Auto World 1949 Mercury Eight

Made of diecast metal

Features Include:
• Opening doors, and hood
• Accurate interior and chassis
• Steerable front wheels
• Detailed engine

The first postwar Mercury was introduced in the 1949 model year. The flathead V8 was upped to 255 CID and now producing 110 horsepower—slightly more power than the also newly designed 1949 Ford Coupe. A new overdrive system was optional, activated by a handle under the dash. The Mercury Eight used full instrumentation found in round dials, two on either side of the large central speedometer, and an optional eight-tube radio and electric clock were centered on the dashboard. 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. The 1949 Mercury Eight production totaled an astounding 301,307 units, far and away Mercury's best ever year.