Frame Off Built Steel Mercury Coupe 454 V8 THM700R4 4 Speed Automatic A/C

SUMMARY

* 5-year restoration completed in 2012
* 454 cubic inch Chevrolet V8
* 700R4 4-speed automatic transmission
* Custom interior / Maxi Kooler air conditioning
* Modified all-steel body / Custom pearl 2-stage paint
* Modern suspension / Air ride equipped
* Sale includes build receipts and component manuals
* Power rack-and-pinion steering / Power front disc and rear drum brakes
* Ford 9-inch rear axle
* Sony Xplod audio

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In a world where fiberglass street rods are a fact of life, finding a unique and authentic cruiser can be challenging. Some builds are dated and need to be modernized, while others are so thoroughly modern they'll be dated by next year. One of the best bets you can place is on a timeless creation like this impressive, all-steel Merc. It's a fully sorted masterpiece that was carefully planned and bolted together by someone who definitely knew their way around a garage. The parts list includes familiar items like a big block V8, a smooth shifting 4-speed, brilliant paint and a custom-stitched interior; but the execution of those items is what sets the car apart. If you've been searching for a super cool street rod that can be driven and shown with pride, this impressive kustom is the perfect solution!

BODYWORK/TRIM

Carving a mid-lux niche with grand proportions and classic good looks, the '40 Mercury has always been a highly desirable car. And not surprisingly, gearheads, customizers and 75 years' worth of fans have elevated it to one of hot rodding's greatest cultural icons. A chopped cruiser that benefitted from an extensive, 5-year restoration, this awesome coupe began its new life as a show stopping head turner back in 2012. That restoration, conducted by Sports Car Collision of McAdenville, North Carolina, saw the car's voluptuous body stripped all the way to bare metal. Once that metal was super solid and virtually flawless, shaved doors were complemented with a pancaked hood and power operated decklid. That thoroughly tweaked profile was sealed in a custom coat of pearl 2-stage. And today, this razor-sharp kustom is one sizzling classic that looks cooler than pretty much every car at any show its owner chooses to attend!

The styling of Mercury's first generation Eight was fairly successful in differentiating the brand from its comparable Ford cousin; a virtue that continues to fuel to the car's timeless desirability. At the front of this clean custom, a polished grille rides between a nosed hood and frenched tri-bar headlights. Behind that hood, creased and stainless-trimmed glass rides between capped wipers and polished mirrors. Beneath that glass, filled fender seams ride between polished trim and color-keyed fender skirts. And at the back of those seams, a decked trunk rides between small, chrome-trimmed taillights.

ENGINE

Like it or not, sometimes it's good to break tradition. And breaking tradition is one thing that makes this Merc so impressive. Lift the car's domed hood and you'll find 454 cubic inches of big block muscle that mixes miles of power with mountains of torque! At the top of the fully detailed mill, a finned and polished air cleaner feeds a coated Holley 770 that's throttled by a quality Lokar linkage. The resulting energy mixture makes its way from a coated Weiand intake to cast iron Chevrolet heads. When those heads flood the cylinders, a Delco-Remy HEI distributor sequences fire through loomed Taylor plug wires. Resultant gases are jettisoned through ceramic-coated block hugger headers. Cooling is provided by a beefy Walker radiator, which rides behind a giant electric pusher fan. Charge comes courtesy of a polished alternator that, along with a coated AC compressor, spins behind aesthetically pleasing pulleys. And overall, the car's smooth engine compartment is exceptionally clean, featuring details like a chrome brake booster, MQQN Equipment breathers, proven Haywire wiring, and polished and finned valve covers.

DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION

Every good street rod has a solid foundation. Flip this channeled classic upside down and you'll find a roster of mechanical improvements that mix vintage looks with modern mobility. A tough 700R4 4-speed drives a sturdy Ford 9-inch, which pushes a fully boxed chassis. At the nose of that chassis, a Fat Man front-half centers power rack-and-pinion steering between pliable air bags. At the back of that chassis, a modern 4-bar setup utilizes two more air bags to increase grip and maintain ride height. Power front disc and rear drum brakes are a welcome addition and big performance upgrade. There's a free-flowing, true-dual exhaust system that makes good use of Flowmaster dual-chamber mufflers. And everything rides on red steelies, which spin 185/70R15 front, and 225/70R15 rear, BF Goodrich Silvertown Radial whitewalls around mind-bending covers.

INTERIOR

Installed by Car's Classic Interiors of Lincolnton, North Carolina, this coupe's stylish cockpit is a sea of plush Vanilla. A '48 Ford dash hangs VDO telemetry, Maxi Kooler air conditioning and MP3-compatible Sony Xplod audio between billet foot pedals, a tilt steering column and an old school “V8” branded wheel. In front of that dash, broad bench seats feature aviation-quality leather surfaces. At the sides of those seats, Juliano's power windows frame faux leather side panels, billet door pulls, polished door handles and Sony Xplod speakers. That dash, seat and panel trifecta is sandwiched between monochromatic carpet and a color-keyed headliner. And behind the cabin, a fully finished trunk provides ample storage space.

OUR SALE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTATION AND ACCESSORIES

* Build receipts
* Component manuals
* A pair of wiper arms

Truman-era Mercs have aged with more grace than most, wearing a design that's still capable of turning heads even in its basic factory form. The restorer's decision to take those basics and make proven, time-tested adjustments is a huge part of why this kustom works so well. With its massaged motor, smooth-shifting 4-speed, comfortable interior and vintage swagger, you'll never tire of finding this sled in your garage. Stop watching opportunity pass you by. Add this classic to your collection today!