The 1951 Mercury is somewhat of an iconic automobile. This postwar shape was introduced in 1949 and had a run of three years.
It was a body style that proved very popular with customizers who were particularly found of chopping the roof – so popular that it’s always refreshing to see one that hasn’t been messed with. In fact this car still wears its original paint.
1951 saw just a few changes such as a new grille, vertical taillights (replacing the horizontal ones from the previous two years) and some trim changes before a complete restyle for 1952. It was the last year for split windshields and suicide doors on the 4-door models too.
Inside, the interior design is very striking and that dash is such a lovely piece that is a joy to look at. In fact this interior is also believed to be original.
Note that this car also has an original radio installed. Something that would have cost the original owner a further $84 on the purchase price.
Power comes from a 255.4 cubic inch V8 with 2-barrel carburetor producing 112 horsepower. This one is a very tidy example.
The ’51 Mercury was 206.8″ long with a wheelbase of 118″ and was 76.9″.
Primary competition would have come from cars like the Buick Special, Dodge Meadowbrook, Pontiac Chieftain Deluxe and Studebaker Commander among a few others.
Mercury sold 142,168 coupes (spread over 2 models – the Monterey and Sport Coupe) for the 1951 model year with a base price of $2,116. If you wanted a heater they were extra too, at a cost of $64.
This ’51 Mercury Monterey is currently for sale on eBay. (follow the link for lots more photos)
Beautiful Car!! I bought one right after I got out of the army in 1958. It was the first automatic transmission I owned. (Merc-o-matic ) I sure loved that car.