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1940 Mercury Eight Coupe

1940 Mercury Eight

Billed as “The Car That Truly Asks Why” the Mercury EIght would be the sole model produced under the Mercury's division of Ford Motor Company until 1952. Why ask Why? The marketing thought being that this car was a big car, but very economical to operate. Price points were right in the middle of the Ford V8 on the lower end, and the Lincoln Zephyr on the upper end. Art Deco Influenced Styling throughout, Ford became so successful with this car, that the marketing slogan changed to “Its made 150,000 owners change cars!”

Conjuring up the definition of “Barn Find” this example of a 1940 Mercury Eight shows in mostly original exterior and interior condition. A wonderful rust-free body repainted once, original chrome, original glass, original door panels, original frame, 1950's Western Auto Seat covers for front and rear seats, original headliner, and newly rebuilt upgraded engine.

Exterior
Original rust-free body repainted over unsanded original color. Parts of fenders, and doors repaint has peeled, and reveals shiny original paint. Chrome is rust free, but some pitting, and silver overspray is present on headlight trim, and inside front bumper. Front window has been resealed with glazing, which is a bit rough, and the pop-up air vent in front of windshield, shows repaired and grey prime coat. Exterior trim is all present, and in fair condition. Front grille is original and presents in good condition. Restored red painted steel wheels, with 1950's Mercury moon hubcaps have new radial tires attached. Port-a-wall white side walls are present on all 4 tires.

Interior
An original headliner draped in Moquette Mohair fabric, as well as interior door panels, are in good condition. Window cranks, and door handles are missing from the inside of the doors. The seats are covered with a 1950's vinyl Western Auto covering that has a square tweed pattern, with blue surround, highlighted by white piping. It is in good condition with no visible rips or tears. In areas that can be seen of the original seat coverings, it appears that they too are covered in the original mohair and felt combination in matching tan. The original upholstery condition is not known and cannot be seen unless one destroys the vinyl coverings. Gorgeous dash instrumentation drips in Art Deco Style and is embedded behind glass covers in a dark steel grey metal field. Thin horizontal reproduction V groove pattern walnut panels replacing the original bakelite dash cover, frame the metal instrument panel, and include a concealed ashtray, as well as a glove box. Within the glove box is the original clock that came with the car, currently not hooked up. A Bakelite steering wheel shows minor cracking and has a beautiful ford symbol in the center. The shift lever is attached to the steering column, and a dual aftermarket gauge holder sits to the lower left and is missing 1 gauge.

Drivetrain
A freshly rebuilt 1948 Mercury engine block, bored 60 thousandths over, with a 1950 Mercury crankshaft gives this engine a full 4-inch stroke. 2 Stromberg 94 carbs allow an Offenhauser intake to breathe in copious amounts of air and fuel. Topping the engine off are 2 Edelbrock aluminum high compression heads. A newer ignition adds reliability, and updated engine electrics. Under carriage appearance views as original, and presents surface rust, but nothing unremarkable.

This original exterior with a mechanically upgraded engine, goes further than a barn find, and definitely has the underpinnings to be restored or rodded. Not unlike an onion, as you peel off modifications that came with age and changing tastes, you'll find a pleasing center, that awaits your input for the eventual style it will take on. Extra rubber seals, new chrome headlight trims, window cranks, escutcheons, and other spare parts are included with this consignment.

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 100 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. A 450 barn find collection is currently on display.
This vehicle is 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.