1951 Mercury Eight Sport Sedan 3-Speed

Description

OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE

Raleigh Classic Car Auctions have built a pristine reputation over 26 years of live auctions, as the go-to for the best-of-the-best offerings for car collectors and enthusiasts. Regionally trusted and nationally recognized, Raleigh Classic Car Auctions continues to find low-mile, original examples with documentation annually. The September Special is an offering of 38 premium quality, low-mile and desirable, domestic lots from three private estates offered entirely without reserve. All vehicles are available for in-person inspection at The Raleigh Classic Showroom in Zebulon, NC; 9:00am-4:00pm Monday-Friday: 9/15/25-10/3/25 or by appointment.

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“A dream to drive!” It was going to be the 1949 Ford, then management deemed it too extreme. So, it became the upscale 1949 Mercury, and the rest is history.

When the Mercury brand was created in 1939 it was nothing more than a dressed-up Ford, and it looked like it. Now thanks to Ford's chief stylist E.T. Bob Gregorie’s bold design, the 1949–51 Mercury had a look all its own. The Mercury was powered by Ford’s famous flathead V8, but with greater displacement and horsepower. The result was a mid-priced automobile that could compete against Oldsmobile, Buick, DeSoto, Nash, and Kaiser. For the first time Mercury was a huge success, but it took one movie to make it truly legendary: James Dean and his 1949 Mercury coupe in “Rebel Without a Cause.” That’s just one reason the 1949 – 1951 Mercury have been the favorite of hot rodders and “lead sled” artists ever since, so finding a stock-looking example is challenging.

Under the hood, this beauty houses a robust V8 engine, paired with a desirable three-speed manual transmission that offers an engaging driving experience. For the enthusiast who appreciates precision, an under-dash mounted tachometer keeps tabs on engine performance. The interior boasts a beautifully crafted new headliner, complemented by fresh upholstery on both the seating and door panels, ensuring comfort and style. The exterior of this Mercury is adorned with a host of period-correct and stylish accessories. At the rear, dual chrome exhaust tips hint at its power, and rear bumper guards mirror the front's protective elegance. Finally, quarter-window wind deflectors complete the classic custom aesthetic, making this "Silver Bullet" a standout on any road.

Highlights

• Offered from The Raleigh Classic Collection

• Powered by 254 cu-in L-head flathead V8 engine, reportedly producing 110 horsepower

• Three-speed manual transmission

• Refreshed interior including new headliner and upholstery

• Silver exterior over two-tone silver and blue interior

Features

• Under-dash mounted tachometer

• Modern stereo system

• Exterior sun visor

• Front chrome bumper guards

• Headlight visors

• Dual chrome exhaust tips

• Rear chrome bumper guards

• Quarter-window wind deflectors

Known Imperfections

• Crack along windshield on passenger side

• Pitting on chrome hood ornament, taillight trim, and trunk emblem

• Dent on rear bumper guard

• Paint imperfection on hood

• Paint crack along driver’s side door

• Scratch on passenger door

Ownership History

This car is from one of three private estates, comprising the September Special of the Raleigh Classic Car Collection.