1948 Ford Mercury 'Eight' Sedan (RHD)

In the immediate post-war period, the Mercury was basically a fancy Ford and the second generation models used a design carried over from 1942 with minor styling changes made each year until 1949, when the first all-new model was unveiled. For 1948, Mercury offered a range of body styles including the Sedan Coupe, Town Sedan, Convertible and Station Wagon. Powering the Mercury range was an L-head V8 (flathead), displacing 239-cid and developing100bhp at 3800rpm, while a three-speed manual transmission was standard. Built on a longer (118-inch) wheelbase compared to the contemporary Fords, the Mercury also boasted better interior appointments. Ford Australia marketed both sedan and locally made utility versions of the second generation Mercury and they were quite successful here with buyers looking for a touch of luxury. Indeed, "Gelignite Jack" Murray used his 1948 Ford Mercury, nicknamed the Grey Ghost, to win the 1954 Redex trial.