Body Off Built Coupe EFI LS1 V8 4L60E 4 Speed Automatic PS A/C Leather

SUMMARY

When it comes to '50s cruisers, Chevrolet definitely isn't the only shop in town. While the hallowed Bel Air might be the best-known car of all time, the graceful Mercury Eight often provides more substance, more style and more exclusivity. From gnarly flame-throwers to classy museum fodder, old school Mercs offer a little something for everyone. And, every once in a while, an unchopped classic like this sophisticated coupe casually renews our interest in the beauty of all things pre-kustom. Dressing a modern small block and four forward gears in a razor-sharp restoration, this car is more than just sweet eye candy. And if you're the kind of buyer who's searching for a stunning, all-steel hot rod, we can't think of anything that offers more style for less money!

BODYWORK/TRIM

Storming the scene just a few short years ago, this slick street rod has been lovingly finessed to the absolute highest standards. The smooth surfaces that make up the car's voluptuous profile are comprised of clean Henry Ford steel that's been completely stripped, carefully aligned and laboriously block-sanded. That solid shell, dressed in PPG gold base, basted in PPG Cinnamon Candy and sealed in PPG clear, has been buffed to a wet-looking shine. And today, this Merc rolls as one excellent-looking custom that's completely devoid of filler, questionable seams, strange bulges or anything else that might demerit its otherwise superior construction.

The styling of Mercury's second generation Eight was successful in both ending the monotony of warmed-over pre-war designs and differentiating the brand from its comparable Ford cousin: a trick that spelled BIG sales success. Those newfound sales made the car immensely popular with customizers and, in 1949, the first lead sled, built by Sam Barris, pioneered what would become hot rodding's definitive '50s kustom. At the front of this killer coupe, a guarded bumper founds a polished grille between traditional headlights, chrome-trimmed parking lamps and a nosed hood. Behind that hood, a 3M bra leads the eye to tinted, stainless-trimmed glass, which reflects polished wipers, modern mirrors and shaved, electronically actuated doors. Beneath that glass, a sultry, monochromatic profile showcases the car's classic Mercury lines. And at the back of that profile, a decked, electronically actuated trunk shadows traditional taillights, a power antenna, polished exhaust tips and a second guarded bumper.

ENGINE

Like it or not, sometimes it's good to break tradition. And breaking tradition is one thing that makes this Merc so impressive. Make no mistake, this coupe isn't your typical 'low and slow' lead sled. Lift the car's domed hood and you'll find 5.7 liters of spry LS1 small block that, produced in 1998, creates upwards of 305 horsepower. Straight from GM that proven mill combines a sturdy aluminum block with lightweight aluminum heads, coil-near-plug ignition and aluminum flat top pistons to create razor-sharp throttle response and a torque band that's as wide as Texas. At the front of the engine, an "LS1" branded air cleaner funnels wind in to an aftermarket throttle body, which feeds a color-keyed intake that's bolted down over completely stock internals. High-octane fossils are provided by GM electronic fuel injection. Sparks are sequenced through requisite Packard plug wires. Spent gases roar through ceramic-coated manifolds. Cooling comes courtesy of a cowled radiator, which seats dual electric puller fans in front of a polished expansion tank and corrugated hoses. And polished serpentine components spin a polished alternator opposite a polished AC compressor. Aesthetically, both the Cast Silver mill and its assortment of bright accessories seem right at home inside their massaged and candy-coated frame. And details like trick dipsticks, polished fluid lines and color-keyed coil covers ensure this custom has a steady balance of looks and performance.

DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION

Speaking of looks, take a look under this sultry cruiser and you'll find a classic Ford skeleton that's been augmented with a quality Fat Man front-clip. At the center of those bones, a GM 4L60E 4-speed jerks a familiar Ford 8-inch axle. That axle stays straight thanks to Unisteer power rack-and-pinion steering. At the corners of that rack, power front disc and rear drum brakes provide predictably solid stops. The aforementioned manifolds roll spent gases through large-diameter pipes and throaty Flowmaster mufflers. At the corners of the car, 15-inch Billet Specialties wheels twist 225/75 Dean Alpha 365 whitewalls. And everything, from this Merc's stainless fuel tank to its finned transmission cooler, is reliable, sorted and ready to roll.

INTERIOR

Like its drivetrain and body, the car's supple interior is a completely custom creation that highlights technology while honoring heritage. Bright Ivory buckets, power-operated for the front passengers, ride on rich carpet that's stretched between handsome, color-keyed sills. In front of those seats, a custom dash frames Classic Instruments telemetry and direct-fit audio in attractive Wabbit's Wood Works trim. At the base of that dash, custom consoles found two cupholders, two storage bins and Vintage Air climate control inside more Wabbit's Wood Works burl. Opposite those islands, attractive side panels front power door windows and pop-able quarter windows. Above those panels, a vintage mirror leads a leather headliner. In front of the driver, a polished and wood-rimmed steering wheel laps billet foot pedals and a polished and tilting column. And behind the cockpit, a fully finished trunk hides a 10-disc CD changer that, along with the rest of the car's electronics, is powered by quality Ron Francis wiring.

OUR SALE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING ACCESSORIES

This lights-out Mercury is one of the coolest cruisers on the planet! Richly appointed and super clean, it's a classy hot rod that sets itself apart from the sea of chopped, diced, smothered and covered kustoms at your local Goodguys event. Classy, unaltered Mercs are quickly becoming the exception to the lead sled rule, and given the attention this coupe draws in our showroom, it certainly won't last long!