Classic pickups make excellent candidates for project builds for several reasons. Their manufacturers generally designed them for ease of maintenance and repair, meaning dismantling and reassembling a vehicle like this 1948 Mercury M68 should be straightforward. Restored to a pristine state, they draw attention and positive comments, while the scars and bruises they typically accumulate make them ideal for a restomod. The third option available with this classic would be preservation because its lack of significant rust means no steel requires immediate attention. Whichever path you choose, you will find this M68 listed here at Barn Finds Classifieds in beautiful Mankota, Saskatchewan, Canada. You could give this Mercury a new home by handing the owner $5,000.

The seller located this Mercury hiding in a Canadian barn, a spot it had occupied for more than forty years. Dragging it into the light of day produced a pleasant surprise. It is common to find older Pickups with significant rust problems, but this classic is an exception to that rule. Its floors are rock-solid, as are the lower cab corners and rockers. The only rust of any note is in the lower rear portions of the front and rear fenders. These areas are mud traps, making it no surprise. However, the problem isn’t severe, and simple patches should consign them to the pages of history. There is also minor rust on the hood braces, but the seller will happily provide additional photos to potential buyers for clarification. There is the usual selection of bumps and bruises that prove this Pickup worked for a living, but only one piece of cracked glass.

If you walked into a Canadian Mercury dealership in 1948 to order a Pickup, you drove home in a vehicle with a V8 under the hood. In this case, the engine bay houses a 239ci flathead unit that produced 100hp and 180 ft/lbs of torque in its prime. The power was fed to the wheels via a four-speed manual transmission, with the combination allowing this classic to carry a full payload easily. The seller says the flathead doesn’t run and probably hasn’t for four decades. However, throwing in a battery saw it spin freely, and with the bulletproof reputation enjoyed by these engines, revival may be possible without spending a fortune on a rebuild.

It’s no surprise that this Pickup’s interior needs love because a life of labor often leaves upholstery shredded and painted surfaces chipped and damaged. A restoration with fresh paint, a new seatcover, and a rubber floormat would make a huge difference and shouldn’t be expensive. Even if the new owner elects to preserve the vehicle’s exterior, a spotless interior will provide a breathtaking contrast that would surely garner favorable comments. If they elect to follow the custom or ratrod route, the world is their oyster regarding trim and equipment.

Only a few years ago, I would have looked at a vehicle like this 1948 Mercury M68 and been a staunch advocate for a faithful restoration. However, this Pickup has worked to justify its existence, making the preservation route seem attractive so it can continue to wear its survivor badge proudly. It would be a prime candidate for a restomod build, but the relative rarity of the M68 compared to its Ford cousin may make some potential buyers reconsider that option. There is probably no right or wrong answer to the question of which path the new owner should take, so it will be fascinating to gain insight from our readers. You may wish to comment, although if you’re tempted to take it further by taking this rough diamond home, I could hardly blame you.