With the war years behind it, American vehicle manufacturers could turn their attention to civilian car design and manufacturing. Initially, many post-war vehicles were little more than lightly reworked versions of those that rolled off the line in 1942. However, things changed in the late 1940s as new models began appearing on the market to satisfy pent-up demand. Mercury came to the party with its 9CM Series, and this Coupe variant was one of those cars. The seller purchased it seven years ago, but its restoration proceeded no further than performing mechanical work before stalling. They feel it needs to go to someone with the time and dedication to return it to its former glory. Therefore, it is listed here on eBay in Cottage Grove, Oregon. Bidding sits at $7,600, which is below the reserve. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder T.J. for spotting this promising project.
One look at the lines of this ’49 Mercury’s styling explains why it is a favorite for custom car enthusiasts. Even in standard guise, it looks low and purposeful. Drop the ride height and add bigger wheels, and you’d be onto a winner. The seller is this car’s third owner, with its original retaining the vehicle until passing away in the early 2000s. Its overall condition is pretty tidy, with the Alberta Blue paint maintaining a respectable shine. The panels are straight, but the best news is that apart from surface corrosion, the floors and frame are original and rock-solid. The seller admits there are previous rust repairs to the rockers, but what remains should represent straightforward repairs. These include spots on the fender skirts and an area below the passenger-side headlight. There are no signs of cloudiness or cracks in the glass, and the chrome is impressive. The seller added the whitewall tires that perfectly suit this classic’s character.
One aspect of this Mercury requiring little attention is its interior. There is a hole and tear in the headliner, but what we see of the remaining trim and upholstery looks good for an unmolested vehicle of this vintage. The carpet appears dirty, but it would be worth having it professionally cleaned to see how it responded. The dash is clean, and I’m surprised the wheel only sports a single crack. Manufacturers still weren’t loading cars with luxury appointments in 1949, but this Mercury scores a radio and a functioning heater.
From a performance perspective, the flathead V8 remained the “king of the road” in 1949. This Mercury features a 255ci unit pumping out a healthy 110hp and 200 ft/lbs of torque. It feeds that power to the rear wheels via a manual transmission with overdrive. Although it is no muscle car, this classic’s ability to cover the ¼ mile in 20.8 seconds and cruise all day at highway speed impressed many owners in 1949. The seller indicates this Coupe runs and drives, although it is unclear whether it’s roadworthy. Replacing the whitewall tires was only one of a long list of maintenance tasks performed, which will save the new owner time and money. Many brake components are new or rebuilt. There is a new fuel pump, voltage regulator, and fuel filter. The overdrive functions as it should, and if it isn’t ready to hit the road, it appears it won’t take much time or effort to achieve that goal.
The styling of the 1949 Mercury Coupe is bold and sleek, and it’s easy to see why it has made a popular foundation for custom builds. That is one option open to the new owner of this classic, although it would draw as much attention if returned to its former glory. Its rust issues appear minor, meaning the buyer could enjoy the classic motoring experience immediately while considering how they wish to proceed. I’d probably opt for a faithful restoration or address its minor rust issues and retain its survivor status. However, I appreciate the custom route is appealing to others. What path would you take?
If I drove this, I’d be a Rebel Without a Clue …
My Dad bought one new in ’49,in the same color.
I’ve a number of color slides of it.
A still-stock ’49 Mercury coupe has to be a real rarity.
Thunderbolt and Lightfoot
That wasn’t a ’49.
Bring it back to its original glow and glory. Yes yes they only original once but putting on the duplication of its former self pays tribute to its original form. I would tell it like it is, NO that is not its original suit but I had one made to match so you can see what it looked like. Heck I have pictures of relatives and thy don’t now look like they did but like me OH how I wish I could so why not.
I was 7 when this one came out, and I was under the belief that it was a converted tank for civilians… I was rudely told that it was a fine car.
To “Resto-Mod” it or restore original? Someone will have a tough decision. Me? Not many of these not “chop-topped” around anymore – Original.
I learned to drive in one of these in about 1954 and loved it, big solid car and so comfortable.
Please, not another run of the mill lead sled.
I would love to get it roadworthy and drive as is.
Keep it original, no restore, wait make it nicer, whoa chop it make it the ultimate chopped 49 Mercury, just don’t put a Small Block Chevy in it. Or do something else. It absolutley doesn’t matter ,until your name is on the title and then you can do anything you want.
For me they should have made it into a Buick Sedanette or Chev Fleetline lookalike from the side angle as the roof stops, and the trunk starts, a little bit out of sync. To me the four door looks much more acceptable.
I love the Sedanette’s especially the Caddy’s.
I’m waiting for someone to call it a “Lincury”.
After looking at this 1949, I poured over the photos of the 1950 on eBay. The eBay presentation of photos left no rust dot or paint scratch unturned.
A fine example of how to sell a car on line. That said, this 1949 is a fine starting place to do a survivor restoration IMHO. The price and condition leave enough room to enjoy the process. Plus not being afraid to actuall drive the car. I’m sure there’s a story in the divider strip in the rear windows of some cars of this vintage. I still have my Dad’s ’48 Pontiac Torpedo Silver Streak 8 in my memory. I loved that car. This Mercury deserves love.
Another desirable classic, on the other side of the country from me.
Angliagt, It is for sure a 49! The differences or very minor, but none the less it is a 49…
Angliagt,
Your comments are confusing. I don’t know what your Dad’s car was? But this car is a 49, the differences are small, the biggest being park lights and dash. Maybe your Dads was a 50?
I was referring to the one in “Thunderbolt & Lightfoot”,
not the one listed here.
I said that he bought it new in ’49 – it was a ’49.
I even have the unbuilt AMT kit of it that he left me.
I want this car!
I want to buy this car!!
A not to Safari: the 48 Pontiac you mention looks a lot like my dad’s 42 Chevy fleetline. Is it possible they used the same drop hammer molds?