Highlights

Only 6,688 miles covered since major restoration
Formerly part of the renowned Joe Cardiello collection
Fully recommissioned in 2020
Maroon paintwork and chrome finish

The Appeal

For its entire life, the Mercury Eight shared bodyshells with other motors from the Ford roster, but it was really in the 3rd generation that it properly took wings and became a cultural icon. Ford merged the Mercury-Lincoln division in 1949, as part of their immediate post-war rationale, and with it the Mercury took on the Lincoln body shell. It was a stroke of genius - a pontoon body with effortlessly sleek curves and a muscular flathead V8 that was guaranteed to seduce any petrolhead in the good ol' US-of-A. Indeed, the car became particularly hot with the custom scene.

This fabulous Californian example was previously part of the much-respected Joe Cardiello collection, and was only recently recomissioned and imported to they UK. These cars are a remarkably rare sight this side of the pond, and we've no doubt that the maroon colour scheme, powerful V8 and oh-so-distinctive Americana style will earn plenty of attention.

This car is simply stunning through and through - perhaps a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. That restoration may have been circa thirty years ago, but you'd be forgiven for thinking it was less than thirty weeks ago. Everything is impressively-presented, evocative and loaded with art-deco evocation.

The History and Paperwork

Built in 1951
Previously based in California
Restored and customised in the mid-90s
Part of the Joe Cardiello collection in the USA since
Mileage shown is since the mid-90s - a remarkably low 6,688 miles
Believed to have a new crate engine fitted, but no documentation available due to it being purchased from a deceased estate
Fully recommissioned when imported to the UK in 2020

The Condition

Pure 50s Americana - big fins, a curvy profile and plenty of chrome
Bodywork is straight and well-presented
The paintwork presents beautifully and suits its distinctive lines down to the ground
Chromework is clean and well-kept
Power hood is fully operational
Wheels are in fine fettle with evocative whitewalls
Very minor amount of age-related wear
Underside is remarkably clean and well kept
Cabin is beautifully presented through-and-through
No rips or tears to the vinyl
Bolsters are full and free of any sag
Dashboard is beautifully presented with clear, legible instruments
Everything is reportedly working as it should
Carpets are beautifully presented
The vendor notes that the car needs to be seen to be fully appreciated; any inspection is welcomed

The Mechanics

420ci flathead V8
Automatic transmission with 4 gears
Engine bay is in excellent order
We've no reports of any mechanical issues
The restoration was reportedly a no-expense-spared project
The vendor has driven the car at length and experienced no faults

BEFORE YOU BUY

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:

✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..

✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.

✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.

✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.

✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.

✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.

✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection

or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it’s worth checking beforehand..