History is ironic. This car’s design, the last by the talented E.T. “Bob” Gregorie for Ford Motor Company, was intended to be the 1949 Ford. During the development process, however, Ford’s new post-war management argued for a lighter, all-new Ford, and the result was the slab-sided “shoe box” of George Walker. The rejected Gregorie car became the 1949 Mercury instead. Introduced on 29 April 1948, it was among the first of the all-new post-war styles to appear, leading the shoe box Ford by more than a month.

For 1950, Mercury received a few trim revisions and a new dashboard. The following year the line was given a more Lincolnesque appearance by lengthening the rear fenders and giving the grille wrap-around edges. The horsepower of the 255-cu. in. flathead V-8 was boosted by a notch to 112 bhp.

This 1951 Mercury convertible coupe was purchased from a Canadian owner in 2011. Built at Ford Motor’s Metuchen, New Jersey, plant, it is one of 6,759 convertibles produced that year. Beautifully restored in a royal blue that is very close to Mercury’s Admiral Blue, it is equipped with radio, heater, power windows, dual spotlights, rear fender skirts, and a front bumper over-rider. Wide-whitewall tires are mounted on red wheels with full wheel covers. Body contours are correct and panel fit is good. The tan canvas convertible top is in good condition. The interior matches the blue of the body, even to the carpet on the floor, with tan seat cushions matching the door accents. Mileage showing is not quite 9,500, and believed to be since restoration. The engine compartment is clean and correctly detailed, with the exception of a few fasteners and some of the wiring.

One of Mr. Guyton’s favorite collection cars, it was driven frequently. With overdrive fitted to the three-speed manual transmission, it can easily cruise on all highways and is surely a delight to drive.