LOT 806 ¤
1951 Mercury Eight Coupe Custom 'Sled' Chassis no. 51SL64691M
Sold for US$44,800 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 806¤
1951 Mercury Eight Coupe Custom 'Sled'
1951 Mercury Eight Coupe Custom 'Sled'
Chassis no. 51SL64691M
Chassis no. 51SL64691M
302ci OHV V8 Engine (see text)
Single Four-Barrel Carburetor
Est. 550bhp at 5,500rpm
Automatic Transmission
Front Independent Suspension – Live Rear Axle
Four Wheel Disc Brakes
*Well-built example of a highly customized, low riding 'Lead Sled'
*Tastefully upgraded with powerful Ford Racing crate engine
*Modified, shaved, chopped, frenched as well as all other customization imaginable
*Finished in a glossy, dark tinted candy apple red complete with custom flame job
*Equipped with adjustable air bag suspension, capable of an extremely low stance
*Multiple award winner, magazine cover car and featured
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 Mercury's made their appearance, and most will immediately associate these cars with James Dean and his well-known Rebel Without a Cause.
THE CAR OFFERED
Built at the St. Louis plant in 1951, this Mercury Eight offered the excellent base for the exquisitely detailed and well-built custom appearance it reflects today. Customized in the 2000s, this Mercury has been in the Richardson collection for quite some time. Acquired by Richardson, he started with a good condition Mercury base car. From there it was years of work to get the Merc where it sits as you see it today. Starting off with the body, the car had a large amount of metal work to be completed before the first layer of primer could even be laid down. The car was sent to Rock & Roll Paintworks in Orange, CA where the bodywork commenced including chopping the top, shaving off practically everything, frenching the headlights, 1954 Chevrolet taillights and antennas. The doors were completely modified, the rear glass was from a 1950 Mercury, a front grill and bumper from an early 50s De Soto was also fitted. The hood was shaved, decked and louvered as a final touch. Once all the metalwork was completed, multiple layers of House of Kolor's Candy Apple Red were sprayed followed by additional Candy Apple Red flames. A wonderfully chosen color and very fitting for this Merc.
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 ease of usability. The interior was sent to the team at Orange Upholstery where it was beautifully dressed in all white, very fitting for these custom sleds. Stewart Warner gauges, aftermarket steering wheel and an upgraded stereo system round out the custom interior. Fitted with air conditioning and front and rear disc brakes, the car keeps cool so the passengers can too! Sleds aren't usually known for their speed; however, this Sled is quite different. Under the hood sits a Ford Racing 302ci V8 crate engine together with an Edelbrock carburetor and many other performance adders. Linked together with an automatic transmission and a Ford 9-inch rear end, this Merc has the power to match its looks. Adjustable airbag suspension gives the car its low stance that is mandatory for all Lead Sleds.
With an incredible build quality and tasteful appearance, this exquisite Mercury offers the next owner a fun and fast, head-turning cruiser, with much style and attitude. A complement to any collection, this Mercury shows how stylish customization can go.
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