112 hp, 255 cu. in. flathead V-8 engine, Holley two-barrel carburetor, three-speed manual transmission with overdrive, coil spring independent front suspension, semi-elliptic rear springs with live axle, and hydraulic four-wheel drum brakes. Wheelbase: 118"

• Convertible-only Vassar Yellow

• 66,805 original miles

• One of only 50 known survivors

• Fully equipped with nearly every factory option

The 1949-51 Mercurys have been known as the “James Dean” car ever since the actor made the teen thriller Rebel Without a Cause in 1955. The models were also loved by hot-rodders, and many of the 300,000 sedans and even more coupes were turned into “lead sleds.” Of course, such customizing terminology as “nosed,” “decked” and “Frenched” entered the vernacular.

Convertibles, however, were far rarer, with only 31,865 made in the three-year run of this model. There were few changes made year to year, and the 1951 model received a streamlined grille bar and vertical taillights. Selling for a base price of $2,597, the 1951 convertibles are the rarest, with only 6,759 delivered. According to the Early Ford V-8 Register, only about 50 of the 1951 convertibles survive, and this must surely be one of the best. With only 66,805 original miles, it has never been modified and was previously owned by a museum in Florida.

Finished in the rare convertible-only color of Vassar Yellow, this Mercury has a black/red leather interior and a black Haartz cloth top with red piping. This car is powered by a 255-cubic inch flathead V-8 motor and three-speed manual transmission with overdrive, and it is fitted with power windows and a power seat. It has an extensive list of options, which includes radio, heater, rocker moldings, cowl scuff plates, a front grille guard, rear bumper guards, an exhaust deflector and gas door guard. The car rides on BF Goodrich wide whitewall tires, carries ribbed rear fender skirts and is fitted with turn signals.

The combination of the most desirable color, low mileage, known provenance and a sensitive restoration performed as-needed make this a very desirable opportunity and a rare and excellent example for a collector of ’50s convertibles.