Boasting a striking bronze paint finish and a “46 MERC” license plate, a nicely restored Mercury coupe in Utah pays homage to the early days of post-World War II automobile production.
The Pick of the Day is a 1946 Mercury Eight Coupe listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in Huntington, Utah. (Click the link to view the listing)
“Complete frame-off restoration with flathead V8,” the listing states. “Beautifully done, finished in 2016.”
When World War II ramped up in the early 1940s, there was a government-imposed halt placed on civilian car production for about four years. This Mercury’s body style was first launched in 1941 and carried through to 1942 just before that hiatus.
Automakers were eager to get their assembly lines back up and running, and when production resumed in 1946, most cars were carry-overs from four years prior. This Mercury’s chassis was shared with the Ford Super DeLuxe and rode on a 118-inch wheelbase. When initially launched, the overall design presented some compelling updates over the prior Mercury models including added headroom, slimmer windshield pillars, and more prominent marker lights for heightened visibility. It wasn’t until 1949 that the design of the Mercury lineup got a complete revamp.
Based on the photos, the restoration team created a masterpiece with this ‘46. The exterior is accented in generous brightwork for the grille, bumpers, and window trim. A set of wide whitewall tires give period-correct appeal, and the attractive exterior also include amber fog lights, an antenna, a split windshield, and rocker moldings. It’s hard to believe this car will be 80 years old in just a few years.
Under the hood, power comes from a 239cid flathead V8 that was rated at 100 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque. The only available transmission for this model year was a three-speed manual.
Moving to the interior the metal dash has been color-matched to the body, and the upholstery was redone in brown patterned cloth. The interior has some nice content including a radio and a clock. There isn’t much left to do with this car except get inside and drive it.
“Garage-kept and only taken to one car show,” the listing concludes.
The seller is asking $30,000 or best offer for this ’46 Mercury Eight, which includes a service manual.
To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.
My God Tyson.
This brought back wonderful memories. I had a mint condition pail yellow 47 when was still in my teens, and my wife of 59 years remembers me in my car with girl friends of that time. Easily the most favourite car I have ever owned . The restorers have done a wonderful tasteful job. At 80 I am too old to buy this car and transport it to New Zealand. but have considered doing so. What a wonderful find.
Col Trevor Rogers
Member of Parliament (Ret)