conceptcarz.com

1939 Mercury Series 99A

During the thirties, Ford introduced two important model introductions that were initially designed as brand extensions. Over the years, both would eventually become brands of their own. The first was the Lincoln-Zephyr, introduced in 1936 and intended as an extension of the Lincoln marque. It was the lower-priced line of mid-size Lincoln luxury cars and was in production from 1936 until 1940. It was the brainchild of Edsel Ford and was designed by Eugene Turenne Gregorie.

The second new model was the 'Ford-Mercury' nameplate which was announced to Ford dealers in 1938. These were intended as better-equipped Fords that were larger and more stylish. They had a four-inch longer wheelbase and came equipped with a 239 cubic-inch development of the Ford flathead V8 engine offering 95 horsepower.

The dealers objected to the 'Ford-Mercury' name intimation and felt that these better-trimmed Ford models may be confusing to clients. Edsel Ford responded and the 'Ford-' emblems were removed. When the new cars were launched on October 6th of 1938 as a 1939 model, they were simply called 'Mercury.'

In a similar fashion to the successful Zephyr, the Mercury offered more power, more space, more luxury, and more streamlined styling.

In an effort to placate Henry Ford, the design that Edsel Ford and Bob Gregorie created retained much of the appearance of the 1939 Fords. Edsel Ford's argument was that Ford customers did not need anything more than the products he was already building.

The Mercury had a longer hood, an increased wheelbase, and the body and fenders were wider.

The 1939 Mercury had a 116-inch wheelbase and was available as a convertible, coupe, and 2- and 4-door sedan. With a base price of $1,000, they evenly split the difference between the Lincoln Zephyr and the Ford V8 by several hundred dollars each way. The price of the Mercury positioned it with the lower-priced Buicks and Chryslers as well as the higher-end Oldsmobile and Dodges.


by Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2019

1939 Mercury Series 99A Vehicle Profiles

Recent Vehicle Additions

Performance and Specification Comparison

Price Comparison

1939 Series 99A
$1,018-$8,400
1939 Mercury Series 99A Price Range: $916 - $1,018

Compare: Lower | Higher | Similar

Related Automotive News

150TH ANNIVERSARY OF HENRY FORD'S BIRTH DECLARED ‘HENRY FORD DAY' BY MICHIGAN LEGISLATURE

150TH ANNIVERSARY OF HENRY FORD'S BIRTH DECLARED ‘HENRY FORD DAY' BY MICHIGAN LEGISLATURE

The 150th birthday of Henry Ford – July 30, 2013 – is declared Henry Ford Day in the state of Michigan Celebration honoring Henry Fords 150th birthday to be held on Saturday, July 27, at Henry and Clara Fords historic home, Henry Ford EstateFa...

GREG BIFFLE GIVES FORD MOTOR COMPANY 1,000TH NASCAR VICTORY AFTER WINNING AT MICHIGAN INTERNATIONAL SPEEDWAY

Ford Motor Company has won 1,000 NASCAR races in the Sprint Cup, Nationwide and Camping World Truck Series combined. Jim Roper won the very first NASCAR-sanctioned stock car race in a Lincoln when he was deemed the winner at Charlotte on June 19, 1...
Edsel Ford's Speedster Stars at 'The Amelia'

Edsel Ford's Speedster Stars at 'The Amelia'

Edsel Fords continental car, a custom boattail speedster, will take its rightful place in the Sports Car Class of the 18th annual Amelia Island Concours dElegance. In the shape of Edsels seminal speedster is the genesis of Fords legendary design...
Lincoln at Los Angeles Auto Show Press Days: Celebration of Its Past and Future As Brand Rolls Out Its Reinvention

Lincoln at Los Angeles Auto Show Press Days: Celebration of Its Past and Future As Brand Rolls Out Its Reinvention

The brand pays tribute to its heritage today, displaying seven of the most influential Lincoln designs Thursday sees a display full of the all-new MKZ premium midsize sedan and MKZ Hybrid, the future of Lincoln, on the Lincoln stand Lincoln launches...
Classic Motorcar Holds Grande Salon Auction During Glenmoor Gathering

Classic Motorcar Holds Grande Salon Auction During Glenmoor Gathering

1912 Edsel Ford Model T Six Cylinder Speedster to Cross the Block CANTON, Ohio - Classic Motorcar Auctions LLC will hold their 3rd annual Grande Salon Auction Sept. 15-16, 2012 during the Glenmoor Gathering event at the historic Glenmoor Country...