1946 Mercury 69M Two-Door Sedan Coupe
Video Gallery
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1946 Mercury 69M 2 Door Coupe Test Drive
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1946 Mercury 69M 2 Door Coupe Idling
Description
The 1946 Mercury 69M, part of the Mercury Eight series, marked the resumption of civilian automobile production after World War II. With production halted during the war, the 1946 models were essentially updated versions of the pre-war designs. The 69M featured a new grille with thin vertical bars and a larger body-colored trim piece, giving it a refreshed look.
Under the hood, the 1946 Mercury 69M was powered by a 239 cubic-inch L-head V-8 engine, producing 100 horsepower at 3,800 rpm. This engine was paired with a three-speed manual transmission, as the Liquamatic Drive automatic option was no longer available. The car's design included various body styles, such as a sportsman convertible, sedan, sedan coupe, and a station wagon.
Despite post-war production challenges, including labor disputes and material shortages, Mercury managed to produce 86,597 units of the 69M. The car was well-received, helping Mercury secure the 12th spot among American car manufacturers in ’46.
This 1946 Mercury 69M Two-Door Sedan Coupe has remained in the same California family for 50 years. The second owner, the consignor’s father, bought it from the original owner in the early 1970s and performed a frame-up restoration from 1995-1998.
Highlights
Finished in Dynamic Maroon paint over tan cloth upholstery trimmed in brown leather
Powered by a 239 cu-in V8 rated at 100 horsepower
Three-speed manual transmission
Recently rebuilt carburetor
Other upgrades to improve performance in parades:
6V positive pressure electric fuel pump to provide adequate pressure
12V fan to provide extra air flow (powered by battery in trunk)
Two dash switches installed to control those two units
Features
Engine No. 99A-1312576 indicates 1946 model
Rebuilt original Philco AM radio
Original aftermarket Stewart-Warner South Wind heater (works)
Dash instrumentation: 110 mph speedometer, five-digit odometer, and gauges for fuel level, oil pressure, battery amps, and water temperature
Hydraulic drum brakes
Transverse leaf spring suspension
Coker Classic 8.70-15 four-ply poly tubeless wide whitewall tires
Known Imperfections
Multiple imperfections on the original paint, commensurate with the age of the vehicle
Small imperfections on the grille caused by road debris
Some minor cracking on the steering wheel
Light scuff on the right side of the passenger door card
Included
1942-1948 Mercury shop manual
1942-1948 Ford/Lincoln/Mercury service manual
Cover from California Car Cover Co.
Radio antenna
Numerous spare parts including fuel pumps, water pumps, starter, brake master, and other small parts
Ownership History
This 1946 Mercury 69M Two-Door Sedan Coupe has been in the same family for more than 50 years. The consignor’s father (a B17 pilot in World War II) purchased it from the original owner, a single woman who only drove the car to church on Sundays. “My father did a frame-up restoration from 1995-1998 after he retired from teaching. All interior fabrics were replaced with Mercury standard fabric materials and colors (from LeBaron Bonney Company). After the restoration it was only driven in local parades and to car shows, and it has been driven approximately 5,000 miles since the restoration.” The Mercury has been garaged most of its existence and has been stored with limited run time for the past 15 years.