Mercury had established itself early on as an upper middle class brand carving a much needed niche between Ford and Lincoln. Dubbed “Mercury” after the swift Roman god, the nameplate caught on with the American buying public immediately winning customers over from Oldsmobile and Pontiac without losing Ford and Lincoln’s core customer. The brainchild of Edsel Ford, it was a huge success and thrust Ford into the middle of the fray to become the top U.S. automaker. By 1941, Mercury advertising headlines proclaimed that “It’s made 150,000 owners change cars!” However, the clouds of war loomed ahead and automotive production soon ceased. Following WWII, the sun began to shine brightly upon Ford once again. The Mercury borrowed more styling cues from big brother Lincoln, and 1953 saw the 40 millionth Ford vehicle off the line; a 1953 Mercury convertible.

This particular example is possibly better equipped than that spectacular milestone Ford, as it is laden with features and options that might even make Edsel envious. It has been updated with a 302-cid V-8, nicely installed, with modern air conditioning, a C-6 automatic, power steering and brakes, and dual exhaust. Other enhancements include an AM/FM cassette radio, leather-wrapped tilt steering wheel, updated seats and upholstery and a power folding top. Meanwhile the brilliant yellow exterior is adorned with dual spotlights, Continental kit, fender skirts and Kelsey-Hayes style wire wheels mounted with wide whitewall tires. In all, it is a very elegant Mercury that has been carefully transformed into a more roadworthy cruiser. With fewer than 8,500 convertibles constructed, one will not likely be passed by another anytime soon.