If you’re going to be in the Coral Springs, Florida area, the seller of this 1947 Mercury Eight invites you to “Come see it in person Mo thru Friday 9 am – 5 pm“. Recently liberated from a barn in Webster, Florida, along with some other models, the Merc is the only one left and is looking for a new home. It shows pretty well, so let’s check it out. This Mercury Eight Town Sedan is available, here on craigslist for $3,200. Thanks to T.J. for this tip!
The Mercury Eight, a popular model and available in a multitude of body styles, was offered between 1939 and 1951. The second generation of the Eight (1941-1948) was separated by a break from mid’42 through the end of ’45 on account of World War II. The differences between the pre-war second-generation Eight and the post-war versions are not that significant, it’s mostly aesthetics. In the sales race, Mercury placed 13th, with about 86K units in ’47.
The listing for this sedan is light, besides being claimed as a non-runner, the seller suggests, a “car with lots of potential“. It would seem that the potential is already there as it shows as being complete, intact, and in pretty clean condition. It’s so complete, that keeping it as a “rejuvenated” original doesn’t look like too daunting a task. It’s covered in just enough barn dust that the finish is obscured but it still shows through as being sound. Most notable is the amount of stainless trim adorning this Mercury and it all appears to still be attached – nothing looks like it’s missing. As for rust or corrosion, none is evident.
The seller refers to the engine as a “225 Flathead” though research indicates that the powerplant is a 100 HP, 239 CI flathead V8. The motor is listed as “non-running” but there are no details beyond that. From what can be seen, nothing under the hood looks like it’s missing, but admittedly, the image isn’t too revealing. As is typically the case, a three-speed manual gearbox, activated by a column shift, is behind the engine.
The biggest surprise may be the interior – it looks great! Not claimed as genuine, the 58K recorded mileage gets some cred by virtue of the interior’s condition. There are some signs of wear though they may be more age-related than anything else – one has to remember this Merc just turned three-quarters of a century! Regardless, the two-tone seating upholstery shows no signs of rips, tears, splits, etc. And of course, being a ’40s vintage automobile, it has a beautifully ornate instrument panel.
Which way to go? Restore as is, this Mercury is just too fair to do otherwise (and it’s reasonably priced too), wouldn’t you agree?
Looks like a pretty nice car and is an absolute bargain for only $3,200. It’s definitely got potential and looks like it wouldn’t take much to get it going. That’s assuming the car wasn’t parked for some major mechanical issue. This Mercury is too nice to modify; I’d keep it as stock as possible. The interior looks too good for 75 years, I would guess it was refreshed at some point. The ad on Craigslist has been removed, it’s probably been sold. No surprise with that give-away price.
And it’s gone
I don’t agree with FordGuy1972, it is $3,200 because that’s all its worth. As far as what to do with it, that’s up to the buyer. Restored or modified the end result will be the same. The car won’t be worth the money, that it would cost to do either one. Best thing you could do is get it running clean it up ,and just drive it until somebody want’s to buy it for the $5,000 you have in it. Its a 47 Mercury 4 door sedan, it is not the holy grail.
Beautiful looking car. Assuming all the parts are available needed to restore, I can see this car being a good resto project, or possibly a restomod.
That’s indeed a give away price so not surprising that it’s sold. Clean and tidy survivor Mercury
One of the few reasonablly priced cars on hear.. Nice looking old Mercury. It does seem the radiator is missing. The author over looked that.
I think it was a good price for the Merc.,I would have bought it If I hade the chance.
Agree with Johnny 100%. Finding a radiator won’t be a problem. Nice that someone got a vintage car of which to be proud at a price a working man or woman could manage. Not enough of those around any more.
Yeah, I get tired of “the hobby is ruined” attitude. There are still reasonably-priced cars out there for those who want to put some effort into finding them.
Even though it’s a 4 door, it’s a great, clean entry level car for a collector. But what is it with 1948 Lincolns and Mercury front grills. Fugly designs IMO.
Maybe I’m blind or unless it’s stored in the trunk, the engine radiator seems to be missing.
“From what can be seen, nothing under the hood looks like it’s missing…”
Look like the radiator is missing.
Yeah, yeah, yeah, I missed it but I’m not running a car inspection service.
JO
What a great find and steal. Hope someone who actually wants it got it and we don’t see it relisted in a month for substantially more.