For Sale: 1940 Mercury Eight in Chicago, Illinois

1940 Mercury Eight Coupe GORGEOUS FIRST-YEAR EXAMPLE OF THE UPSCALE MERCURYSPECTACULAR RESTORATION & PRESENTATION THROUGHOUTHANDSOME DARK BLUE PAINT OVER RICH BURUNDY INTERIOR95 HP 239 CI FLATHEAD V-8 / 3-SPEED MANUALFACTORY AM RADIO, MANIFOLD HEATER, COLUMN SHIFTERDESIRABLE FEATURES INCLUDE BUMPER GUARDS & TIPSFORMER ONWERS INCLUDE AACA PRESIDENT & BENNY BOOTLEFIRST YEAR FOR THE UPMARKET MERCURY MODEL LINE Named after the swift, winged messenger of Greco-Roman mythology, the new-for-1939 Mercury nameplate was championed by Ford Motor Company president Edsel Ford and exemplified the companys bold new growth strategy. Riding a longer-wheelbase chassis than the Ford model line, the upscale Mercury marque exuded an image of speed and style and was positioned between the entry-level Ford models and Lincolns top-of-the-line Zephyr. From launch, Mercury competed head-on with Chrysler and Dodge, GMs Buick, Oldsmobile and Pontiac marques, as well as Hudson and Nash. Mercury styling cues included fashionably curved fenders and rounded bodylines, plus a crisply pointed frontal treatment, the product of Edsel Fords affinity for speedboats and the yacht-design background of Ford styling chief Bob Gregorie. When production began, Mercury offered a focused line of four body styles, included a choice of two- or four-door 'beetleback' sedans, a notchback sedan coupe, and convertible coupe. All were V-8 powered and prices ranged from around $915 to just over $1,000. Offered from the historic first year for Mercury production, this sleek 1939 mercury eight Coupe is the product of a detailed, high-quality restoration and looks fabulous with its dark blue paint over burgundy upholstery. Powered by the venerable 239 cubic-inch Flathead V-8 engine exclusive for 1939 for the Mercury model line, this sleek Coupe is equipped with a column-shifted 3-speed manual transmission, plus a factory AM radio and manifold-type heater, plus desirable bumper guards and tips providing additional distinction. Former owners include an AACA president and the Benny Bootle Collection. In addition to being the first Mercury production year, 1939 also marked the debut of Ford Motor Companys brand-diversification strategy, which would continue through the 1990s. If youre looking for a highly usable, show-worthy classic car that is also quite uncommon today, the early mercury models are a great option for smart collectors and enthusiasts. With its high-quality restoration and noted former collector/owners, this first-year Mercury Eight Coupe offers many possibilities for its next owner. See it today call us for a viewing appointment and get ready to hit the road or the show field with this wonderful 1939 Mercury Eight Coupe!