Vehicle Description
1948 Mercury Deluxe Eight Convertible
Proof that the car market is overloaded with excess brands and a
confusing of miasma models, the Ford Motor Company has terminated
Mercury's long run. Production ended in 2010. Approximately 1,700
dealers that were offering the brand moved on to other endeavors
such as Lincoln sales. So, we say farewell to the car named after
the messenger to the gods.
With wings clipped, the messenger to the Gods is no longer
producing new cars, however there are many stunning examples
including our consignment of this 1948 Mercury Deluxe Eight.
Gorgeous rounded design, and just the right amount of chrome this
example has been beautifully restored by the Motorcar Company out
of Staunton, Virginia. This car in my mind is all just lovely, and
makes me want to go back to 1948, listen to big band music, watch
extravagant movie musicals, and steam locomotives. Put the top down
and I'll drive...backwards!
Exterior
This distinctive convertible is a mixture of black painted straight
steel, and multidirectional bands of chrome adornment. Just the
front grille and bumper entertain us visually with no less than 6
layers which come together to create a fantastic show for the eyes.
With its large bulbous hood topped with a chromed "shaver style"
hood ornament, to the rounded fenders which are getting smaller and
smaller each year, until they will finally become one with the
body. But for now, we get to enjoy belt line chrome trim, chromed
rockers, and the dual trim spears that wrap the fenders front and
rear. We bring up the rear with a curved trunk wrap around
horizontal rectangular taillights which become one with the trunk
trim which wraps the lid. A very nice convertible top, that is
power actuated, in tan canvas with brown piping trim tops off this
mythical car. Wide whites wrap chrome dog dish style wheel covers
on all 4 corners.
Interior
The designers of the day spared no expense when it comes to more
tactile layers for just the door panels. Painted steel, red vinyl
with a woven band of lanyard material, and a bottom of tan carpet,
offer up a background for the cream bakelite and chrome knobs and
levers. Slipping inside two tone red vinyl frames light tan inserts
on the front split bench and rear bench. Tan carpet covers the
floors and has a few stains but is mostly nicely preserved. A
wonderful faux wood grained metal dash with a center dual circle
instrument panel and radio speaker grid, reminds me a little of the
steering mechanism on Buck Roger's spaceship. The original steering
wheel fronts this art deco design dash and is make from bakelite
and has a nice round chromed horn in the center. Some black rubber
flooring is backing up the tan carpet and protects the floors for
the front passengers. A heater box can be seen hanging below the
dash.
Drivetrain
A 239ci Flathead V8 with a nicely preserved patina finish is very
clean and sits within a clean engine bay. There is a single
2-barrel carburetor on top, and a 3-speed manual column shifted
transmission gently takes power rearward to a 3.78 geared axle.
Just awe inspiring.
Undercarriage
Overall very nice with solid steel framing, and floorpans with
virtually no rust in sight. The big X frame holds everything in
place including the upper masses of steel. It is a sound solid car.
Transverse leaf springs front and rear provide the ride for this
halcyon.
Drive-Ability
Myself and my sidekick test driver both tried this car out, and we
found it a very smooth driver, which for its size handled well, and
rode beautifully. The clutch took some leg muscle to depress, but
the transmission shifted smoothly. 3rd gear goes on forever. The
radio was inoperable but has these snazzy chromed bars that can
flip from preset station to station. Overall a great smooth driver
with a comfortable interior, we went around feeling like a million
bucks.
This extraordinary, beautifully restored nugget of steel panels and
chrome trim from another era has me smitten. It truly was a
Herculean effort put in to bring it back to nearly showroom
condition. Take a gander at this car and you will receive a panacea
for any frown you may have, and a tantalization to possibly start
listening to Glenn Miller hits. A chariot for the gods.
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 450 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.
