Modern Classic: 1949-51 Mercury Coupe

To qualify as "modern classics," we've chosen vehicles that are comparatively affordable now and that we think will increase in value over time. These are cars that many people would love to have: head-turners, trend-setters in their time, cars that people still see that make them smile, cars that were definitive in their own right, stylish and fun to drive. We're focusing on cars that are at least 25 years old so they can be registered and insured cheaply and aren't subject to annual inspections.


Tastes may vary, as may people's own definitions of "affordable." Our theoretical limit is $50,000 for a car in good to excellent condition, which rules out many of the traditional exotics. This month's selection is the 1949-51 Mercury Coupe.

History
James Dean drove one in "Rebel Without A Cause." George Barris customized dozens of them in the mid-1950s. The 1949-51 Mercury's bulbous but enduring lines highlighted the division's first real break with tradition. Prewar and early postwar Mercs had shared Ford bodyshells. For 1949, the new Model 9CM Mercury received the same body and chassis as the little Lincoln. And that made a big difference.


Ford Division's ambitious postwar plans had been to stretch wheelbases from 114 to 118 inches. When cost analyses indicated that platform would be too expensive as a Ford, tooling had already been authorized, so the decision was made to use the larger bodyshells to better showcase the newest Mercury. An identical shell was used for Lincoln's 121-inch wheelbase 9EL models. (Lincoln Cosmopolitans had different bodies on longer 125-inch wheelbases.)


Styling chief (and yacht designer) Bob Gregorie's design was a noticeable departure from his classic, nautically influenced 1942-48 Fords and Mercurys with their pronounced fender catwalks and repetitive trim strips. Unlike the breakthrough but slab-sided 1949 Fords, the new Mercury boasted fadeaway fenders. Sedans had front-opening "suicide" rear doors. A massive grille, flanked by large parking lights, gave an illusion of greater width.