West Coast Classics is proud to present an absolutely exceptional example of this completely rust free and stunning restoration in a seriously striking original color combination of this 1951 Mercury 2 Door 6 Passenger 255.4 L head V8 Convertible matched to a 3 speed column shift transmission with factory Overdrive, heater & defroster, power windows, power seat and a Power hydraulic soft top. The restoration is second to none and the car was recently acquired out of a prominent collection with the odometer reading, and reported be an original, 67,291miles.
Believed to be one of 50 extant examples
Fewer than 68,000 miles from new
Striking Vassar Yellow over red and black interior
Fitted with nearly every factory option including desirable 3 speed manual trans with overdrive ($100),
Heater & Defroster ($64)
Radio ($94)
Power windows
Power front seat adjustment
Power hydraulic top
Radio antenna
Fog lamps
Hubcaps
Whitewall tires
Inextricably linked to the movie star James Dean since his character Jim Stark drove one in the 1955 film "Rebel Without a Cause," the 19491951 Mercurys have appeared prominently in hot rod and car magazines since they were introduced. Incredibly popular with car customizers and hot rodders, so many of these already-stylish cars have been customized that seeing a stock example like this one is extraordinarily rare, especially true when the car in question is a convertible, as only about 10% of 1951 Mercurys were specified as drop-tops.
Few changes were made from year to year, though the 1951 examples received a streamlined grille and vertical taillights to differentiate them from the rest. Powered by Fords iconic 255-cubic-inch flathead V-8, the car produced 112 horsepower, more than enough to approach 90 mph, with such speed comfortably controlled thanks to the cars four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes.
According to the Early Ford V-8 Register, approximately 50 of the 1951 convertibles have survived. The example offered here must be one of the best available anywhere. With fewer than 68,000 original miles, the car is presented in the convertible-only color of Vassar Yellow over an eye-catching black and red leather interior. A black Haartz cloth top with red piping completes the look. The car is fitted with nearly every factory option, including power windows, power seat, radio, heater, rocker moldings, cowl scuff-plates, front grille guard, rear bumper guard, exhaust deflector, and gas door guard.
Recently fitted with a new electric fuel pump for trouble-free performance, this 1951 Mercury is extremely rare and highly desirable. Given the cars limited production and low survival rate, examples such as this are not likely to surface for sale very often so for those seeking a mid-century American classic to make a splash or relive a bygone age of cruising the gut, look no further. The floor boards, trunk and all the typical rust-prone areas are completely solid and rust-free and the car has had no signs of any accidents - obviously an always garaged and cherished car since new and obviously restored with no expense spared and with attention to all details and with actually very few miles driven since the restoration! All the chromework and brightwork has been restored and the original spare wheel with it's jack is in the trunk. Must be driven to be fully appreciated - drives straight as an arrow with no strange road wobbles, shakes or rattles - a truly remarkable daily driver that will give any modern day car a run for it's money!
This is a unique opportunity to own a stunning example of a very rare 1951 Mercury V8 Convertible and a more loved and cared for car you could not hope to find! This is one very desirable car for any classic American car enthusiast or Ford or Mercury collector to add to his collection and a sure-fire investment that's sure to appreciate over the years for any classic American car collector!
