1949 Mercury Sedan “Lead Sled”

History

The Mercury Eight was the first model of the Ford Motor Company's Mercury marque and was produced from the 1939 through the 1951 model years. It was the only model offered by Mercury until the marque starting producing multiple series in the 1952 model year, at which point it was dropped as a model designation.

The first postwar Mercury was introduced in the 1949 model year. The engine was a flathead V8 that produced slightly more power than the then also newly-designed 1949 Ford. The styling of the Mercury Eight, when it was released in 1949, was successful in both ending the monotony of warmed-over pre-war style, and differentiating Mercury from its comparable Ford cousin, a trick that spelled sales success. Sales figures for both Ford and Mercury broke records in 1949.

In 1949, Sam Barris built the first lead sled from a 1949 Mercury Eight; the Eight became the definitive lead sled. Sam and George Barris also used the 1949 body style to build "the most famous custom car ever" the Hirohata Merc, for customer Bob Hirohata in 1953. Setting a style and an attitude, it had a "momentous effect" on custom car builders, appeared in several magazines at the time, and reappeared numerous times since, earning an honorable mention on Rod & Custom's "Twenty Best of All Time" list in 1991. The Eight remains a very popular subject for car modellers.

VIN 9CM81897

This professional build was completed January 1, 2005. There are 17,500 miles on the build. The previous owner bought the car after the build was completed. The car has over $65k invested in it. The previous owner spent $15,000 in 2008 to upgrade the engine compartment to what it looks like today. The shop that did the restoration was called Ray’s Fabrication & Development (they have closed since then). The car has spent all its life in the San Diego area to the best of the owner’s knowledge.

2 huge 3-ring binders documenting the entire restoration, photographs, receipts, manuals, awards and a matching shirt are included in the sale.

Mechanics

Chevrolet 402ci Bored .040 Over to 408ci Block

TH-400 Transmission

‘76-’79 Lincoln Versailles 9” Open Rear End with 2:75 Gear Ratio

Dual Quad Weber 500cfm Carbs

Edelbrock Performer Dual Quad Air Gap Intake Manifold

Power 4 Wheel Disc Brakes

Power Steering

Vintage Air Conditioning

Lokar Kick-Down Kit

Fabricated Drive Shaft

Edelbrock Black Classic Dual Quad Air Cleaner and Valve Covers

GM HEI Ignition

MSD Coil

Billet Distributor

A/C Compressor

East Coast Auto Electric Super-Mini 120amp Alternator

Aluminum Radiator

Overflow Tank

Custom Aluminum Fan Shroud

7 Blade Clutch Fan, Painted Black

Rod Factory Flat Black Olympic Coated Shorty Headers

2.5” Aluminized Dual Exhaust

Dynamax Mufflers

‘70-’81 Camaro IFS Front Clip

Camaro Track Performance Parallel Leaf Springs

Custom Modified Transmission Access

Trunk Mounted Optima Battery

Custom Aluminum Gas Tank and Straps

Body

1949 Mercury Original Body and Frame

PPG Black Pearl Base Coat/Clear Coat with White Pearl Tribal Flames

Tinted Windows

3M Paint Protection Film “Clear Coat” Bra and Visor

Gorgeous Chrome Bumper

Original Stainless Steel Grille

Beautiful Trim

Split Windshield

Halogen Headlights

Stock Tail Lights

Shaved Hood, Trunk, Door Handles

Keyless Entry (Rolls Down Window and Trunk Popper)

Fiberglass Front Valance

Doors Fit Beautifully

Door Lips and Jambs are Clean and Solid

Fender Skirts Removed

Budnik Famosa Wheels - 15x7 Front, 15x10 Rear

BF Goodrich Tires - 225/60/15 Front, 295/50/15 Rear

Beautiful Undercoating on Original Floors

Powder Coated Frame, Dove Gray Color

Original X-Frame is Solid

Rockers are Gorgeous

Interior

Custom Grey Leather Interior

6 Way Driver Seat, 2 Way Passenger Seat

Classic Instruments Gauges

Budnik Steering Wheel

Sony AM/FM/CD Stereo with Remote

Power Windows

Custom Door Panels with Built-In Speakers

Custom Door Latches

Vintage A/C and Heater

Gorgeous Paint Job on the Dash

1976 Ford Thunderbird Modified Split Front Seat

Custom Narrowed Rear Seat

Grey Carpet

Cloth Headliner with Working Dome Light

Custom Finished Trunk in Matching Leather and Carpet

Spare Tire and Cover

Don’t Miss Out! Call Tom 7 Days a Week, Including Holidays! 248-974-9513

Vanguard Motor Sales started 25 years ago as a part time hobby. Within the last 8 years we have become the premier seller of classic and muscle cars, both locally and internationally. Vanguard Motor Sales is an experienced seller with integrity, and our 100% positive feedback on eBay supports that! Click the “eBay Feedback” button on the home page of our website, or the number next to our name on eBay (vanguardmotorsales), and you will be able to read all of the positive feedback we’ve received over the last 8 years!

Our inventory is always stored indoors! We have a brand new, state-of-the-art, 30,000 square foot facility that is open to the public. We would love for you to stop by and see us! We are located 20 minutes away from Detroit Metro Airport, and would be happy to pick you up and drop you off if you fly in. New cars arrive daily, and our inventory is always changing.

Vanguard Motor Sales owns all of our inventory, we are not a consignment dealership. You are dealing directly with the owner of the vehicle, not a middle man. All of our vehicle titles are free of liens, and we are not selling other peoples problems. Every car we purchase is of the utmost quality. Our mission is to exceed your expectations!

If you are interested in this car, or any of our other 100+ cars, don’t wait for the auction to end on eBay. You may loose out if you wait! Our shop is open to the public, and when a walk in customer puts a deposit on a car we reserve the right to close the eBay listing before the auction ends. If you think this car is “The One”, we can end the auction by adding a “But It Now” to the auction for the reserve price. If an auction ends and the bids do not meet the reserve price, we will continue to relist it until it sells. Do not hesitate to contact Tom 7 days a week!

We take over 100 photographs of the car, as well as a high definition video, so you know exactly what to expect. We encourage you to hire an independent inspector to check out the car, prior to purchase or bidding. We have a hoist available for views of the undercarriage, and our mechanics are available to speak with if you have any questions.

Vanguard Motor Sales has sold classic and muscle cars to customers in The United States, Canada, Australia, The United Kingdom, Germany, Sweden, France, Norway, The Netherlands and many other countries. We are experts in over seas shipping, and handle all of the details. The shipping companies we work with are insured, so your vehicle will be safe and secure during transport. We ship all of our vehicles enclosed, so they leave our shop clean and they are delivered to your driveway clean.

We've built our reputation on selling high quality cars honestly and fairly. We have up-front, no haggle pricing! Call Tom today, and let Vanguard Motor Sales park your dream in your driveway!

248-974-9513

We make every effort to represent this vehicle as accurately as possible and to the best of knowledge at the time of listing. Content is based on inspection, research and/or information provided by previous owner(s). We encourage buyers to make a thorough, independent inspection and investigation to verify the accuracy of any claims to originality, history, equipment or other information provided prior to the purchase. Vehicle is being sold with no warranty in "As Is/Where Is" condition.