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Technical Help with '50 Merc value

Discussion in 'Traditional Customs' started by MattCUK, May 25, 2023.

  1. MattCUK
    Joined: May 9, 2023
    Posts: 34

    MattCUK
    Member

    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

    P1390605.JPG FB_IMG_1684005951694.jpg

    Thanks!
     
    Last edited: May 25, 2023
  2. What do they want for it?
     
  3. MattCUK
    Joined: May 9, 2023
    Posts: 34

    MattCUK
    Member

    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.
     
    chryslerfan55 likes this.
  4. 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.
     
    chryslerfan55 likes this.
  5. MattCUK
    Joined: May 9, 2023
    Posts: 34

    MattCUK
    Member

    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?
     
    chryslerfan55 and Surfcityrocker like this.
  6. Busted Knuckles
    Joined: Dec 1, 2004
    Posts: 1,824

    Busted Knuckles
    Member

    Looks like 60k from here
     
  7. Budget36
    Joined: Nov 29, 2014
    Posts: 15,021

    Budget36
    Member

    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.
     
  8. 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?


     
  9. MattCUK
    Joined: May 9, 2023
    Posts: 34

    MattCUK
    Member


    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.
     
    chryslerfan55 likes this.
  10. CSPIDY
    Joined: Nov 15, 2020
    Posts: 888

    CSPIDY
    Member

    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
     
  11. MattCUK
    Joined: May 9, 2023
    Posts: 34

    MattCUK
    Member

    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.
     
  12. Budget36
    Joined: Nov 29, 2014
    Posts: 15,021

    Budget36
    Member

    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.
     
  13. bantam
    Joined: Oct 16, 2006
    Posts: 417

    bantam
    Member

    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.
     
    chryslerfan55 and MattCUK like this.
  14. Moriarity
    Joined: Apr 11, 2001
    Posts: 35,943

    Moriarity
    SUPER MODERATOR
    Staff Member

    It really is tough to value a car with just 2 pictures... why are you afraid to tell us the asking price??
     
    Toms Dogs, Surfcityrocker and MattCUK like this.
  15. tubman
    Joined: May 16, 2007
    Posts: 7,940

    tubman
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    Did you miscount the number of doors?
     
    Mr48chev, CSPIDY, X38 and 2 others like this.
  16. MattCUK
    Joined: May 9, 2023
    Posts: 34

    MattCUK
    Member

    Not afraid, just think it might skew people's estimates.

    It's up for $30k USD.
     
    chryslerfan55 and Moriarity like this.
  17. Squablow
    Joined: Apr 26, 2005
    Posts: 18,243

    Squablow
    Member

    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.
     
  18. BJR
    Joined: Mar 11, 2005
    Posts: 11,007

    BJR
    Member

    $25,000
     
    31Apickup likes this.
  19. 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.
     
    chryslerfan55 likes this.
  20. Budget36
    Joined: Nov 29, 2014
    Posts: 15,021

    Budget36
    Member

    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.
     
  21. 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.
     
    chryslerfan55 likes this.
  22. MattCUK
    Joined: May 9, 2023
    Posts: 34

    MattCUK
    Member

    Seller has decided he's not selling it anymore, so onto the next one. Thanks for your help everyone.
     
    Squablow likes this.
  23. MattCUK
    Joined: May 9, 2023
    Posts: 34

    MattCUK
    Member


    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?
     
    chryslerfan55 and Squablow like this.
  24. 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.
     
  25. 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.
     
    X38 and Squablow like this.
  26. Squablow
    Joined: Apr 26, 2005
    Posts: 18,243

    Squablow
    Member

    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.
     
  27. 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.
     
  28. Mine is a beater project.
    But nothing 2 or 3 sheets of 18 gauge and a welder can’t handle :)
     
    Toms Dogs, Budget36, SS327 and 3 others like this.
  29. shivasdad
    Joined: May 27, 2007
    Posts: 586

    shivasdad
    ALLIANCE MEMBER
    from Texas

    I've got one like that as well.
     
  30. Mr48chev
    Joined: Dec 28, 2007
    Posts: 35,546

    Mr48chev
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    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.
     

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