1951 Mercury Series 1CM Convertible

The post-War Mercurys were impressive, but their popularity was taken to new heights when actor James Dean made the teen thriller Rebel Without a Cause in 1955. The models were also popular with hot-rodders, and many of the 300,000 were transformed into 'lead sleds.'

For 1951, Mercury gave their vehicles a new grille that became integrated with the signal lights. The horizontal type taillights were replaced with a vertical design. Standard equipment included a chrome gravel shield and rocker panels. The 1951 designs also had wraparound bumpers and lower rear quarter panel trim.

1951 body styles included a convertible, station wagon, Monterey Coupe, Sport Sedan, and a Sport Coupe.

Mercury produced just 31,865 convertibles during the three-year run of this model. Few changes were made year-to-year. Selling for a base of $2,597, the 1951 convertibles are the rarest, with just 6,759 delivered. It is believed that about 50 of the 1951 convertibles survive.

This example has just 66,805 original miles. It has never been modified and was previously owned by a museum in Florida. It is finished in the rare convertible-only color of Vassar Yellow with a black/red leather interior and a black Haartz cloth top with red piping. Power is from a 255 cubic-inch flathead V8 motor and a three-speed manual transmission with overdrive. It has power windows and a power seat. The extensive list of options includes a radio, heater, rocker moldings, cowl scuff plates, a front grille guard, rear bumper guards, an exhaust deflector, and a gas door guard. The car rides on BF Goodrich wide whitewall tires, ribbed rear fender skirts, and is fitted with turn signals.

In 2012, this vehicle was offered for sale at RM Auction's sale in Scottsdale, Arizona. It was estimated to sell for $90,000-$110,000 and was offered without reserve. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for the sum of $77,000 inclusive of the buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | Feb 2012