1951 Mercury Custom Coupe – Stratas Auctions

1951 Mercury Custom Coupe – Though there has been much debate over the years about who first chopped the top on a 1949-51 Mercury, there is no doubt that the chopped topped Mercury is one of the most storied custom car stylings in automotive history.

This 1951 Mercury Custom Coupe, lead sled, was built for the original owner by Arizona Street Rods in Phoenix. The owner who lived in Southern California until moving to Phoenix in the 1950’s grew up with Rod Palmer, owner of Arizona Street Rods. After building a ’32 Roadster together, the pair decided it was time to build the chopped top Mercury of their youths.

The custom modifications to the car are numerous. They include a three-inch chop, lowering springs, a nosed hood with rounded corners, a decked trunk lid, shaved handles and emblems. It has 1953 Buick side trim, a molded grille shell with a 1952 DeSoto grille and extra teeth, as well as 1954 Mercury taillights, restyled bumpers and flush fit skirts.

It retains its original Flathead V8 engine with the addition of Offenhauser aluminum heads, an Edelbrock dual intake manifold, a pair of Stromberg 2-barrel carburetors, headers and Smithy’s steel pack mufflers. The V8 is mated to a three-speed manual transmission. The electrical system has been upgraded to 12-volt and an extra capacity stainless fuel tank has been added. Power steering, as well as a Vintage Air system with custom-made vents have also been installed.

The interior was designed to mimic the Hirohata Mercury and is fitted with tan and black leather. The headliner is Desert Camel UltraSuede and the carpet is Mercedes Saffron fine tuft. The passenger compartment has also been fitted with a modern cabin light, Pioneer sound system, Dakota Digital instrumentation and a cut-down (3 inches) stock steering wheel.

Featured in the May 2010 issue of Rod & Custom Magazine and winner of a Boyd Coddington Top Ten Award, this iconic hot rod is ready to find a new owner who appreciates its style and history.

Finished in gloss black paint, the exterior appears in beautiful condition. The custom modifications to the car are numerous. They include a three-inch chop, lowering springs, a nosed hood with rounded corners, a decked trunk lid, shaved handles and emblems. It has 1953 Buick side trim, a molded grille shell with a 1952 DeSoto grille and extra teeth, as well as 1954 Mercury taillights, restyled bumpers and flush fit skirts.

This Mercury Coupe retains its original Flathead V8 engine with the addition of Offenhauser aluminum heads, an Edelbrock dual intake manifold, a pair of Stromberg 2-barrel carburetors, headers and Smithy’s steel pack mufflers. The V8 is mated to a three-speed manual transmission. The engine compartment appears in pristine, show quality condition.

For more information on the 1951 Mercury Custom Coupe and Stratas Auctions, please visit www.Stratas.Auction or call 310-749-0174.

1951 Mercury Custom Coupe – Photos

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