Vehicle Description
SUMMARY
5-year restoration completed in 2012
454 cubic inch Chevrolet V8
700R4 4-speed automatic transmission
Custom interior / Maxi Kooler air conditioning
Modified all-steel body / Custom pearl 2-stage paint
Modern suspension / Air ride equipped
Sale includes build receipts and component manuals
Power rack-and-pinion steering / Power front disc and rear drum
brakes
Ford 9-inch rear axle
Sony Xplod audio
In a world where fiberglass street rods are a fact of life, finding
a unique and authentic cruiser can be challenging. Some builds are
dated and need to be modernized, while others are so thoroughly
modern they'll be dated by next year. One of the best bets you can
place is on a timeless creation like this impressive, all-steel
Merc. It's a fully sorted masterpiece that was carefully planned
and bolted together by someone who definitely knew their way around
a garage. The parts list includes familiar items like a big block
V8, a smooth shifting 4-speed, brilliant paint and a
custom-stitched interior; but the execution of those items is what
sets the car apart. If you've been searching for a super cool
street rod that can be driven and shown with pride, this impressive
kustom is the perfect solution!
BODYWORK/TRIM
Carving a mid-lux niche with grand proportions and classic good
looks, the '40 Mercury has always been a highly desirable car. And
not surprisingly, gearheads, customizers and 75 years' worth of
fans have elevated it to one of hot rodding's greatest cultural
icons. A chopped cruiser that benefitted from an extensive, 5-year
restoration, this awesome coupe began its new life as a show
stopping head turner back in 2012. That restoration, conducted by
Sports Car Collision of McAdenville, North Carolina, saw the car's
voluptuous body stripped all the way to bare metal. Once that metal
was super solid and virtually flawless, shaved doors were
complemented with a pancaked hood and power operated decklid. That
thoroughly tweaked profile was sealed in a custom coat of pearl
2-stage. And today, this razor-sharp kustom is one sizzling classic
that looks cooler than pretty much every car at any show its owner
chooses to attend!
The styling of Mercury's first generation Eight was fairly
successful in differentiating the brand from its comparable Ford
cousin; a virtue that continues to fuel to the car's timeless
desirability. At the front of this clean custom, a polished grille
rides between a nosed hood and frenched tri-bar headlights. Behind
that hood, creased and stainless-trimmed glass rides between capped
wipers and polished mirrors. Beneath that glass, filled fender
seams ride between polished trim and color-keyed fender skirts. And
at the back of those seams, a decked trunk rides between small,
chrome-trimmed taillights.
ENGINE
Like it or not, sometimes it's good to break tradition. And
breaking tradition is one thing that makes this Merc so impressive.
Lift the car's domed hood and you'll find 454 cubic inches of big
block muscle that mixes miles of power with mountains of torque! At
the top of the fully detailed mill, a finned and polished air
cleaner feeds a coated Holley 770 that's throttled by a quality
Lokar linkage. The resulting energy mixture makes its way from a
coated Weiand intake to cast iron Chevrolet heads. When those heads
flood the cylinders, a Delco-Remy HEI distributor sequences fire
through loomed Taylor plug wires. Resultant gases are jettisoned
through ceramic-coated block hugger headers. Cooling is provided by
a beefy Walker radiator, which rides behind a giant electric pusher
fan. Charge comes courtesy of a polished alternator that, along
with a coated AC compressor, spins behind aesthetically pleasing
pulleys. And overall, the car's smooth engine compartment is
exceptionally clean, featuring details like a chrome brake booster,
MQQN Equipment breathers, proven Haywire wiring, and polished and
finned valve covers.
DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION
Every good street rod has a solid foundation. Flip this channeled
classic upside down and you'll find a roster of mechanical
improvements that mix vintage looks with modern mobility. A tough
700R4 4-speed drives a sturdy Ford 9-inch, which pushes a fully
boxed chassis. At the nose of that chassis, a Fat Man front-half
centers power rack-and-pinion steering between pliable air bags. At
the back of that chassis, a modern 4-bar setup utilizes two more
air bags to increase grip and maintain ride height. Power front
disc and rear drum brakes are a welcome addition and big
performance upgrade. There's a free-flowing, true-dual exhaust
system that makes good use of Flowmaster dual-chamber mufflers. And
everything rides on red steelies, which spin 185/70R15 front, and
225/70R15 rear, BF Goodrich Silvertown Radial whitewalls around
mind-bending covers.
INTERIOR
Installed by Car's Classic Interiors of Lincolnton, North Carolina,
this coupe's stylish cockpit is a sea of plush Vanilla. A '48 Ford
dash hangs VDO telemetry, Maxi Kooler air conditioning and
MP3-compatible Sony Xplod audio between billet foot pedals, a tilt
steering column and an old school "V8" branded wheel. In front of
that dash, broad bench seats feature aviation-quality leather
surfaces. At the sides of those seats, Juliano's power windows
frame faux leather side panels, billet door pulls, polished door
handles and Sony Xplod speakers. That dash, seat and panel trifecta
is sandwiched between monochromatic carpet and a color-keyed
headliner. And behind the cabin, a fully finished trunk provides
ample storage space.
OUR SALE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTATION AND ACCESSORIES
Build receipts
Component manuals
A pair of wiper arms
Truman-era Mercs have aged with more grace than most, wearing a
design that's still capable of turning heads even in its basic
factory form. The restorer's decision to take those basics and make
proven, time-tested adjustments is a huge part of why this kustom
works so well. With its massaged motor, smooth-shifting 4-speed,
comfortable interior and vintage swagger, you'll never tire of
finding this sled in your garage. Stop watching opportunity pass
you by. Add this classic to your collection today!
