The 1940 Mercury Eight Custom Convertible transcends mere restoration to become a rolling piece of coach-built art. This spectacular example, refinished in a deep Candy Merlot, represents the ultimate expression of pre-war design merged with custom hot rod aesthetics. The original Mercury Eight arrived as Edsel Ford’s mid-level brand, bridging the gap between Ford and Lincoln. This custom interpretation takes that classic foundation and elevates it to a new, sculpted level of craftsmanship. It offers an entirely unique take on a desirable drop-top classic.
The Art of the Custom Build
The true story of this particular Mercury Eight is found in the hands that shaped it. Altissimo Restorations in Napa, California, executed the professional restyling and coach-building. This wasn’t a simple paint-and-trim job; it was an extensive, ground-up transformation. The high level of labor involved speaks to the dedication behind the car. In fact, over 1,800 hours of skilled work were poured into the bodywork alone. This meticulous attention ensures flawless surfacing and a truly bespoke profile.
Sculpted Lines and Subtle Details
The custom touches are sophisticated, relying on subtlety rather than overt flash. The roofline has been expertly chopped, creating a sleeker, lower profile that perfectly complements the long Mercury body. Furthermore, the door handles have been painstakingly frenched, meaning they are recessed into the bodywork. This modification eliminates visual clutter for a smooth, uninterrupted surface. The quarter panels were also sculpted into one flowing, continuous form. Therefore, the resulting bodywork achieves an exceptional degree of visual harmony and elegance.
The exterior finish dramatically highlights the custom body. The House of Kolor Candy Merlot features a subtle metallic flake which gives the deep red a shimmering effect under light. This striking color choice perfectly sets the tone for a high-end custom build. A pair of classic Appleton spotlights adds a touch of period-correct hot rod flair to the front. The paint quality is a direct reflection of the thousands of hours of skilled body labor.
Interior and Chassis Refinements
Inside the convertible, the custom theme continues with a tasteful beige interior. The cabin maintains the classic feel of the original 1940 Mercury Eight Custom Convertible while integrating modern comforts. Functional factory gauges remain in place, preserving the dash’s original appeal and charm. However, a modern audio system is cleverly hidden. An Out of Sight Audio sound system is seamlessly integrated, ensuring a clean vintage look but modern fidelity.
The chassis uses the original factory style as a base for modern improvement. This classic structure benefits from an upgraded rear airbag suspension. The airbags provide a smoother ride quality and allow for an adjustable stance, a popular feature in custom builds. The car retains its original 3-speed manual transmission, offering an authentic, engaging experience for the driver. This blend of classic components and hidden modern technology makes the car both comfortable and fun.
Flathead V-8 Performance and Vintage Hot Rod Upgrades
Powering this custom machine is an original-style Flathead V-8 engine. The flathead is a legendary engine choice, beloved by hot rodders of the 1940s and 1950s for its sound and straightforward design. This particular V-8 has been detailed and assembled by Top 10 Hot Rods of Langley, British Columbia. It incorporates classic 1950s and 1960s hot rod components. These period-correct parts enhance both the engine’s looks and its overall function.
Notably, the engine is fitted with a rare Thickston finned aluminum air cleaner, a sought-after vintage performance item. It also features a Hildebrandt oil filter reservoir, another desirable accessory from the early hot rod era. The Flathead V-8, paired with the 3-speed manual transmission, provides a visceral and direct driving feel. The output is authentic to the era, offering enough grunt for a spirited convertible cruise. This careful selection of vintage speed parts truly celebrates the Mercury’s connection to hot rod culture.
A Testament to Custom Excellence
This 1940 Mercury Eight Custom Convertible is far more than a restored classic; it is a collaborative masterpiece of custom artistry. The immense investment of labor and the thoughtful selection of hot rod components set it apart. It perfectly captures the essence of early custom car culture while presenting an impeccable, show-quality finish. This highly collectible piece of automotive sculpture is scheduled to appear at the Las Vegas auction. It represents a unique opportunity for an enthusiast to acquire a truly special pre-war era custom build.
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Source: mecum.com
