History Looking for history on this 1940 Mercury Convertible

I bought this mercury over the weekend at an estate auction the owner had passed. He bought the car 20-15 years ago in Arizona. Has a lot of lead work done to it. It was rear ended at some point and im sure they parked it after that. Looks to be a Green paint job at one time. Bill Hines name was mentioned a few time and phone number of Bills was on a photo of the car in its current state. Thanks jeb

 

Cool find!

 

Very cool, no history for you but I’m curious as well!

 

Super neat car. The grille positioning is very unique, should help ID it.

 

I think the best thing for that is to cut the bottom off flush with the fenders, or put a stock grill back in it.

 

Too bad your photos aren’t full size so we could see details.

 

I’ll see what I can do. I thought they were.

 

Those little scoops at the bottom of the grille look familiar, but I can’t say where.

 

Might try Rik Hoving's or Kustomrama's website.

 

Front end reminds me of Ron Martinez's 39 Coupe.

 

It may have been styled after his up front, and no running boards. But the body isn’t channeled or fenders raised up.

 

I’d drive it

 

Wonder what was going on with all the holes on either side of the grille?

 

Did it come with any bumpers ?? wonder what they were planning on using

later kb

 

It had ribbed bumpers on it, but pervious owner took them off and sold them.

 

Must have overheated, I don’t think they would have helped any.

 

Kool find or maybe you’ve known about the car and the time was right to buy it . Looks Kool . Hope you get some answers about its history

 

Man the front end looks way better with the bumper on!

 

To find out if Bill Hines had anything to do with the car, contact Teddy Z. He is Bill's nephew.

 

Thanks Mark

 

I will look him up thanks.

 

His business is Advance Storage in Romulus, Michigan.

 

Talked to Teddy Z this morning and sent him pictures. Waiting on word back of the car brings back any memories. Very nice guy to talk to. Thanks @carcruse

 

You are welcome. Yes, he is a easy to talk to and a great guy.

 

that one picture looks like it has been a flyer on a swap meet vendor stand with bill h. phone number on it so it looks like he had something to do with it at one time to me. or at least maybe playing a middle man and trying to sell it for someone else for x amount but then offer to rebuild it for x amount more?

 

As much as I like that grill, I would have to say that most likely the engine would overheat quickly and often. Cooling these 39,40 Fords and Merc's with a stock grill can be a challenge.

 

I'm guessing that's what the holes next to the grill are for.

 

So I talked to both Bill Hines nephew Teddy Z, and Bills grandson Mitch. They both don’t think it came from the hands of Bills. As things are looking to wrap up for the history search the title came in. Last registered in 1960 in Phoenix Arizona. Anyone know any car guys from that area please let me know. Thanks, I did look up the lady, she is 97, but that’s all the info I have.

 

Give her a call!