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South Of The Border Edition: 1946 Mercury

A few months back, I wrote a post on a “North of the Border” 1946 Mercury truck discovery. Well, today I’m going to cover a “South of the Border” find that’s also a ’46 Mercury but this time it’s what Mercury labeled a “Sedan-Coupe”. Registered at one time in Bogata, Columbia, this Merc now calls Conway, South Carolina home. The listing, discovered by Larry D, is posted, here on eBay where this stylish two-door is available for an opening bid of $15,000.

Looking rather refined in what I would refer to as a champaign-flavored exterior hue, the seller tells us, “It was built to go to South America right down to the fact it has a METRIC and standard speedometer” and then adds, “I have two registration from Bogota Columbia that will go with it”.  If you zoom in on one of the interior image, you can make out the KPH demarcations on the speedo. But back to the aesthetics, this coupe is clean and straight, and said to be rust-free. It all checks out, trim, chrome, glass – it needs nothing.

Power is provided by a 100 HP, 239 CI flathead V8 engine working through a three-speed manual transmission. Regarding upgrades and maintenance, the seller advises, “I have replaced the fuel pump with a 6 volt electric one, the fuel sending unit has been replaced , the radiator has been removed and boiled out and reinstalled , all hose replaced also. The carb is a new Stromberg and I have the original air filter for it, the oil and filter has just been changed, I have installed a Pentronics electronic unit in the distributor along with new plugs and wires and coil“. This Merc is said to run and purr like a kitten.

The interior is super sharp. Apparently, much of it has been replaced if I understand the “like new being replaced” statement which is a bit confusing. Anyway, the brown vinyl seating upholstery is fantastic and the typical ’40s, stylish instrument panel is truly a highlight. The carpet appears to be new too and I bet that oversized tiller has been refinished – it’s missing the wear, chips, and cracks usually associated with 76 year-old component that is handled everytime the car is driven.

“Rare” is a very overused descriptor, as the lead statement in the listing proclaims, “This is a very rare car!” Because of the KPH instead of the MPH speedometer?  Maybe, but is it really such a big deal? There were 24K Sedan-Coupes spit out by fallen flag Mercury in ’46, so it’s not an existentially rare car. I think this car’s calling  card is not its South American history, but its fabulous condition – it stands on its own on that front. At least that’s my take, what’s yours?

 

Comments

  1. Avatar bobhess Member

    Your take is my take Jim. Don’t know how it could be any better.

    Like 10
  2. Avatar Taco

    Low Rider.

    Like 5
    • Avatar Mike G.

      Yeah….. Right!!!!!!

      Like 1
      • Avatar Jimmy Novak

        C’mon, please, let’s keep it productive, folks …

        Like 1
  3. Avatar C5 Corvette

    Just Beautiful just like it is. No changes! The 1st car I can remember my family having was a Merc of this vintage. I was only about 3 or 4 years old. My father had been stationed in Kan. and drove it home to NY with all their worldly goods packed inside.

    Like 5
  4. Avatar Grandpa

    Three days left with no bids.

    Like 0
  5. Avatar Tom

    My ’48 has been restored stem-to-stern and has nothing on this car. It’s gorgeous as is and would be a great addition any collection. Only complaint is these need an overdrive to maintain today’s highway speeds. Also, they really need more ponies to climb hills of any size…

    Like 2
  6. Avatar Solosolo Member

    That’s one beautiful Mercury. Hopefully the next owner keeps it as it is now, original, without a stupid LS conversion, low rider shocks etc. LS Lumps have their uses but definitely not in this car.

    Like 8
  7. Avatar BIMMERBILL

    Nice car and thank God it doesn’t have a sun visor hanging on the windshield. Someone did mention an overdrive evidently he has not priced a factory two speed Columbia rear end for these cars lately. I do not know of another way to put an overdrive in one of these cars unless you install a quick change rear end and it will cost a lot more than the Columbia. I am not trying to argue or be a smart a.. just trying to share a few educational facts.
    I truly love the car but here is another one that I think the owner should reconsider his asking price. There again he may have paid too much for it and trying to recoup. I do share the earlier thought that whoever buys it please take good care of it. Also it looks like the new owner may have to buy a new battery.

    Like 2
  8. Avatar Lou Rugani

    The price seems very reasonable.

    Like 0
  9. Avatar George Birth

    For a car in the condition this one is in , the price seems very reasonable. If I had the $15K I’d certainly go for this one. I like the style vibes it puts off. This is a definite show stopper!!!

    Like 0

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