Mercury Meteor 390 V8 1961
General description :
UNUSUAL MERCURY METEOR, 390 V8, AUTO, PS, PB, PW, REALLY NICE CUSTOM PAINT JOB!
If you're a Ford (or Mercury) guy and get tired of all the Impalas at shows, you should take a closer look at this very cool 1961 Mercury Meteor. A traditional "old school" custom with pearl and metallic paint work and a gorgeous interior, it makes a statement without going overboard. Oh, and I suppose I should mention that it's got a strong-running 390 and remains a lot of fun to drive.
If you were there in the '60s when custom paint work was all the rage, this car should bring back some fond memories. Or perhaps you just like the way the great artists used to do it, making this car a fitting tribute to a lost art. Either way, this Mercury has it going on. At a glance, the white paint doesn't jump out at you, but in the sun, the pearl and metallic mixed into the finish make it glow from within, and it's a very traditional look. Even better, there's custom artwork on the roof, purple designs that accurately reflect the state-of-the-art customs from the period. The bodywork underneath is in great shape, with nice straight quarters and a few tasteful mods, including shaved door handles and emblems. On the other hand, the Merc keeps its nicely detailed grille, stainless rub stripes, and that ornate rear bumper. It also has some tasteful pinstripe work on the deck lid, as well as taillights that probably resulted in an angry letter from the management at Chevrolet.
The soft white vinyl interior has a mixture of original custom touches that really tie it all together. The biggest modification is the sparkling purple steering wheel, but when you look at the total package, it really works. The upholstery is in great condition and the original bench seats are quite comfortable for long trips or short cruises. You'll really dig the custom door panels and note that this car is equipped with power windows, which are always a nice find in vehicles of this vintage. The instruments and controls are stock Mercury, although someone has thoughtfully added a trio of auxiliary gauges under the dash, as well as a cool shifter knob to dress it up a bit. And while that's the original AM radio in the dash, it's been upgraded with an iPod adapter and amplifier, plus speakers throughout the interior, to offer much more up-to-date entertainment. The trunk was also dressed up a bit with purple carpets, and it includes a custom pinstriped air cleaner housing, just in case you like the look.
The big 390 cubic inch V8 under the hood makes the Mercury feel light on its feet and powerful around town. A few chrome dress-up pieces give it a racy period look and there's a fresh 4-barrel carburetor up top, as well as ceramic-coated exhaust manifolds. Like most customs, it isn't about the engine, but at the same time, they did add some pinstripes on the inner fenders and selectively accented parts like the brake booster with more purple paint. The Merc-O-Matic 2-speed automatic transmission has a shift kit installed, so it really snaps to attention, and that exhaust system was recently custom built, including the cool rear-mounted side pipes for a cool look. New springs and shocks were installed to give it a new car ride and the shiny Cragar mags are brand new, as are the 215/75/14 whitewalls they're wearing.
Uncommon and nicely done, this is a traditional mild custom that's very usable and totally cool. If you were there, you get it, and if you only wish you were there, this car will take you back. Call today!
This vehicle is not currently in one of our showrooms. Please set up an appointment to view this car in person.
Features : Build Receipts , AM Radio, iPod Compatible, Vinyl Interior, Power Brakes, Power Steering, Power Windows
http://www.streetsideclassics.com/vehicles/1760-dfw/1961-mercury-meteor-800
1961 Mercury Meteor 390 V8 is listed sold on ClassicDigest in Fort Worth by Streetside Classics for $23995.
Car Facts
Car type : Car Make : Mercury Model : Meteor Model Version : 390 V8 Engine size : 0.0 Model Year : 1961 Sub type : Sedan Location : Dallas/Fort Worth
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About Mercury
Mercury, the automotive brand, has a rich history that extends beyond its role in the customization and hot-rodding scene, particularly with the iconic Mercury Eight. Here are some key points to know about Mercury:Formation and Early Years:
Mercury was introduced by the Ford Motor Company in 1938 as a mid-priced brand, positioned between the affordable Ford models and the luxury Lincoln lineup. The brand aimed to fill the gap between these two segments.
Mercury Eight:
The Mercury Eight, launched in 1939, is perhaps the most famous model in the brand's history. It featured a sleek design and a powerful V8 engine. This model became popular for customization and hot-rodding, earning it a significant place in American automotive culture.
Customization Culture:
The Mercury Eight, with its distinctive styling and relatively affordable price, became a favorite among custom car builders. It played a pivotal role in the development of the custom car and hot rod culture, particularly in the post-World War II era.
Lead Sleds and Customization:
The term "lead sled" is often associated with heavily customized cars from the 1940s and 1950s. These cars, including the Mercury Eight, were often modified with lowered suspensions, chopped roofs, and other stylistic changes. Lead sleds were a prominent part of the custom car scene, and the Mercury Eight was a popular choice for such modifications.
Post-War Prosperity:
In the post-World War II period, Mercury, like many other American automakers, experienced a surge in popularity as the economy boomed. The brand contributed to the era's fascination with stylish and powerful automobiles.
Evolution of Models:
Over the years, Mercury continued to produce various models, contributing to Ford's lineup. Some notable models include the Mercury Monterey, Mercury Comet, and Mercury Cougar.
Decline and Discontinuation:
Despite periods of success, Mercury faced challenges in establishing a unique identity separate from Ford. As consumer preferences shifted, the brand struggled, and Ford eventually announced the discontinuation of Mercury in 2010.
Legacy in Popular Culture:
Mercury, especially models like the Mercury Eight, holds a significant place in American popular culture. Its association with the customization and hot-rodding scene, as well as its distinctive designs, has left a lasting impact.
In summary, while the Mercury Eight is celebrated for its role in the customization and hot-rodding subculture, Mercury as a brand played a broader role in automotive history, contributing to mid-priced segments and reflecting the automotive trends of its time.