LOT 29
1951 Mercury Eight Custom Convertible Chassis no. 51SL62928M
Sold for US$52,640 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 29
1951 Mercury Eight Custom Convertible
1951 Mercury Eight Custom Convertible
Chassis no. 51SL62928M
Chassis no. 51SL62928M
460ci OHV V8 Engine
Single Four-Barrel Carburetor
Est. 350bhp at 5,500rpm
Automatic Transmission
Front Independent Suspension – Live Rear Axle
Front Disc – Rear Drum Brakes
*Exquisite build quality throughout
*Tastefully upgraded with modern amenities
*Excellent Custom for cruise nights and drive-in's
*The perfect Rebel Without a Cause look-a-like
MERCURY IN THE 1950s
The Mercury brand was still young, a wee 10 years old, when it came out with the new Eight in 1949. The brand's first post-WWII design, it was a break from the styling that preceded it, with even more bulbous curves, a rounded off rear end that gave nary a hint at vestigial fenders and a toothy chrome grill that stretched thinly across the entire front end of the car. Under the large hood sat the familiar, 255ci Ford flathead V-8 but power was bumped up 10% on its Blue Oval brethren to 112bhp and 200lb-ft of twist. The last iteration of the flathead, its final year of production in 1951 would see it deliver its power through Mercury's first automatic transmission, the 3-speed Warner Gear-produced "Merc-O-Matic".
The simple but elegant lines and easy to modify drivetrain made the car a popular canvas for hot-rodders and customizers. Craftsmen like Sam and George Barris fabricated legendary 'rods like the chopped Hirohata Merc, giving way to the model's nickname: Lead Sled. Even on the Hollywood silver screen, the hot rodded custom Mercurys made their appearance, and most will immediately associate these cars with James Dean and his well-known Rebel Without a Cause.
THE MOTORCAR OFFERED
Built at the St. Louis plant in 1951, this Mercury Eight offered the excellent base for the exquisitely detailed and well-built Rebel Without a Cause Custom appearance it reflects today. Customized in the 1990s, the Mercury was later purchased by Joe Cardiello of Long Island, New York, where it was housed among his impressive collection of 1950s and 1960s Americana-inspired and built collector cars. Acquired by the most recent owner in the mid 2000s, this beautiful Mercury Custom was carefully maintained and serviced while residing in his award-winning prominent La Jolla-based collection until 2014. The car has since then formed part of another La Jolla-based collection, while used sparingly on fair weather days.
Upon close inspection of this stellar Mercury, it quickly becomes apparent that the customizing and restoration work was done to a very high and professional standard. Everything was tastefully done, by using the right materials and components, and thoroughly engineering new systems for easy of usability. Built with usability in mind, the car feels carefully balanced, and not too brutally powerful for use on the street. The beautiful light-metallic maroon paint looks spectacular, while all chrome and bright work presents to show quality. The interior is beautifully dressed in dark red hides and vinyl, and offers plenty of room for four. Fitted with air conditioning and power front disc brakes, the car keeps cool so the passengers can too!
With an incredible build quality and tasteful appearance, this exquisite Mercury offers the next owner a fun and fast open-top cruiser, with much style and attitude.
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