1951 Mercury Eight Coupe Custom

51SL77630MroadUnited States

Engine: 255 cu in flathead V8, Offenhauser heads, dual-carburetor intake, paired with 3-speed manual gearbox
Colour: Black

A 1951 Mercury Eight Coupe customised in the classic American 'lead sled' tradition, featuring shaved door handles, a relocated fuel filler, adjustable rear shocks, Appleton spotlights, Cadillac hubcaps, and a flathead V-8 upgraded with Offenhauser heads and dual carburetion. The car carries Barris Kustoms fender badges, though its early build history is unverified. Maintenance records from 2015 to 2018 accompany the car, which presents in black with a white and red interior.

Ownership

—Auction sale
Estimate US$175,000 – US$225,000
RM Sotheby's catalogue lot →
Date unknownAcquisition unknown
Current consignor
partial documentation
Kept the vehicle in careful condition; maintenance records and receipts covering 2015 through 2018 accompany the car.

Competition

No competition history extracted from the catalogue.

Maintenance & restoration

2015
Service
Ongoing maintenance carried out between 2015 and 2018, supported by receipts and service records retained by the consignor.
Records span 2015 to 2018; specific work details not described in the catalogue.
—Modification
Barris Kustoms (attributed via badges; full build history unconfirmed)
Custom build involving door handle removal, fuel filler relocation to trunk interior, fitment of adjustable rear shocks, Appleton spotlights, 1957 Cadillac hubcaps, and whitewall tyres. Engine modified with Offenhauser heads, dual-carburettor intake, and chromed engine bay dress components including generator, air filters, oil filter canister, and breather cap; electric cooling fans added.
Early build history and contributing shops are not documented; Barris Kustoms attribution is based solely on fender badges.

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