Lot 151
1948 Mercury Station Wagon
- Chassis no. 899A2147090
Sold for $143,000
Model 89M. 100 bhp, 239.4 cu. in. Flathead V8 engine, three-speed manual transmission with Columbia rear end, solid front axle and live rear axle with transverse semi-elliptic leaf springs, four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes. Wheelbase: 118"
Some of the most sought-after Ford station wagons are those with bodies framed from birdseye maple. Particularly prized for fine furniture and wooden accessories, birdseye maple has a fine swirling grain that resembles the eye of a bird, hence the name. It was prevalent in Ford’s Iron Mountain forests, which had the fortunate climatic conditions for the growing of “birdseye trees,” the biological process of which is not completely understood. Occasionally, it is said, Henry Ford would order a body framed entirely in birdseye, for a friend or special customer. More often, the beautiful components were simply incorporated randomly into bodies as they were built.
One of the highly desirable “random birdseye” station wagons, this 1948 Mercury is a nicely freshened original car. It has been repainted in the original Tucson Tan color, and displays a nice, deep shine. The body contours are excellent, and the wood is totally original – Henry’s finest maple. All doors shut well, and door gaps are good. There are several pieces of the coveted birdseye maple in the body, particularly on the tailgate. All of the wood is highly varnished, and a delight to the eye. The top is newly covered in brown artificial leather.
The glass is mostly original Ford script panes, and shows only minimal separation on the vent windows and sliding rear quarter glass. Most of the brightwork is excellent, although the detail on the grille is a bit worn. The original rubber running boards and gravel shields are all in good condition.
The seats all retain their original red leather and show some wear, as one would expect of 61 year-old leather, but remain entirely serviceable. Black rubber floor mats, front and rear, are new. The dashboard has very nice original mahogany woodgrain, with only a few scratches, and the instruments and dashboard plastic are excellent, as is the original steering wheel and horn ring. Features include a radio, electric clock and fresh-air heater a new accessory that ducted outside air from behind the grille though a heater core located on the engine side of the firewall.
The 59AB engine is painted correct blue, but shows some use with minor surface rust on the fasteners. The chassis and underbody are painted black and the tires are Firestone 7.10-15 blackwalls, new in 1998. The spare is mounted on the tailgate under a body color metal cover. Finally, the car has a custom dual exhaust system that sings with marvelous lyric baritone notes.
Acquired by Nick Alexander in May 1996, this Mercury received a Rouge Award for its beautiful original interior from the Early Ford V8 Club at Temecula, California, in 2006. Registered with California year-of-manufacture plates 6M6304, it was built in November of 1947. Like all cars in the collection, it runs and drives well. With just over 70,000 miles showing, it is ready to go anywhere, its Columbia rear axle making easy work of any highway.
Some of the most sought-after Ford station wagons are those with bodies framed from birdseye maple. Particularly prized for fine furniture and wooden accessories, birdseye maple has a fine swirling grain that resembles the eye of a bird, hence the name. It was prevalent in Ford’s Iron Mountain forests, which had the fortunate climatic conditions for the growing of “birdseye trees,” the biological process of which is not completely understood. Occasionally, it is said, Henry Ford would order a body framed entirely in birdseye, for a friend or special customer. More often, the beautiful components were simply incorporated randomly into bodies as they were built.
One of the highly desirable “random birdseye” station wagons, this 1948 Mercury is a nicely freshened original car. It has been repainted in the original Tucson Tan color, and displays a nice, deep shine. The body contours are excellent, and the wood is totally original – Henry’s finest maple. All doors shut well, and door gaps are good. There are several pieces of the coveted birdseye maple in the body, particularly on the tailgate. All of the wood is highly varnished, and a delight to the eye. The top is newly covered in brown artificial leather.
The glass is mostly original Ford script panes, and shows only minimal separation on the vent windows and sliding rear quarter glass. Most of the brightwork is excellent, although the detail on the grille is a bit worn. The original rubber running boards and gravel shields are all in good condition.
The seats all retain their original red leather and show some wear, as one would expect of 61 year-old leather, but remain entirely serviceable. Black rubber floor mats, front and rear, are new. The dashboard has very nice original mahogany woodgrain, with only a few scratches, and the instruments and dashboard plastic are excellent, as is the original steering wheel and horn ring. Features include a radio, electric clock and fresh-air heater a new accessory that ducted outside air from behind the grille though a heater core located on the engine side of the firewall.
The 59AB engine is painted correct blue, but shows some use with minor surface rust on the fasteners. The chassis and underbody are painted black and the tires are Firestone 7.10-15 blackwalls, new in 1998. The spare is mounted on the tailgate under a body color metal cover. Finally, the car has a custom dual exhaust system that sings with marvelous lyric baritone notes.
Acquired by Nick Alexander in May 1996, this Mercury received a Rouge Award for its beautiful original interior from the Early Ford V8 Club at Temecula, California, in 2006. Registered with California year-of-manufacture plates 6M6304, it was built in November of 1947. Like all cars in the collection, it runs and drives well. With just over 70,000 miles showing, it is ready to go anywhere, its Columbia rear axle making easy work of any highway.
Addendum
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