Vehicle Description
1940 Mercury 8 Sedan
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. The final year for the teardrop headlight bezels on
this second year offering from Mercury, a 2-piece grille with its
chrome bars and running boards now ready to almost disappear, this
car presents with upscale class and in sedan form. The beneficiary
of a restoration in the past and fresh out of long term storage,
but showing some age on a few areas. Coming from a consignor who
has a collection larger than life, this one is being turned loose
in our Hallowed Halls and patiently waiting for someone to take
over and bring forth its award winning capabilities.
NO TITLE-SOLD ON A BILL OF SALE ONLY
Exterior
The overall designs they are-a-changin' with disappearing running
boards, integrated teardrop headlights in the fenders, a belt line
trim spear, simple curved solid bumper complete with optional
guards, bulbous fenders, and a rounded sloping down roof line and
trunk lid. The beginnings of aerodynamics are in their infancy with
the design of this car. The chrome is lightly pitted but still
retains its shine and the metal panels are fairly straight.
Invasive rust rears its head on the right side of the lower front
valance and a few spot in paint repairs are noted throughout the
body. A few bars of the grille have broken off and more invasive
rust is showing on the rears of the front fenders. The running
boards, with their ribbed covers, remain intact and strong, doing a
fine job of connecting the graceful pontoon fenders. All of this
steel is bathed in a classic hue of maroon, which has areas of
light application and some notable chipping. Deeply treaded 16-inch
pie crust wide whites are wrapping the maroon steel wheels with
chrome beauty rings and dog dish chromed centers. The 1940's have
started off with a bang.
Interior
Cream faced gauges sit in front of the driver and are held in
chrome bezels, thin and long, more akin to a spaceship than a
sedan. The entire dash is full metal jacket and is covered in body
matching maroon that meshes nicely with the cream bakelite knobs
sprinkled across the driver's side of the dash. A rusted and broken
electric shaver style speaker grille sits front and center in the
dash and just above is the original AM radio. The original steering
wheel displays with multiple cracks and the full round horn ring,
but is missing its center with the traditional Mercury 8 call out.
Saddle brown vinyl covers the seats on both large benches, with
some discoloration in the tuck and roll inserts and a long seam
separation on the passengers front bench. The door panels are a
stained ivory broadcloth with some carpeting down low finish to it.
Worn and soiled gold carpeting covers the front floors front and
rear and a slightly wrinkled ivory headliner hangs above.
Drivetrain
A 239ci V8 complete with dark gloss gray/blue cylinder heads grace
this lightly patined engine bay. A single Holley 2-barrel
carburetor sits atop the intake manifold and we note the oil bath
air cleaner has been removed but can be found in the trunk along
with the optional fender skirts. Bolted to the back of this sought
after mill is a 3-speed manual transmission which sends power back
to a 3.54 geared rear axle.
Undercarriage
Definitely once restored but now showing some light patina and age
along with surface rust for the strong X frame, sturdy body
hangers, rockers and lightly sprayed black floor pans. A surface
rusted single exhaust is noted and seen are transverse leaf springs
for the suspension all around, and Lockheed hydraulic drum brakes
are in use.
Drive-Ability
As with any car fresh out of long term storage some TLC will be
needed before ignition occurs. That said, we did not attempt to
start the engine, but did verify the ability to turn it over by
hand.
Overall a great car, formerly restored but showing some age in a
few areas. An excellent undercarriage, clean engine and bay, a body
oozing Art Deco styling and a very comfortable interior. Like a
fine wine it has aged very well, will you be the lucky one to take
a sip?
NO TITLE-SOLD ON A BILL OF SALE ONLY
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 850 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.
