Vehicle Description
1947 Mercury Series 79M Woodie Station Wagon
VIN: 799A1942101
In the 1930s and 1940s, few cars had more prestige than the Mercury
woodie station wagon. The highest priced model in the Ford line, it
carried as much status as a Chris-Craft speedboat or a starlet on
your arm. Hotels, resorts, country clubs, stables, and movie
studios sought after woodies to project a sense of class and
sophistication.
In 1947 Jose Maria Mendoza Pardo, the governor of Mexican state of
State of Michoacan de Ocampo, sought to be associated with the
lifestyle of the woodie. He special ordered the Mercury directly
from Ford and had it shipped to him in Mexico. Purchased with
government money the car was seen as federal vehicle and plated as
such. In 1949 due to some political unrest in the region Mendoza
abandoned the vehicle with relatives, never to return.
Fast forward to 1994 in San Luis, Mexico. The Mercury is presented
as a trade for a 1959 Mercedes 220. The new owner saw the potential
of the old woodie and set about a complete restoration that would
cover the next 13 years. Why would a restoration take 13 years? The
owner wanted the car to be as original and correct as possible.
Vintage period parts were sourced, including correct upholstery and
roof top materials.
The original wood framing of the car was retained and restored. The
remaining panels were hand crafted by furniture restoration
specialists who still possessed the skills and knowledge to shape
fresh maple. Even the correct, original paint color and type was
used in finishing the car. The final step was to establish the
history of the car, and to answer the question of why such are rare
American car was in Mexico in the first place. The Museo del
Automovil in Mexico City was contacted who, after an exhaustive
search, discovered the fascinating origins of the Mercury.
Once completed the Mercury was entered into a variety of high-level
Mexican car shows where it either won overall or placed in
category. At the prestigious Concurso de Elegancia Huixquilucan in
2009 it was selected for the Hall of Excellence out of 450 cars
from around the country.
Finally the Mercury has returned to its country of origin and is
ready to be shown, driven and enjoyed.
46425 kilometers = 29469 miles