No doubt the Mercury’s cameo role in the 1955 James Dean movie Rebel Without a Cause was responsible for the vogue that befell the 1949–1951 models. The basic form became a favorite of customizers, as its rounded lines lent themselves to the removal of trim and the “frenching” of lights into the fenders. In some locales, custom Mercs seemed to outnumber stock examples.

This part of history is ironic. The design, the last by the talented E.T. “Bob” Gregorie for the Ford Motor Company, was intended to be the 1949 Ford. During the development process, Ford’s new post-war management argued for a lighter and all-new Ford, and the result was the slab-sided “shoe box” of George Walker. The rejected Gregorie car became the 1949 Mercury.

For 1951, it was given a more “Lincolnesque” appearance by lengthening the rear fenders and giving the grille wraparound edges, and the horsepower of the flathead V-8 was boosted by a notch.

This painted black 1951 Mercury Convertible Coupe has excellent contours and its finish exhibits a deep shine. The LeBaron Bonney interior is presented in red and black leather, which is excellent throughout. The car is equipped with a radio, heater, clock, windshield washers and power windows. Rear fender skirts have been added, as well as dual windshield post spotlights and door-mounted mirrors. The optional overdrive gives it longer legs on the highway. The Mercury is powered by a 255.4-cid,112-hp L-head V-8 engine and its compartment is clean and correctly detailed, even down to the hose clamps, but it is not overdone. Dual exhausts have been installed, and BFGoodrich wide whitewall Silvertowns, in the correct 7.10-15 size, complete the package.

Jim Stark, Dean’s character in Rebel, did not drive a stock Mercury, let alone a convertible, but if he’d seen this one, he might have.