Hi All, Looking to get some help on a value for the Merc below that I'm looking at purchasing. The good: Original 255 flathead Rust free Paint in good condition with only a couple of minor imperfections. The bad: Wipers, turn signals, heater and antenna not working. Slight leak from year main seal. Weeping from rear diff. Unseen spec: 4" dropped spindles and blocks Disc brakes Offenhauser headers Holly 650 Dual exhaust 12v Thanks!
I deliberately didn't post as I was looking to get independent views rather than 'yeah that's about right'. It's located in California.
Great looking car, beautiful interior. What engine does it have? The only thing that would bother me is the non working turn signals. I never use the heater/blower in my Mercury. Mine also has non working wipers and radio and there is always some drops of oil under it.
It's got the original 255 flathead (just updated the initial post). As I'm based in the UK I'd definitely need the wipers/heater come winter, but wouldn't need to be fixed immediately. Any suggestions on value?
I’ve no idea on value, but will do ya a solid. Since I’m in California, I’d (for no charge) drive it around for a month or two, you know, just to let you know what to expect before you get it. Hate for you to be surprised about something. Ya, that’s the kinda guy I am, always willing to help another out.
I am from Austria, our weather is probably even worse, with snow and everything. But I won't drive mine in winter, only until October, then again starting in May. They are throwing tons of salt on our streets, so driving in winter is a no-go. I'd say 35.000 because it's "only" a 4-door and with the things not working and a problem with the rear end ahead. The original flathead to some is a pro, to others it's a con. It's not the fastest car with that engine and parts and everything is expensive. I know because mine also has the original engine. Does it have an original gearbox w/overdrive or something more modern?
Thanks! Winters aren't quite as bad here, so I could potentially keep using it. Yes original gearbox with overdrive. I wouldn't be doing any long distance trips in it, so I'm happy with the original engine and transmission.
Without an in person look at I would would hesitate a value Need more pictures, especially the underside maybe a local HAMBer would be willing to look it over for you Looks like a very nice car, If it spent its entire life in California it may be totally rust free
I've had it inspected and it's rust free. The only areas that need attention are listed in my initial post. Was just looking to get some rough estimates to ensure I'm not paying over the odds.
Okay, so you’ve had it inspected by a place/person you have faith in. That’s good. Maybe that person/place would recommend an appraiser as well.
I personally love the flathead but for many buyers that brings down the value. 4 doors definitely reduces value. Nice looking car from pictures, but I would think $20k as a value. Look forward to hearing other’s opinions as it helps calibrate me.
It really is tough to value a car with just 2 pictures... why are you afraid to tell us the asking price??
Before I read the last comment I was going to say $30K, or high 20's, assuming it's as nice as it looks. You can get a pretty decent coupe in that price range, or an extra nice 4 door sedan like this one. The asking price seems like a fair market value.
If you love the colour, love the spots, can accept the 4 doors, love the lakes pipes, love the original drivetrain, love the original seats you would have likely bought it without our input. There was a more door here in Toronto for 11 Canadian dollars, I did not go see it, and it needed some work. I don’t know how hard you have to work for your money, seems a little rich to me, I would spend my 30 plus shipping elsewhere, but most of my stuff is projects waiting to happen, so take that into account.
Discounting 4dr vs 2dr, a person would have a tough time getting a car looking like that for 30k. The paint, interior, bright work would exceed that I think.
He is taking offers now, granted absolutely not the same calibre of car but you will likely have 20 us to make it what you want with craftsmen you have trust in. Google kijiji 51 mercury Ontario Canada and it should come up. It won’t let me post the picture.
Do you mean this one? https://www.kijiji.ca/v-classic-cars/city-of-toronto/1951-mercury-sedan-best-offer/1656602533 Much more of a project than I'm looking for, doesn't look like it's got the original engine, and what on earth is that steering wheel?
Looks like it was swapped onto a mid 80's GM chassis. Was a pretty common swap in the 80's and 90's. Cut the floor pan out of both vehicles and mate the merc body to the GM chassis. Problem being different track width and wheel base.
The Merc in the ad looks cobbled together. The electrical stuff in the engine bay and the steering wheel/column are a hint of the other terrible things that might come forward.
You'd spend $50K+ to get the Kijiji one near as nice as the one that now is no longer for sale. If you've got the money up front, a nice finished car like that is really the way to go. More will come up for sale, you'll get one.
Yup, that’s the one. Stimulated some discussion. It seems Anthony Myrick has his for sale. I hope you get a car to scratch your itch.
4 doors = minimum 25% deduct from what a very similar 2 door would go for except maybe in Australia where they seem to favor moredoors. That 60 K that Busted Knuckles tossed out and that is in Florida $$ minus 25 % comes out to 45K US and that would be right at the top of what i see it's value as unless there are reasons to boost or lower that. 35/45 K max.