1951 Mercury Sedan

Description

Sometimes you just have to drive slow. No, it's not because you're on the verge of losing your license or you're stuck behind a funeral. No, sometimes you need to drive slow...to be seen. You'll need the right car, like this '51 Merc-it's dropped a little, it's got wide whites, with a few subtle changes, and the right sound. Take a look at the pics and imagine yourself in the sloooow lane!

At first glance, this sure looks like a stocker, but then you dig a bit deeper. There's no chop (that's a good thing for anyone over 5'6) but the front end has been cleaned up a bunch. You'll notice plenty of grille, but you're now missing the upper half-width bar and the uprights. The headlights are frenched in and the hood ornament up top has been shaved. The lower bumper was fitted and welded to make a one piece item instead of the original three. The effect is amazing, allowing the grille teeth to appear like they're floating while making the front jut forward like the nose of a streamliner train. Out back, the deck lid emblem is likewise gone, along with the trunk lock. The color is black, of course, which only helps the chrome and trim stand out. Dual spots on the A-pillars are period correct as are the capped lake pipes running below the doors. The windows are tinted a dark purple black, again for nostalgia. Four doors make for easy hauling, and the rears are suicide hinged. They're perfect for the overall vibe.

Inside, you'll do a double take when you see the seats-those are out of an '84 Coupe deVille! I'm not sure you could ask for a better fit as they look like they were made for the car. You're holding onto a Grant Signature Series steering wheel attached to the Caddy's tilt column accented with a billet shift handle. The gauges are from Dakota Digital, and they're definitely cool. Full instrumentation from speedometer on down comes to life with a twist of the key. A JVC CD player head unit provides the tunes, hidden away and accessible via the wireless remote. Air conditioning runs under the dash and keeps you cool on road trips. The big, fully-upholstered trunk holds the spare tire, the battery and the Air Ride Technologies compressor and air tank. Oh, yes: This car gets slow and low.

Under the hood is the rodder's favorite-a small block Chevy. 350 cubic inches moves you around with power to spare, thanks to a four-barrel carb, an aluminum intake and an HEI ignition. Billet valve covers with engraved flames and a too-tall velocity stack air cleaner are reminders that this car doesn't take itself too seriously. Underneath, a TH350 3-speed automatic transmission backs the mill, sending power back to a GM 12-bolt. Exhaust travels through dual pipes and old school Thrush glasspacks. Power brakes with discs up front hide beneath your feet. Last, and arguably greatest, are the big Coker wide whites on steel wheels with '57 Cadillac hubcaps. You almost can't imagine the car without them!

Ready to go slow? This is a great car for carhops and Main Streets the nation over. Call today!