1946 Mercury 69M Two-Door Sedan Coupe

Description

The 1946 Mercury 69M, part of the Mercury Eight series, marked the resumption of civilian automobile production after World War II. With production halted during the war, the 1946 models were essentially updated versions of the pre-war designs. The 69M featured a new grille with thin vertical bars and a larger body-colored trim piece, giving it a refreshed look. 

Under the hood, the 1946 Mercury 69M was powered by a 239 cubic-inch L-head V-8 engine, producing 100 horsepower at 3,800 rpm. This engine was paired with a three-speed manual transmission, as the Liquamatic Drive automatic option was no longer available. The car's design included various body styles, such as a sportsman convertible, sedan, sedan coupe, and a station wagon. 

Despite post-war production challenges, including labor disputes and material shortages, Mercury managed to produce 86,597 units of the 69M. The car was well-received, helping Mercury secure the 12th spot among American car manufacturers in ’46. 

This 1946 Mercury 69M Two-Door Sedan Coupe has remained in the same California family for 50 years. The second owner, the consignor’s father, bought it from the original owner in the early 1970s and performed a frame-up restoration from 1995-1998. 

Highlights 

• Finished in Dynamic Maroon paint over tan cloth upholstery trimmed in brown leather 

• Powered by a 239 cu-in V8 rated at 100 horsepower 

• Three-speed manual transmission 

• Recently rebuilt carburetor 

• Other upgrades to improve performance in parades: 

  • 6V positive pressure electric fuel pump to provide adequate pressure 

  • 12V fan to provide extra air flow (powered by battery in trunk) 

  • Two dash switches installed to control those two units 

Features 

• Engine No. 99A-1312576 indicates 1946 model  

• Rebuilt original Philco AM radio 

• Original aftermarket Stewart-Warner South Wind heater (works) 

• Dash instrumentation: 110 mph speedometer, five-digit odometer, and gauges for fuel level, oil pressure, battery amps, and water temperature 

• Hydraulic drum brakes 

• Transverse leaf spring suspension 

• Coker Classic 8.70-15 four-ply poly tubeless wide whitewall tires  

Known Imperfections 

• Multiple imperfections on the original paint, commensurate with the age of the vehicle 

• Small imperfections on the grille caused by road debris 

• Some minor cracking on the steering wheel 

• Light scuff on the right side of the passenger door card  

Included 

• 1942-1948 Mercury shop manual 

• 1942-1948 Ford/Lincoln/Mercury service manual 

• Cover from California Car Cover Co. 

• Radio antenna 

• Numerous spare parts including fuel pumps, water pumps, starter, brake master, and other small parts 

Ownership History 

This 1946 Mercury 69M Two-Door Sedan Coupe has been in the same family for more than 50 years. The consignor’s father (a B17 pilot in World War II) purchased it from the original owner, a single woman who only drove the car to church on Sundays. “My father did a frame-up restoration from 1995-1998 after he retired from teaching.  All interior fabrics were replaced with Mercury standard fabric materials and colors (from LeBaron Bonney Company). After the restoration it was only driven in local parades and to car shows, and it has been driven approximately 5,000 miles since the restoration.” The Mercury has been garaged most of its existence and has been stored with limited run time for the past 15 years.