All of us want to own an expensive collector car that just knocks everyone out with its beauty and value. However, there are an ever increasing number of events that require you to drive your car long distances. There are also a number of posts popping up on social media from owners of nice cars pleading for help finding their stolen car. To have fun at these events, you need a car you won’t worry about, but still has some style. If you are looking for a fun cruiser for such events, take a look at this 1946 Mercury sedan being sold on craigslist in Sylacauga, Alabama. This nearly finished project car has already received a tremendous paint job, and is powered by a smooth running Flathead V-8. All you need is $5,250 and someone to finish the interior.
Being a typical low information craigslist ad, we do not have any pictures of the interior or engine. The seller tells us that the interior goes with the car, but door panels and “nic-nacs” will have to be installed. Unfortunately, there is no further elaboration about this interior. Are they the original pieces? Was a new kit purchased? Is everything you need to complete the interior there? A little more information would go a long way, especially when the ad is free.
We are also told that the car still has its original engine, and that it “runs like a dream.” Furthermore, the seller says that “It literally cranks on the first turn and purrs like you would not believe.” Of course, a good Flathead will run just as the description says. It would be nice to see the engine, or hear about some of the repairs and/or improvements that were done to make it run so well. From the picture above, it looks like the gas cap door has been removed. We can only hope this is a sign that the fuel system has been properly cleaned and refurbished.
What really stands out on this car is the paint and the trim. The electric blue color contrasts well with all that shiny chrome that postwar Mercurys are known for. When you look closely, the reflections in the paint are clear and without distortion. Either this was a very straight car to begin with, or the body work was done by a real pro. It would be interesting to find out what the paint and body work cost the seller. With the great paint, polished chrome and stainless trim, this is a four door that stands out.
It is too bad we don’t know more about this car from the ad. However, what we can see is pretty positive. Even if the interior is trashed, the asking price looks to be a bargain for a running and driving car. This is the kind of car, when properly vetted, that would be fantastic on road trips. There is plenty of room, it looks spectacular, and mechanical parts are readily available in case of a break down. Park it outside your hotel room, and the only thing people will take is pictures. Wouldn’t it be nice to have a carefree classic car?
Are any of you going to make a phone call on this beautiful Mercury?
All those positives and still nearly three weeks on market. (shaking head)
The author of this write up is correct, a better ad would go a long way towards selling this car.
Steve R
I was never a fan of these humpback Ford and Mercury cars, but over the past couple of years I’ve grown very fond of them. At this price, I’d be looking at it myself if it was closer to the 49th parallel. If all is above board with the ad, this should be long gone… unless the appeal isn’t there for these beauties?
I’d bet the seller is a bodyman or is buddies with one. This is a great deal If I had the coin I’d grab it in a heartbeat. All the expensive stuff is done. Are people THAT snobby about 4 doors?
For me, it depends on the car and my intention…do I want a family cruiser, or brutishness that offends my neighbours when I turn the key?
Based on the chrome tipped duals peeking out from under the rear bumper, this car could be both.
I have an 83 mercury with a cammed 302,victor jr. single plane, demon 650 4bbl, headers, and flowmaster 40’s. I get home from work at 3am. Neighbors HATE my car lol. I’d consider trading it and it’s 2 doors for this 4 door though. Really wish I had the cash right now I love this car! I normally don’t much care for anything pre 1965, but there’s just something about this one.
Same. I’d jump on it if I could talk my wife into it. I’d rather have a four door than a coupe.
Yes we are
Do these have a trunk? I can’t see any lines where a trunk might be and can’t find a photo online.
Thanks
Yes, of course. A BIG trunk. The break line is below the window, and the sides run just inside the taillights.
GORGEOUS. I love these old Mercs, and unlike many, I prefer the four-door. My father has a ’47 that I keep trying to buy, but he won’t give it up.
“Nic-nacs”
I don’t mean to sound snobby, but my god…if the world only realized what they sound like when they err like this.
Credibility- WHOOSH➤ out the window.
Hey norma,
I’m all for good writing, and have complained about it on this site many times. And, I realize that a lot of ads on CL don’t have good writing (I especially hate the rambling paragraph in all lowercase letters, with not one comma to break it up) but I’m not sure where your issue lies with the “nic-nac” phrase.
Is it the seller calling auto parts “nic-nacs”, or the misspelling, which Webster says should be “knick knack”? Either way, I feel your pain.
I copied it as the seller wrote it, and put the questionable term in parentheses to signal that it was his term and not mine. Thanks for the defense, and I hope that your complaints about writing on this site haven’t been about my pieces. I make a mistake here and there, but I try to give you folks a good, literate story each time!
No, no, no, no, no! I have ZERO issues with how pieces are written here! Apologies if I was misunderstood. I enjoy all the posts!
It’s a combination of misspelling and ignorance that gets the panties in a bunch. I enjoyed that the “nic-nacs” was called out. I think I just read too much foolishness today & the “nic-nacs” were the proverbial last straw. Again, sorry if I came across in the wrong way.
You know something Jeff! This is not a English class! Don’t worry about making grammar mistakes! If that guy doesn’t like blogs he sure don’t have to read them! He needs to save his comments about grammar for a classroom ! A blog is just a blog! You are not writing a freaking book! Have a great evening Jeff!
Hey Jeff,
No umbrage intended, I was just trying to get clarification on norma’s comment.
As a past president and member in good standing of “The Four-Door Haters of The World Association”, this is a car that might get a one time exemption to the rules. However, that does not increase the value. I have owned several 46 to 48 Fords, and I would say this could be a nice car and a good buy at 5 grand. If anyone would like to see the associations by-laws and rules pertaining to four doors, I would be glad to explain them.
Prefer the stoogy 1940’s cars to the glitzy 1950’s cars. This car is right up my alley even if it is expensive.
sweet looking in that blue!!!
Cheers
GPC