Vehicle Description

Please Note - The original auction was terminated and this item has been relisted because there was an error in the original auction listing. I will contact each of the previous bidders individually to alert them of the changes and cancellation of the earlier auction. Thanks for your patience.

You are bidding on a freshly restored 1951 Mercury convertible. This car is outstanding in every possible respect. It has undergone a complete and total restoration – everything has been done to make this possibly the best 1951 Mercury convertible in the country. It is difficult to make the pictures look as good as the car really is. As you probably know 1951 Mercurys are a one year only model and the converts were very low production. When was the last time you saw one on the road?

The body off restoration started with a solid and complete original 1951 Mercury convertible. This is not a coupe or sedan conversion – it is the real thing. The owner decided that the restoration would also include a few “changes” and upgrades that would make the car even more interesting to the collector.

The result, as can be easily seen, is an original looking car in all respects but with a couple surprises under the hood. I guess this would make the car a restomod or restorod depending on how you would view it. The important thing is that the car still contains its entire original factory look and features including its famous flathead engine. The results are that the car certainly performs better than original, has a great deal more reliability and now has considerably more eye appeal!

It would take quite a long write up to detail all of the restoration and assembly work that has gone into this car. Here is a description that has been abbreviated some because of limited space. For more detail we recommend you call or email us – the phone number to use is 978-273-9175. We also encourage you to come and have a look at this car or have someone look it over for you as well. That way you will really see first hand the quality and finish of this rare car.

The body on this car was removed from the frame and completely disassembled. Every component was inspected cleaned and any sheet metal that had any damage or blemish was either reworked completely or replaced. Many NOS parts were used in the body restoration. The body was then professionally worked and assembled. The car is absolutely laser straight. The car is painted with the finest 2 part paint available. The color is very close to the original burgundy color available in 1951.

The frame was completely redone including media blasting and painting. All components were removed and either rebuilt or replaced. This includes all suspension, steering and braking parts. Nothing was overlooked during the rebuild process. The frame was reassembled using all new stainless brake lines, power brakes and booster, stainless gas tank, stainless exhaust system (duals) and the rear differential was rebuilt with all new bearings and seals. The car comes with 5 new B F Goodrich tires. The wheels, trim rings and hubcaps have been all restored to original including plating and medallions on the hubcaps.

The engine and transmission setup in this car is what will set it apart from all the other early Mercurys. The engine is the original Mercury flathead that has been totally rebuilt. It was decided during the restoration that the engine was going to take a different path than going stock or going with the conventional dual carbs or aluminum cylinder heads setup. Instead Joe Abbin of Road Runner Engineering, one of the foremost authorities in the country on flatheads, was brought on board to design a supercharger and serpentine belt setup for the car. You can see in the pictures the results are amazing. Some of the engine details are: All new parts were used – the crank was polished and did not require cutting – the engine assembly was put together by Walter DuPont, one of the best flathead builders in the country. The blower assembly is a Wieland using Holley carbs. The ignition is MSD using a Mallory distributor. The stock Mercury heads were retained for reliability and the correct compression ratio for street driving. The results are the engine has great performance but is extremely docile for street driving. A complete list of specifications and components can be provided for the engine.

The original overdrive transmission was removed and replaced with a newer style FORD T85 3 speed with Overdrive transmission. This was accomplished using all FORD/Mercury parts. The results are a gearbox that is considerable stronger and more reliable than the original Mercury 3 speed transmission. Shifting is still accomplished using the stock shift mechanism on the steering column for the original look and feel. Obviously all new components like clutch, pressure plate, throw out bearing etc. were replaced when everything was reassembled.

The electrical system has been totally replaced with all new components. All wiring harnesses including the dash harness are new. The system has been upgraded to 12 volts. The radio has been converted to 12 volts. The power windows system has been upgraded to new style mechanisms including new switches and mechanisms. They work as the original system did but with much higher reliability. The convertible top pump and motor assembly is new from Hydro-Electric and has also been upgraded to 12 volts. At the same time all the electrical was upgraded the speedometer and all dash gauges were either rebuilt or refurbished. The speedometer, when rebuilt, was set back to “0” miles – It now shows 120 miles. A set of new gauges were added under the dash to include blower boost.

The black and tan interior was professionally installed and is top grade leather. All new panels were used rather trying to save the old panels etc. The interior work was done by NH Interiors. At the same time they installed the new Herculon top and correct rear glass window. Again only top grade material and components were used.The end product for the interior and top assembly is show quality and striking.

Trim and finish: All originally chromed items have been rechromed. This includes front and rear bumpers/guards, badges and trim and the inside of the top mechanism. The dash insert was also rechromed and is absolutely stunning. All stainless trim is NOS and polished to show condition. The only exception to this is the back trim band behind the top well. That is the original piece and it was also polished to perfection as well. All glass is new and has been re logo’d to Ford/ Mercury specs.

This write-up could go on and on. As stated previously if you are in the market for a car of this quality the best route to information is either by email or telephone. Likewise it would be worth seeing the car in person or selecting a person to look at the car to bring the explanation level to the point where you will also be convinced this car is exceptional.

The car can be seen by appointment. It is physically located locatedin Trevett, Maine - about 1 hour from Portland Maine.. To set up an appointment just email me through the EBay email system - or by calling 978-273-9175 (SamG). The car is for sale locally so we reserve the right to end the auction early.

Payment terms are by wire transfer, bank check or cash. Pay Pal Payments are not accepted in this auction. Checks must clear before the car is moved. We require a $1000.00 deposit within 5 days of the auction close. Pickup and transportation are the responsibility of the buyer. The car must be removed within 30 days of the auction close unless other terms can be negotiated with the Seller. Additional pictures can be emailed to you up on request.