The 1949 Mercury Eight Coupe remains the quintessential canvas for the classic Lead Sled movement. This specific street rod underwent an extensive transformation years ago to achieve its low and mean profile. It represents a bygone era of custom culture where every body line was smoothed to create a seamless visual flow from front to back.
Iconic Chopped and Shaved Bodywork
The silhouette of this 1949 Mercury Eight Coupe is defined by a significantly chopped roofline that alters its entire attitude. Builders nosed and decked the body to remove factory trim before applying a deep metallic maroon finish. Frenched headlights and a louvered hood provide that traditional custom look that enthusiasts crave in a vintage Mercury build.
Custom Lighting and Pinstripe Details
Beige pinstriping follows the character line of the car to accent the rich maroon paintwork. Flush-mounted indicators and taillights ensure that nothing disrupts the smooth surfaces of the rear fenders. Fender skirts were also added to cover the rear wheels, which helps the car appear even lower to the ground when parked.
Cadillac Comfort in a Custom Cabin
Stepping inside reveals a luxurious touch with power-adjustable bucket seats sourced from a vintage Cadillac. These seats feature beige leather upholstery that coordinates with the custom door panels and plush carpeting. While the power windows operate slowly, the interior remains a comfortable place to spend time during local car meets and weekend cruises.
Vintage Audio and Cockpit Controls
The dashboard is painted to match the exterior and houses a unique Motorola Vibrasonic reverb module for a period-correct audio experience. A Hurst shifter stands tall on the floor, giving the driver total control over the Muncie gearbox. A Grant GT steering wheel and tilt column help the driver find the perfect position for long-distance hauls.
Independent Suspension and Modern Braking
Handling for the 1949 Mercury Eight Coupe was modernized through the installation of an independent front suspension. This setup uses coil springs to provide a much smoother ride than the original factory beam axle. Furthermore, front disc brakes and power steering were integrated to make the heavy coupe much easier to navigate in modern traffic conditions.
V8 Power and Manual Drivetrain Specs
The engine bay houses a 350ci Chevrolet V8 equipped with an Edelbrock Scorpion intake and a Holley carburetor. This reliable powerplant delivers its energy through a Muncie M-21 four-speed manual transmission and a 10-bolt rear end. Polished exhaust tips exit the rear, providing a deep V8 rumble that perfectly complements the aggressive look of the chopped body.
Summary of a Custom Street Rod
This 1949 Mercury Eight Coupe is a rolling tribute to the golden age of American custom car building. It combines the legendary look of a chopped Lead Sled with a reliable small-block drivetrain and a manual gearbox. Despite some intermittent door poppers and non-working air conditioning, it stands as a striking example of early post-war style and ingenuity.
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Source: bringatrailer.com
