Considering that Mercury has recently departed with a whimper, it's easy to forget what a big bang the division caused at its launch, in 1939. Edsel Ford and Jack Davis wanted to creep up-market towards the Lincoln Zephyr and were enormously successful, selling 70,835 Mercurys the first year, which was a record. The new Mercury range closely resembled the Fords, but cost $165 more than the De Luxe Ford and $430 less than the Lincoln Zephyr. For that $165 the Mercury buyer got a significantly different package. Mercury offered an exclusive, more modern body shell with fixed vee-windshield and center-mounted antenna, welded all-steel construction, cowl-mounted wipers, concealed front door hinges and outward-curving sides, widest at the front seat line. The frontal appearance was similar to the Ford but the rear fenders were deeply valanced and unique to Mercury as were the taillights and trim. The dash was unique with recessed controls, cowled steering column and arc-type speedometer, the glove box locked and there was a clock. Under the hood, the 221 cubic-inch Ford V-8 was punched out to 239 cubic inches and generated 95 horsepower at 3,600rpm. Both Ford and Mercury introduced hydraulic brakes in 1939 and they were long overdue. The convertible coupe presented to day is an excellent frame-off restoration of a very solid original car. It has been in the Wally Lewis collection since 2003 and was bought from a Portland collector. The excellent maroon paint is a correct color and the interior has been re-upholstered in the appropriate antique-finish tan leather. The wood grain dash is superbly finished, with only one scratch, and there is a factory radio and electric clock. Panel fit is good and the chrome plating is lovely with bright bumpers and superb grille. The car rides on near-new "double whitewall" tires and the tan canvas top is well fitted. This Sport Convertible weighed 3,150 pounds, and is one of 7,818 sold new for $990 in 1939. It indicates 48,575 miles and there is ample evidence to suggest this is original and correct. Without reserve
Considering that Mercury has recently departed with a whimper, it's easy to forget what a big bang the division caused at its launch, in 1939. Edsel Ford and Jack Davis wanted to creep up-market towards the Lincoln Zephyr and were enormously successful, selling 70,835 Mercurys the first year, which was a record. The new Mercury range closely resembled the Fords, but cost $165 more than the De Luxe Ford and $430 less than the Lincoln Zephyr. For that $165 the Mercury buyer got a significantly different package. Mercury offered an exclusive, more modern body shell with fixed vee-windshield and center-mounted antenna, welded all-steel construction, cowl-mounted wipers, concealed front door hinges and outward-curving sides, widest at the front seat line. The frontal appearance was similar to the Ford but the rear fenders were deeply valanced and unique to Mercury as were the taillights and trim. The dash was unique with recessed controls, cowled steering column and arc-type speedometer, the glove box locked and there was a clock. Under the hood, the 221 cubic-inch Ford V-8 was punched out to 239 cubic inches and generated 95 horsepower at 3,600rpm. Both Ford and Mercury introduced hydraulic brakes in 1939 and they were long overdue. The convertible coupe presented to day is an excellent frame-off restoration of a very solid original car. It has been in the Wally Lewis collection since 2003 and was bought from a Portland collector. The excellent maroon paint is a correct color and the interior has been re-upholstered in the appropriate antique-finish tan leather. The wood grain dash is superbly finished, with only one scratch, and there is a factory radio and electric clock. Panel fit is good and the chrome plating is lovely with bright bumpers and superb grille. The car rides on near-new "double whitewall" tires and the tan canvas top is well fitted. This Sport Convertible weighed 3,150 pounds, and is one of 7,818 sold new for $990 in 1939. It indicates 48,575 miles and there is ample evidence to suggest this is original and correct. Without reserve
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.jpg "Source: Christie's")
.jpg "Source: Christie's")
