Lot details
Registration No: 122 XUL
Chassis No: 51DA20714M
Mot Expiry: May 2009

Mercury was one of the two upmarket brands, with Lincoln, under which Ford-based products were sold, and the '49-'51 Mercs are the classic `lead sled' cruisers, lending themselves to radical roof chops and lowering jobs. The Merc became an icon of the era when James Dean cruised a 1949 coupe mildly customised by George Barris in the movie `Rebel Without A Cause' - and `The Pharaohs', in top cruise movie `American Graffiti', drive an evil chopped '51. This car represents the opposite end of the spectrum and being the rare convertible version rather than the hardtop, has survived the attentions of the customisers (though not all have been immune!).

This is one of only 6759 convertibles (compared to nearly 158,000 sedans) built by Mercury in 1951, one of the most popular early '50s years with collectors, according to leading US dealer Mark Hyman who previously sold this car when it was priced at $122,500. Power comes from a 255cu in (4179cc) Mercury version of Ford's flathead V8 producing 112bhp of smooth power at only 3600rpm, driving through a three-speed manual transmission with column shift. Front suspension is independent by wishbones and coil springs, while the rear leaf springs are fully linered to produce a supple, quiet ride.

This Dearborn-built convertible, in unique-to-model Vassar Yellow, was restored some years ago in the US, remaining beautifully preserved, and is an Early Ford V8 Club Dearborn award winner, the highest award given by the club. As well as the soft-top, it is fitted with overdrive and the very rare power windows (the latter operated by a bank of chunky buttons on the driver's door). Under the bonnet, the restored engine bay remains completely authentic, clean and dry, with just a few petrol stains, and there's even a black rubber battery to keep every aspect of this car in period.

The panel fit and paint are good and the extensive chrome, bright exterior trim and badging remain in excellent order, as does the retrimmed two-tone interior; the dashboard, with its half-moon speedometer and pushbutton radio, is near perfect. Whitewall tyres and fender skirts give it just the right stance for cruise gatherings, following that stylised bonnet mascot along through the charming split windscreen. The Mercury has been officially imported into the UK and is road registered with V5C and current MOT - ready to drive away.