SOLD on Jun 29, 2026

Elite Dealer

1950 Mercury Eight

$34,995

Vehicle Details

Make

Mercury

Model

Eight

Year

1950

Mileage

47,350 miles

VIN

50DA55443M

Body Type

Convertible

Transmission

Automatic

Fuel Type

Gasoline

Engine

CHEVY 350 V8

Description

1950 Mercury Custom Chopped Convertible For Sale
Chevy 350 V8 * Ghost Flames * Air Ride
This eye-catching 1950 Mercury Custom Convertible is finished in stunning Cadi Crimson Red with subtle Ghost Flames and complemented by a custom black convertible top. An iconic lead sled, this Merc captures the spirit of traditional custom car culture and turns heads wherever it goes. Powered by a dependable Chevrolet 350 V8 fitted with an upgraded Edelbrock carburetor and paired with a Turbo 400 automatic transmission, this Mercury delivers reliable cruising performance with classic custom styling.

The car features power steering, power brakes, air ride rear suspension, and a host of upgrades that make it an enjoyable driver. Originally built as a coupe, this Mercury underwent an extensive custom transformation beginning in 1980, followed by a comprehensive rebuild in 1991. Additional paint and cosmetic updates were completed in 2004.

The body was professionally chopped approximately 4 inches, creating the unmistakable low-slung profile that has made chopped Mercury customs legendary. The current owner's family has cherished this Mercury for more than 25 years, and it remains a well-sorted custom that is ready to be enjoyed by its next caretaker. Features and Highlights:
* Chevrolet 350 V8 engine
* Edelbrock performance carburetor
* Turbo 400 automatic transmission
* Cadi Crimson Red paint with Ghost Flames
* Custom black convertible top
* Professionally chopped approximately 4 inches
* Air ride rear suspension
* Power steering
* Power brakes
* Monte Carlo front clip
* Chevy 3.55 rear end
* Digital dash
* Disc player audio system
* Heater
This Mercury represents a rare opportunity to own a true custom cruiser with classic lead sled styling and proven V8 power.

The striking chopped profile, custom paint, and quality upgrades make this a standout at any cruise night, car show, or weekend event. For Sale By Owner Located In Bayshore, NY 11706
Trim: Convertible For Sale
Options: Premium Sound System, Vinyl Interior Surface

Mercury Eight Buyer's Guide

Full guide

Jim Vasquez

Hot Rods

1939–1951

~3 min read

Updated Apr 2026

The Mercury Eight was born to be hot-rodded — a factory hot rod from the moment it left Dearborn. With a flathead V8 that out-displaced and out-styled everything Ford offered, the Mercury became the foundation of California custom culture.

This guide covers

✓ 9-point inspection checklist

✓ Common issues & what to avoid

✓ In-person inspection guide

✓ Market pricing by year & condition

✓ 5 FAQs answered

✓ History & fun facts

Read the Full Eight Buyer's Guide

Mercury Eight Market Overview

Based on 24 Mercury Eight listings currently on ClassicCarsArena.com

Listed Now

$46,416

Avg. Asking Price

1940–1951

Year Range

Price Position on Our Site — Average Range

This car: $34,995

Low: $9,095 High: $134,900

Transmission Distribution

Automatic 38% ◄

Manual 50%

Condition Distribution

Excellent 8%

Good 13%

Data from ClassicCarsArena.com listings Browse all 24 listings →

Mercury Eight Buyer's Guide

Jim Vasquez here, and I want to be honest about my bias: the Mercury Eight is my people's car. When guys like Harry Westergard and the Ayala brothers were shaping what custom culture would become, they kept coming back to the same starting point — the Mercury Eight. The proportions were right, the mechanicals were willing, and that flathead V8 just begged to be modified.

The Mercury Eight ran from 1939 through 1951, and every single year produced something special. The pre-war cars (1939–1942) established the template. The postwar cars (1946–1951) refined it, culminating in the 1949–1951 fastback body styles that James Dean made immortal. If you want to understand where hot rodding and custom culture came from, you need to start here.

What to Check Before Buying

✓

Lower Quarter Rust — Inspect lower rear quarter panels and trunk floor area — probe with a pick tool, not just visual inspection.

✓

Floor Pan Condition — Check floor pans from underneath for rust perforation, especially at the sill welds.

✓

Flathead Cooling System — Warm the engine to operating temperature and monitor for overheating — note coolant color and condition.

✓

Head Gasket Condition — Look for white exhaust smoke on warm startup and check oil for coolant contamination (milky appearance).

✓

Body Alignment — Check door gaps and hood alignment — uneven gaps indicate prior collision damage or poor restoration.

✓

Glass & Trim — Inspect all glass for cracks or delamination, and trim pieces for completeness — reproduction quality varies widely.

✓

Brakes — Test hydraulic brakes thoroughly — original systems are cable or early hydraulic, both require careful inspection.

✓

Numbers Matching — Record and verify the engine number against the title — important for concours or insurance valuation.

✓

Drivetrain — Test the 3-speed manual or available overdrive transmission for smooth shifting and no grinding.

Common Issues

Lower rear quarter and trunk floor rust, often severe on unrestored examples. Flathead V8 cooling system failures from corroded water passages in the block. Head gasket failures (modern replacement gaskets are superior to originals). Babbitt main bearing wear on high-mileage engines. Cracked or warped cylinder heads from overheating. Body panel availability issues for pre-1946 models. Correct trim and glass reproduction quality varies by year.

What to Look For

Inspect the lower rear quarters and trunk floor for rust — these are the most expensive areas to repair on a Mercury Eight. Check floor pans and rocker panels from underneath. Verify the flathead V8 runs without overheating — cooling system issues are common and the fix involves pulling the engine in severe cases. Look for cracked cylinder heads from overheating events (look at the top of the block between cylinders). Check body alignment and panel gaps, which reveal previous accident damage or poor restoration work. Confirm authenticity of any claimed numbers-matching drivetrain.

Price Guide

1939–1942 coupes in driver condition: $18,000–$35,000. Concours 1939–1942 cars: $45,000–$75,000+. 1946–1948 cars: $12,000–$28,000 for drivers, $35,000–$55,000 restored. 1949–1951 fastback coupes (the classic custom body): $20,000–$45,000 unmodified drivers, $50,000–$100,000+ for show-quality restorations. Custom-built show cars can exceed $200,000. Convertibles command a 25–40% premium across all years.

Did You Know?

The 1940 Mercury was so well-styled that it reportedly influenced European designers including those at Ferrari. The flathead V8 in Mercury trim was used extensively in early Indianapolis 500 racing — several midget and sprint car racers were flathead-based. James Dean's association with the Mercury Eight through "Rebel Without a Cause" was so powerful that Mercury dealers reportedly saw a sales spike after the film's release, even though Dean drives a Merc in only a few scenes. The 1949 Mercury is one of the most-chopped cars in American custom history — literally hundreds of examples exist with their rooflines lowered 3–5 inches.

Elite Dealer

$34,995