The post-war 1949 Mercury had breakaway styling. (Ford archives)
The third-generation 1949 Mercury was the first new design following World War II, according to Wikipedia.
The so-called “ponton” or pontoon styling helped differentiate it from its Ford cousin. The ’49 also became the definitive “lead sled” for customizers, including the Barris brothers, Sam and George.
The all-new postwar Mercurys were introduced toward the end of the 1948 model year, on April 29,1948, according to a report by the Automotive History Preservation Society. The cars did not look like fancy Fords but instead shared Lincoln styling and basic body shells.
“The engine was still a flathead V-8 now upped to 255 CID with 110 horsepower. A new and optional overdrive system was activated by a handle under the dash.
“The Mercury Eight used full instrumentation in round dials. There were two dials on either side of the large central speedometer. An optional eight-tube radio and electric clock were centered on the dashboard.
“The transverse leaf spring suspension was gone. The front suspension was independent coil-spring with telescopic-type shock absorbers mounted inside front springs. A stabilizer bar was fitted to reduce body roll. The rear suspension had longitudinal, semi-elliptic leaf springs with telescopic shock absorbers. A semi-floating rear axle with hypoid-type ring gear and pinion was fitted.
“The ’49 Merc grille resembled a shiny coil. It was divided in the center by a large vertical chrome “Eight” stamped.
“A nearly full-length, mid-body chrome spear stretched across the sides. The 1949 Mercury also had wraparound front and rear bumpers.
Paint Colors
There more than a dozen paint choices: Alaska Gray, Cairo Gray, Midland Maroon, Black, Alberta Blue, Royal Bronze Maroon, Dakota Gray, Lima Tan, Biscay Blue, Berwick Green, Tampico Red, Haiti Beige, Bermuda Cream and Banff Green
“The 1949 Mercury Eight production totaled an astounding 301,307 units. It was far and away Mercury’s best ever year.”
See more vintage car photos here.
