Equipment
3-speed, no radio (the radio frequency labels are on the clear panel but there's no radio dial behind them), heater, dual Mercury remote spotlights, wide hubcaps and trim rings, wide whitewalls, '51 Mercury fender skirts with a set of stock '50 skirts inc
Condition
22,923 miles and all original. Very good original paint with some small flaws, scrapes and tiny edge chips. Clean original engine compartment and chassis. Even the cardboard trunk cards are pristine. The upholstery is flawless, as are the original floor mats and carpets. The chrome isn't perfect but is more than good enough to be kept as is. The engine compartment is clean and orderly. Panel fits are like new. Early Ford V-8 Club Rouge Award for originality. Skeptical about the glistening paint? There's a chip on the left front fender where the hood nicked it and there is no discernable evidence of earlier factory paint. Amazing.
Market commentary
This Merc was the surprise of the auction, a vehicle that is lucky to have escaped the attentions of would-be George Barrises. Its originality is eye-opening and so was the bidding on it which stalled early in the high 20's, then took off between two determined bidders to this final result, double the low estimate. It is expensive, but there is not likely to be another one out there like it and it is just used enough to be driven sparingly with minimal effect upon its condition or value. The bidders' judgment rules: this is 'market', at least for this original and well-preserved car.