
clock, as well as the radio and speaker. To the left of the
speedometer is a horizontal band of aluminum which has rectangular
metering gauges. On the right is a Mercury badged glovebox. Several
cream bakelite knobs protrude from the bottom of the dash, as does
a tan steering column, and massive bakelite wheel. Noted is a rear
bench in matching style of the front seat. Also, the trunk has been
fully restored.
Drivetrain
Smack dab in the middle of a patinaed but restored engine bay is a
239ci V8 bathed in dark blue with a single 2-barrel carburetor
protected by an oil bath air cleaner. A 3-speed manual transmission
is on back and throws power rearward to 3.78 rear gears. We note
that the car has been converted to a 12-volt electrical system with
a voltage reducer installed to operate the factory gauges.
Undercarriage
Spatterings of road dirt, patina, undercoating, and surface rust
grace this underside. A strong frame gives support to rust free
floor pans and body hangers all looking good. Minor invasive rust
is noted on the passenger's inner rocker and signs of repairs are
present on the driver's side. Posies reverse eye transverse leaf
springs are on giving a lower ride height and drum brakes are on
all 4 corners. Fenton headers send spent fumes to the rear of the
car via a pair of Smithy's mufflers.
Drive-Ability
A quick cranker and starter thanks in part to the 12-volt
conversion. A very nice ride, a great cruiser. The steering was a
breeze once you get it going but needs some muscle when it is in a
tight spot, typical for a large car with no power steering and the
brakes bring this car to a stop in a straight line. We did note
that the ammeter, radio, and heater are not working, all of which
was noted to us by our consignor.
A very nice example of the 47 Mercury 79M. Oodles of chrome, nice
paint with a few faults, beautiful interior and a great driver.
Another shout out to the undercarriage which is strong and solid.
You are getting a very structurally sound car with this one. Turn
the radio to play Peg O' My Heart by the Harmonicats, and we will
head to the VFW for dinner.
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.
