51 Mercury M-1 Deluxe 1/2 Ton Pickup Truck Flathead Ford V8 Vintage (40pics) 50 52 on 2040-cars

OVERVIEW:

This is a restored to original and quite complete 1951 Mercury M-1 Deluxe 1/2 ton Stepside Pickup. The truck shows 78,939 miles on the odometer, which we are confident are original miles.
It is a model M-1, with serial # MDA83BH51-25988, rated at 4,700 lbs. GVW.

Mercury trucks were a Canadian offering identical in most respects to Ford trucks except for unique, and sometimes enhanced badging and trim. Most notable differences include the Mercury name on the chrome trim on the front and sides of the hood, the Mercury hubcaps and horn button, and of course the Mercury scripted tailgate. The Deluxe model came with 2 taillights, 2 sun visors, and dual horns. Total production of 1951 Mercury trucks in the 1/2 ton to 1 ton range was 8,889 units.

This was a solid and original Saskatchewan truck prior to receiving a body-off restoration in the mid 1990’s. It is overall very straight and very solid, with a very decent paint job in its original red color. A complete new interior kit was installed, and all mechanicals were rebuilt, which make this truck a very reliable and roadworthy driver. Although not a fresh high end restoration, this truck has been driven and enjoyed over the last 10 years by its current owner and remains very presentable. The truck has not been modified, is currently registered and insured, and is ready to go further down the road.

DRIVETRAIN:

The engine is a correct 239 ci. Ford flathead which was fully rebuilt. It starts instantly, sounds very good, and has a very smooth idle. About the only deficiency around the engine is a missing clamp for the hand throttle linkage, which is therefore non-functional at the moment.
The 3-speed standard transmission was fully rebuilt, and 1951 was the first full year for the column shift.
A new clutch, pressure plate, and throw-out bearing were recently installed and only have about 50 miles on them.
Apart from modern plug wires and hose clamps, everything under the hood appears period correct and unmolested.
Belts, hoses, radiator, and wiring all appear to be in good condition.
The only thing needed under the hood appears to be hook up of the hand throttle, and a good clean up and detailing.

CHASSIS:

The frame was sandblasted and painted. It and all chassis components appear solid and original, with no evidence of collision damage or rust on the frame. The underside shows the road dust and wear of its outings over the years since restoration.
The owner recently installed new outer tie rod ends. Although some specific details are not known from the restoration, things like the rear diff, suspension, steering, etc... have all been maintained and serviced as required to keep the truck in good roadworthy condition.
The brake system was fully rebuilt and they are in very good condition. The exhaust is in good condition as well.
The wheels are correct 16” rims, with Highliner 6.50 x 16LT 6 ply light truck tires. These are bias ply tube type blackwalls. They have good tread remaining but are a bit weather checked. There is a 5th matching wheel for a spare but no tire on it.
There is a trailer hitch which was only used a few times to tow a small trailer.

BODY & PAINT:

 Body and paint were professionally done by Certified Paint and Body of Saskatoon. The cab and all sheet metal on this truck are quite straight and solid. Any rust that may have been present was properly dealt with as there are no signs of rust, filler, or repairs failing.

The body was totally disassembled, sandblasted, and painted the original red prior to re-assembly. The undersides of the cab and fenders were undercoated.
The running boards were new at time of restoration and top sides were painted. The undersides were left unpainted and today show surface rust, but no serious rust or rot is present.
The truck sports a rare and correct original rear bumper.

Box panels and tailgate are very straight and solid, Mercury tailgates are rare and very much sought after, this one is especially nice.

The box floor was restored using new oak and zinc coated bolts. Since then the top side of the boards shows some sun fading and weathering, but they remain very solid.
New welting is evident at the fenders and running boards. New windshield and rear window rubber, and new weatherstrips on the doors.

INTERIOR:

The interior of the truck is quite nicely done, tasteful and comfortable. It was treated to new seat covers, door panels, headliner, sun visors, kick panels, and custom fit molded floor mat.

All dash gauges, knobs, glass & trim are intact and in good condition. The only piece that appears to be missing is an emblem for the heater/defroster unit.
The steering wheel has only a couple of minor cracks, but has a nice shiny black finish.

Equipped with an original storage bin behind the seat.
The door windows received new run channels and glass sweepers, and they lower and raise easily. The vent window chrome frames are nice with none of the rust that is often seen on these.

ELECTRICAL:

The truck retains its 6-volt electrical system and has an oversize battery putting out 950 cranking amps. The original wiring appears in good order. Original gauges are in nice condition. Still has its original Hurd keys.
The original factory optional radio is in working order.

Dual horns mounted on the underside of the hood were a feature of the Deluxe models.

Windshield wipers are vacuum operated.
The truck is fitted with an aftermarket turn signal switch.
Front park light lenses are original plastic and show some checking. Tail lights have been updated for greater visibility.

BRIGHTWORK:

 All brightwork on the truck is original. The Mercury pot metal hood emblem is pitted but not broken or cracked. The V8 emblem below it is not pitted. It has the original Mercury hood side stainless, which is in nice condition but needs to have the lettering repainted.

Being an early ’51 production unit, the grille is painted Argent color and the headlight rings are chrome plated. The headlight rings and park light bezels are in good condition.

The rare original Mercury hubcaps are unrestored and have some dents. They are stainless so they can be restored back to show quality.
It has a nice stainless windshield surround, and there are Ford script accessory step plates on both running boards.

The door mounted dual rear view side mirrors have been updated to larger rectangular stainless units.
Interior stainless trim items are in nice condition. Has correct door handles and window cranks.

SUMMARY:

If you are a fan of early 50’s Ford and Mercury trucks, then this is your opportunity to bring home an example from a popular era. Being a Mercury, it is far rarer and more desirable than its Ford counterpart. Why show up at the show and shine with another Ford when you can stand apart from the crowd with a Merc?

This truck would make an excellent daily driver in that it is mechanically roadworthy and reliable. Mechanical parts are still fairly plentiful and easy to find for these trucks, and still affordable. Apart from the Mercury badging, all parts are interchangeable with Ford trucks. There is also a multitude of parts that are reproduced for these trucks that greatly help in keeping them on the road and looking good.

The major work has been done, and the truck has been road proven. It is not a concourse trailer queen, but it is a truck you can start to enjoy right away, and leaves you with the opportunity to detail and improve it over time.

Now in retirement, the owner has several other vehicles he would like to put his efforts towards finishing, and has therefore decided to make this fine little truck available.

PAYMENT TERMS:

This vintage vehicle is being listed on behalf of the owner. Please email ‘carsgoneby@telus.net’ or phone Rick at (403)534-2222 for additional honest and accurate information from a professional auto restorer. All information listed has been gathered from discussions with the owner, and visual inspection by myself. Additional pics are available for viewing at www.carsgoneby.com/PhotoAlbums/1951Merc . Additional specific pictures are available upon request. No warranties expressed or implied. Successful bidder to make a minimum payment of 50% of closing bid amount (US funds) within 5 days of auction closing, with the balance payable upon vehicle pick up within 21 days (international) or 14 days (US/Canada).
Payment must be in certifiable form such as cash or wire transfer. Other forms of payment only acceptable with time allowance for instrument to clear bank prior to vehicle being released. Any deviation from, or changes to the preceding terms must be reasonable, and should be requested, discussed, and agreed to prior to bidding and auction closing.

IMPORTANT OTHER:

Please submit all inquiries prior to bidding, and please only bid if you are able and willing to conclude the transaction should you be the winning bidder.
This vehicle is being sold with a clear Alberta vintage vehicle registration (title) document and bill of sale.
The truck is located in Rockyford, Alberta, Canada, about 3 hours north of the Montana border. Please be aware of your shipping costs before bidding, quotes can be provided upon request if necessary. We can help make this a smooth, hassle free experience by arranging all inclusive international transportation and brokerage for you. References relating to similar transactions are available. Cars Gone By has sold and shipped numerous collector vehicles to the USA and worldwide, the majority through Ebay transactions.
Please do not ask us to disclose the reserve price. In fairness to all bidders we will not do so and request that you simply place a bid that is comfortable for you.
Thanks for looking!