UPDATE – Sold
Unfortunately, one of the more common reasons for project cars to change hands is the passing of an owner. That’s the case with this 1940 Mercury Club Coupe which is listed for sale here in our own Barn Finds Classifieds. The seller tells us that their father, a “lifelong car guy”, was building his dream street rod out of this Mercury. It’s located in Pekin, Illinois and the asking price is $16,500.
At this point, you can take the project in any direction you want to. The body is described as being in good condition with the rear fenders still needing some work. Looking closely at the pictures it appears that either some quality bodywork was completed or it was a very solid car to start with. I haven’t seen many 1940 Mercurys compared to the more common Fords, but it has very pretty lines to me. You can check out the Ford versus Mercury differences at the MCG Spotters Guide. Among other differences, the Mercury had a four-inch longer wheelbase according to HowStuffWorks.
The front suspension has been replaced with Mustang II components, while a 1964 Ford rear axle is in the back.
There’s nothing under the hood except a radiator, so consider the drivetrain a blank slate at this point. What would you install (engine and transmission, please, I will be keeping score)?
I am a little puzzled by this picture as the seller states there is no steering column but we see one here. Probably something worth checking on with the seller (you can contact them through the ad).
What would you install (engine and transmission, please, I will be keeping score)? And minus 30 points for suggesting a Jaguar V-12 as was done recently in another post; I’ve had my fill of them lately!
I would go with 302 HO with the 5-speed tranny from the Fox body mustang. I can’t decide what color to paint it but I’m partial to dark metal flake blue. I’m a little old school too, would stay with Chrome reverse wheels with baby moons, or maybe some Cragars.
Yes, too many passings leaving projects behind. This man probably lived this car, loved this car and envisioned finishing this car but reality intervened.
It is a story that can be repeated for any of us which should remind all of us to keep the best records possible for our heirs so that they know what has been done and what has been spent and perhaps, even the direction we dreamed our cars would find.
The kindest thing done by us, would be to have an advanced directive for those left behind. Tell them or better yet, leave in writing, what you want done with your tools and equipment, and of course your car(s). It would be difficult to establish values for your tools and parts but I would suggest folks try.
Imagine your widow or your children pondering over what to do with a lifetime collection of tools, parts, memorabilia, vehicles and more. It can be overwhelming for anyone, let alone someone grieving. I went through this with my parents…really difficult.
No one wants to think of the “eventual” but it is coming for each of us..we just don’t know when.
Reality bites.
Good points to consider, art. My ’72 Galaxie 500, ’64 Fairlane 500 and my ’95 F150 are all in my wife’s name so technically she owns them already. She loves old cars so she’ll probably keep them. She can eBay my tools and collectibles but she’ll probably keep my guns. I have a niece and a nephew I’m fond of so some items she may gift to them. It’s something that all of us should plan for, something to talk over with the wife and family so they know what your wishes are when your time is up. Personally, though, I’m going to live forever……………… or die trying!
VW W8 engine just to mess with everyone’s heads
If you look closely, it appears (to me) that isn’t the steer shaft, it’s the cover the steering shaft goes into…
Good point.
If it would fit, put a Coyote along with a Tremec tranny under the hood of this one if you want modern. If not, find a nice Flathead and add Ardun heads and a blower to it and make it sound ‘serious’. It wouldn’t hurt to see if you could find out what the PO’s intentions were with the car and use that as a partial blueprint.
My thoughts.
I’m a bit old school, (and getting older.) I’d put in a 351 and a C4, and cruise it.
I’m a bit odd…. I would go with a period correct 39, 40, 41 Lincoln Zephyr V12.
24 valve Cummins! (Someone had to say it).
I was thinking it…
They’re only correct once.
How about a Y block, with a 3 deuce intake, tied to a 3 speed stick…and a decent sounding exhaust. I hate glass packs!
If it’s my dream, a Lincoln V-12 would go between the frame rails. As modern under the flatheads as possible along with EFI. Stroked and bored. Late model 6 speed trans, and maybe a quick change out back.
I like the flathead idea. If I’m not mistaken this was a one year style with the chrome trim around the rear quarter windows and around the door windows. Right or wrong? Either way, a built flathead with a good gearbox behind it would fit the car just fine. Sure wish our present build was in that good of condition when we started. Lot of great design work going on those days.
I have a Merc FE Engine in my back shed, all I would need then is a C 6 to suit that and in she would go :)