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November 4, 1938 – Ford Motor Company debuts Mercury
This Day

November 4, 1938 – Ford Motor Company debuts Mercury

1939 Mercury. By Sicnag - CC BY 2.0 Ford Motor Company unveiled its new mid-priced automobile brand Mercury on this day in 1938 at a public showing in Grosse Pointe, Michigan. Championed by Edsel Ford, Mercury sought to fill the gap between more affordable Fords and luxury Lincolns. The market for this type of car had been proven by its primary competitors, such as Oldsmobile, Buick and Chrysler. In its debut year nearly 66,000 Mercurys went home to new buyers, who could have one for as little as $916 about $18,000 in 2022. While Mercury received unique bodies in its early years, it soon began to share lines with its Ford and Lincoln kin. Following WWII, the brand received an all new body in 1949, kicking off what would become a relatively successful decade. In 1950 the 1,000,000th...
August 8, 1938 – Ford registers Mercury
This Day

August 8, 1938 – Ford registers Mercury

On this day in 1938 Ford Motor Company registered Mercury as a trademark. Mercury aimed to bridge the gap between Ford’s V8 cars and its luxury lineup from Lincoln. The first Mercurys were released for the 1939 model year and were an instant hit. They featured a distinct body that differentiated them from the current Fords or Lincolns. The alternative styling didn’t last long. From 1941 onward, nearly all Mercury vehicles shared components and style with either Fords or Lincolns. Mercury was championed by Henry Ford's son, Edsel. Its main competitors would be Oldsmobile and Buick from GM and Chrysler. For the 1939 model year, nearly 66,000 Mercurys left sales lots. With a starting price of $916, equal to about $16,800 today, consumers were able to get a lot of car for decent mone...
January 4, 2011 – The last Mercury car
Automotive

January 4, 2011 – The last Mercury car

Introduced by Edsel Ford in 1938 for the 1939 model year, Mercury was promoted as a premium brand from Ford Motor Co. By filling the gap between low-priced Ford and high-priced Lincoln, Ford now had a vehicle for every budget. Following an initial push of the all new car, Mercury became an option hound. Meaning, by the 1942 model year, Mercury shared much of its body with Ford, but offered upscale trim options. Its products would essentially follow that trend for the next 70 years. Above: 1939 Mercury ad. Top: A final generation Mercury Grand Marquis, similar to the last Mercury. The Origins of Mercury Cars 1949 Mercury Eight Mercury was championed by Henry Ford’s son, Edsel. Its main competitors would be General Motors' Oldsmobile and Buick, as well as Chrysler. For the ...

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