1949 Mercury Sport Sedan

T. “Bob” Gregorie. After the concept of outside designer George Walker was chosen for the new Ford, Gregorie’s proposal was bumped up a notch to become the Mercury.

A handsome car, it had a stepped sculpture line running from the front fenders, across the doors, back along the rear quarter and down to the bumper. It became a favorite of customizers in the 1950s, immortalized by its supporting role with James Dean in “Rebel Without a Cause. ” Mercury’s model year sales expanded sixfold from 1948, aided in part by a longer model year.

In all, more than 300,000 were sold, of which most were the Sport Sedan. Mercury, like Ford, had a revised engine for 1949. The cylinder heads were redesigned, and a new side-mounted distributor made servicing the breaker points much easier.

The Mercury engine, designated 8CM, was enlarged to 255 cubic inches, developing 110 horsepower, to Ford’s 100. A largely original car, this 1949 Mercury Sports Sedan shows just 23,638 miles. The interior is immaculate, the seats unmarked and unworn in blue-and-gray striped cloth.

The floor is dark gray carpet with throw mats in front. The dashboard and window surrounds are a gray and light blue metallic combination, and are clean and well detailed. The exterior in its correct solid black, exhibiting a deep shine, and all the brightwork is in excellent condition.

The car has wide whitewall tires all around, including the spare. The engine is the correct Mercury 8CM unit, but fitted with headers and dual exhausts. It has a highly-desirable three speed manual transmission, factory radio and hot water fresh-air heater.

The car starts, runs, drives and stops exceptionally well, and is a pleasure to drive.