Category: Uncategorised

25Aug

1950 Mercury Eight

25 Aug 2017

The first postwar Mercury was introduced in the 1949 model year. The engine was a flathead V8 that produced slightly more power than the then also newly designed 1949 Ford. A new overdrive system was optional, activated by a handle under the dash. The styling of the Mercury Eight, when it was released in 1949, adopted the “pontoon” appearance, and was successful in both ending the monotony of warmed-over pre-war style, and differentiating Mercury from its comparable Ford cousin, a trick that spelled sales success. Sales figures for both Ford and Mercury broke records in 1949. The new approach to styling was also evident on the completely redesigned Lincoln and the all-new Lincoln Cosmopolitan. The Mercury Eight used full instrumentation.  An 8 tube radio was an option. The Mercury was an up-scale car and quite a performer in its time. (Extracted from Wikipedia)

There are very few preserved Mercury’s of this era to be seen today. This body style became very popular with customizers – the shape somehow stirred their imaginations and many variations show up at car shows across North America. Years 1949, 1950 and 1951 show gradual design feature changes until a major redesign showed up in 1952. In Canada a virtual clone was called the Monarch. Most of its variations were trim designs.

This Mercury Eight Sport Sedan from 1950 is a remarkable and accurate restoration – the exception being the striking colours. The owners Linda and Dave Goff just won another Best-In-Show award at a car show in Ontario. Linda picked the colours and interior while Dave looked after the outside – restored in 1997 including new fenders, rocker panels and a rebuild on the 255 Cu In. Flathead V8.

Dave says the overdrive kicks down a cog if you need passing power – push the accelerator to the floor and it drops down to regular third gear, let the pedal up and it shifts back to overdrive. Overdrive works in second gear also but is seldom used that way. Linda laughs at the vacuum wipers – step on the gas and the wipers slow down – not good for passing slower cars in the rain!

The other shortcoming was pretty normal in the 50’s – no synchromesh in first gear. So, rolling stops before shifting into low gear are not preferred.

30Jul

1955 Cadillac Coupe DeVille

30 Jul 2017

Styling and performance excellence of the 1955 Cadillac coupe extended the margin of Cadillac’s dominance as the world’s best-selling luxury car. The body style of this particular model was introduced in 1954. It features wrap-around panoramic windshield, a flowing Florentine curve roof line, a weather seal “flipper” above each door glass and higher tail fins. The fuel filler cap continues to be concealed beneath the left tail lamp. The dual exhaust system exits through the rear bumper ends. Chrome-plated aluminum
“saber spoke” wheels were available.

Engine: 331 CID V8, 250 horsepower

Base Price in 1955: $4,305

(Excerpted from Wikipedia)

This immaculate Cadillac was discovered at a country car show in Ontario with its owners enjoying the  beautiful warm day and talking to other car buffs about their treasures.

This car was acquired (by it’s current owners) in 1979 in Calgary, Canada and driven on only sunny days for a year, then stored in British Columbia. These are the 5th owners of this car. Its first owners were in San Francisco California, then it was moved to Oregon then Calgary, then British Columbia, and since 2005 it resides in Ontario. This Cadillac has 81,000 miles on it.

In 1991 a complete mechanical restoration plan began but that effort was slowed by having to locate the replacement of some stolen engine parts. Between 2006 and 2009 the restoration was finished. The paint and trim is accurate and the detail really becomes evident in the upholstery where the craftsmen at RM Restorations in Chatham, Ontario painstakingly measured each button and its placement so that all squares are exactly perfect. The new steering wheel cost $1800 alone and the colour of the leather hand grips dictated a repaint of the interior metal trim to match. The wire wheels are real also and the huge trunk is totally reupholstered as if it just came from the Cadillac factory. The whole car is restored to as close to original as possible.

“The power”, say the owners, “is more than adequate”. You find the nicest cars and the nicest people at some of these classic car gatherings!