1950 Mercury Other

50LA16201M

Amazing Garage Find: 1950 Mercury Sport Coupe! When we read about folks who discover a rare car in a barn or garage, it's only natural to wonder if people really can get that lucky. Are those stories true? A desirable car, hidden from prying eyes, slumbering for decades, like the enchanted Sleeping Beauty? Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Well, it doesn't happen very often, just once in a blue moon. To witness, this perfectly preserved 1950 Mercury Coupe we have the pleasure to feature here is a true garage find. Elaborately restored over the course of several years, it was the previous owner's labor of love, and once finished, it was driven just a few miles and then put in dry storage. The car remained hidden in the garage for 22 years, until the spring of 2012, when we had the pleasure to recommission it. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) To be able to wipe off decades-old dust and unearth a treasure: truly a special occasion! The term automobile archaeology comes to mind. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) The sticker gracing the blue-and-gold California vanity plate "A 50 MERC" tells us when the car was last on the road: back in 1990, twenty-two years ago. The desirable personalized plates remain with the car and are part of this auction. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Also part of the auction is a library of manuals and catalogues. The owner spent years in his pursuit to create one of the finest '50 Mercs on the planet, and he left nothing to chance. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Finally, there's a pickup load of genuine Merc spares, including a rear window, a dash, two tube radios, and a nice arsenal with hundreds of NOS and used goodies in various cans, boxes, and cartons. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Let's dive in head first and inspect this toothbrush clean Merc from head to toe now, shall we? Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Not unlike the '32 Ford 3-window Coupe, the Deuce, a '49/'50 Mercury Sport Coupe is an American automobile icon of the highest order. The 1949 Mercury was an acclaimed, almost magical car. As a result, the '49, as well as its brother, the almost identical 1950 model, has been a prime collector car for generations. The love child of customizers from Los Angeles to Winnipeg, most have been chopped and turned into Lead Sleds, beginning when they were new. Remember the Hirohata Merc? That world famous Custom car was radically re-styled by the Barris Bros. when it was just a few months old! Finding an unmolested, stock Merc Coupe, let alone a finely restored one, is something you rarely, if ever, hear about. Well, let's embrace the occasion and dig deeper. This Merc, VIN *50LA16201M*, was built at the Los Angeles plant and sold new in San Jose, where it spent virtually all of its life. The last owner acquired the car sometime in the 1960s and embarked on a full restoration by accumulating NOS parts. Click on the image to the right for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) The car was completely taken apart and rebuilt from the frame up. Engine compartment looks as clean as that of a one year-old car. Click on any of the above images for a full-size view Power plant is the correct 24-stud, 255.4 cu. in., long-stroke, flathead V-8, producing 110 pretty wild horses, believed to be original to the car. This 8CM engine starts everytime at the first push of the button and literally purrs. There's no smoke, nor any oil leaks. We rebuilt the Ford-Holley split float, dual downdraft carburetor, cleaned the fuel lines, and installed a mechanical fuel pump from the NOS parts stash that came with the car. Carb seems to have a little flat spot upon initial acceleration which a little tuning should take care of. Note factory assembly line ink stamp and original battery housing, which contains a brand new, hidden OPTIMA high-performance 6-Volt unit. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Merc sports its correct Everglade Green (factory code 11) color, a very attractive hue. Paint is smooth, glossy, and appears flawless, save for a few minor blems acquired during years of storage. Body panels fit excellently and we were not able to pinpoint any signs of prior rust or accident damage. Metal rear fender skirts are a very desirable option. All chrome and stainless brightwork has been refinished professionally and is free of peeling or pitting. Factory steel rims feature correct chrome hub caps and wide whitewall tires of the dimension H78-15. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Turning our attention to the Coupe's spacious interior, we are struck by its cleanliness. Merc survived decades in a garage without any rodent or water damage. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Pristine headliner and padded sun visors. Note working dome light and chrome window garnish moldings. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Dashboard is an Art Deco masterpiece; fully re-designed for 1950, it features the correct metallic fawn finish. Check out the fantastically preserved, original steering wheel with full horn ring! Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Instrumentation and switch gear look factory fresh. Every last knob and gauge works perfectly, even the AM tube radio! Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) American post-war cars offered room to spare -- the '50 easily sits three adults on its comfy front bench seat. Upholstery has been re-done in the very attractive, two-tone all leatherette material, an extra-cost option. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Rear compartment, let's head to the next Drive-in theater! The cozy Coupe is a full 6-seater. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Bone stock rear end, almost as bulbous as Jay-Lo's. Let's open the trunk lid and see what's inside. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Luggage compartment looks very clean. Check out black rubber trunk mat, cardboard liner, large tire jack in tan burlap bag, matching whitewall tire and extra hub cap on spare. Click on any of the above images for a full-size view More trunk details. Floorboards show red oxide primer, factory correct. There's nothing but healthy factory sheet metal to be found here! Click on the image to the left for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Click on any of the above images for a full-size view Above: XXL-sized closeups for your enjoyment. We removed the faux left-hand tailpipe after taking the picture. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Tuesday, May 29, was another sunny day in San Buenaventura, one of those days that reminds us why we moved here in the first place. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Heading out bright and early for a test drive and photo session, we are amazed at the Merc's prowess. Here's a 62 year-old Coupe that can be driven, worry free, in today's traffic. The Merc gets a phenomenal reception by other motorists and pedestrians alike. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Natually, we are very careful, chauffeuring such a valuable car through the hilly Hobson Heights neighborhood. The '50 never misses a beat. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Returning home, we are contemplating stock vs. customized Mercs. It's really refreshing to look at a stock example of America's favorite custom! Would we slice and dice this one? Heck no, perhaps just mildly de-chrome it and lower it to make it look more like Dean's car from the movie. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) During the early 1950s, James Dean in "Rebel without a Cause" did for the '49-'51 Mercury Coupe what Marlon Brando in "The Wild One" did for Harley-Davidson motorcycles and black leather jackets: he bestowed immortality on a mere object, which became the essence of cool. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) This elaborately restored, mellow Merc will eternally be a link to the halcyon days of America's post-war coming-of-age; as such, it is a true cultural icon. Driving, enjoying, and even displaying this fine automobile at prestigious shows will imbue the new owner with the air of true connoisseurship. You are most welcome and encouraged to view this fine automobile in Ventura, by appointment, during the auction, or have someone inspect it for you. Please, perform your due diligence before you bid. Please, note that this car is currently advertised on our Web site and on display in our Showroom. We reserve the right to accept a satisfactory offer and close this auction at any time. Feel free to contact us via e-mail at bill@californiaclassix.com or call us at (805) 653-5551. TERMS OF THIS SALE By bidding in this auction, you declare that you have read and accept the Terms of this Sale as outlined below. If you have any questions, please ask them before you bid. After the auction has ended, the sale is final. Please, only bid on this car if you are serious about owning it and have the necessary funds readily available! We require a $1,000 deposit to be paid via PayPal within 24 hours of the end of the auction and the balance to be paid via bank wire transfer (or in cash) within 5 business days, unless other arrangements have been agreed upon during the auction. The car comes with a clear California Certificate of Title. It is smog exempt and sold "as is, where is" with no warranty stated or implied. Mileage stated above is the current odometer reading. You fully understand that you are not bidding on an "option to buy" this vehicle. You bid to own! There are no contingencies. We ship worldwide. For more information about Californiaclassix, please click on the link below: About Auction Presentation, Image Hosting, & Copyright © 1999-2012 by Californiaclassix.com™. All Rights Reserved. Californiaclassix.com™ is a Registered Trademark. In compliance with eBay's Rules and Regulations, no part of this presentation may be reproduced without written permission of the author. 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