1951 Mercury Sedan Lead Sled
Description
Sam Barris created one of the first lead sleds in the late 1940s—and with it, an important chapter in hot rodding history. Sam was a car customizer at Barris Customs with his brother George. While George rose to fame for many custom builds including the DRAG-U-LA for “The Munsters” and the Batmobile for the “Batman” TV series, Sam’s contribution to hot rod culture was the unique customization of his 1949 Mercury Club Coupe, which wowed the crowds at the 1951 Oakland Roadster Show.
Lead sleds were built from various makes but centered on 1949-51 Mercury Eights. They were instantly recognizable for their lowered stance and customized paint, with many receiving chopped tops, custom grilles, frenched-in lights, and body panels modified with lead filler, hence the term lead sled. Front fenders were sometimes molded to the grille surround; rear fenders could be smoothed, with the fins shaved. Combined with additional mods like wheel covers, lake pipes, and highly customized interiors, it’s easy to see why lead sleds are so unique and highly sought after today.
This fiery 1951 Mercury Sedan lead sled features classic-look suicide doors and custom paint, updated drivetrain, suspension, and brakes, and modern conveniences like air conditioning.
Highlights
Classic lead sled sedan with updated drivetrain and modern creature comforts
350 cu-in small-block Chevy V8
TH400 three-speed automatic transmission
Nosed and decked, with side trim shaved
Finished in satin black with black and white interior
Custom flames and stripes paint job by Hot Rod Walt
Suicide doors, lake pipes, and hood louvers
Air conditioning and power steering
Features
Checker ’59 Lancer hubcaps, Coker whitewalls, dummy spotlights, wiper deletes, and custom visor
Roll and pleat upholstery, custom steering wheel, knee knocker, loop carpet, and star pattern headliner
New 12-volt electrical system with trunk-mounted battery and 150-amp alternator
Dakota Digital dash, and aftermarket stereo
Edelbrock intake manifold and carb, Lunati Voodoo cam, Accel ignition, finned valve covers and air cleaner
Aluminum radiator and pusher/puller electric fans
New front disc, rear drum brake system
New lowered suspension with the proper springs
Dana 44 rear axle with 3.08 gears
Known Imperfections
Paint chip on hood by louvers
Paint chips by driver side headlight and front fender
Light scuffing on chrome bumpers
Minor rust spots on rear bumper
Minor oil leak around oil pan
Interior and exterior brightwork shows wear commensurate with its age
Needs driver side window regulator
Included
Keys
Spare tire
Stereo remote
Ownership History
Consignor states that he purchased this 1951 Mercury Sedan from previous owner Sonny Farmer, who found it in Bakersfield, California. The previous owner had Moore’s Hot Rods in Dallas handle the bodywork, and had Cheryl Lyons do the roll and pleat upholstery. The previous owner then did some mechanical upgrades, after which the body was finished in satin black. Then it was taken to Hot Rod Walt for custom flames. The consignor states that the registration is current, the miles shown are since the gauges were installed, and this car will provide many fun memories.
Additional Notes
A Broad Arrow Auctions Specialist is working as an agent on behalf of the owner of this vehicle. Broad Arrow Auctions is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hagerty.
Contact: Tim Rollinger Phone: 912.596.2099 email: trollinger@hagerty.com
