1948 Mercury Wagon

West Coast Classics are proud to present an absolutely beautiful example of this all American classic 1948 Mercury Eight Woody Station Wagon, a truly exceptional surviving example with the highly desirable 255 CID V8 Mercury engine as opposed to the Ford 239 CID V8 in 'Taffy Brown' with its very rare all original Red leather interior and original hand selected Bird's Eye Maple Wood and with this example having been previously part of the legendary 'Nick Alexander Woody Collection' in California. Acquired by Nick Alexander in 1996 and both mechanically and cosmetically refurbished by his curators as required with the rare original 'Birdseye Maple Wood' being beautifully restored . The wagon will be sold with a magazine featuring it, manuafacturer's literature and a Rogue award. 255 CI Flathead V-8 engine Columbia two speed rear end differential Oil-bath air cleaner and oil filter Column shifted 3-speed manual transmission 'Taffy Brown' exterior with Maple Woodgrain panels Red leather 3-row interior Fold down 2nd row seat and removable 3rd row Wood trimmed door cardsEarly Ford V8 Club of America Rouge Award/National Merit Award Winner Henry Ford famously instructed his workers at the Iron Mountain plant to set aside the prized pieces of Birdseye and Tiger Striped lumber to be used only on Special Jobs, usually friends or important business associates. This particular example boasts its original Birdseye wood. The Red leather seats are also all original and whilst obviously showing some minor signs of wear, which is very minimal, the patina must be considered quite beautiful and highly sought after and which should prove most desirable and an extraordinarily rare accompaniment for the most discerning of collectors! The engine, transmission, and Columbia 2 speed rear end were rebuilt and the brakes and suspension were serviced as required. The V8 was upgraded with a new radiator, electric fuel pump, and Fenton headers with dual exhaust. The wagon drives as good as it looks with the 2 speed Columbia rear differential making highway speeds attainable. Documented with receipts, a magazine feature, and notes during ownership. 70,000 miles believed to be original. Power comes from a 255ci flathead V8 paired with a two-speed automatic transmission, and additional equipment includes a wooden split tailgate, sliding rear side windows, as well as a push-button AM radio and a Merco-Therm ventilation and heating system. 15steel wheels with chrome hubcaps and trim rings are mounted with 225/75 Coker Classic wide-whitewall tires. A covered spare is mounted to the split tailgate, and braking is provided by four-wheel drums. The cabin features a split front bench and two rear benches upholstered in the same all original 'Red' leather upholstery. Matching materials line the ceiling, and the doors, tailgate, and side panels are trimmed with refinished wood. Equipment includes an AM radio along with a Merco-Therm ventilation and heating system. The two-spoke steering wheel features a chrome horn ring and frames a 110-mph speedometer, auxiliary gauges, and an analog clock. The 255ci flathead V8 features a single downdraft carburetor with an offset oil-bath air cleaner. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a Merc-o-Matic two-speed automatic transmission. The first woodies were manufactured in the early 1900s by local coach makers. As was customary for all coach builders they bought chassis without bodies and then constructed and crafted the bodies out of wood themselves. The coach makers would then sell these bespoke creations to local business owners who would use them to transport guests to and from the train stations and local resorts and attractions and later airports. These wagons were multi-seat transporters, with room for up to 8 passengers plus luggage and this early usage led to the vehicles being known first as depot hacks, referring to the depots and the old horse-drawn carriage nickname of \"hack\". The woody continued to grow