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.