This 1940 Mercury Eight two-door Sedan-Coupe has a rich history and classic appeal, making it a notable find for enthusiasts and collectors alike. Originally sold new in California, the car was owned by a U.S. military officer during the 1970s. Under their stewardship, the vehicle was relocated internationally—first to Guam in 1978, and then to Japan in 1981.
While in Japan, this Mercury Eight participated in the 3rd annual Camp Zama Independence Day car show, where it earned second place, highlighting its well-maintained condition and appeal abroad. After 1995, the car was returned to the United States, and in 2005, it was purchased by the seller’s late father.
The vehicle sports an older black repaint and has undergone an interior refresh. It is powered by a 239 cubic inch flathead V8 engine that features a single carburetor with an oil-bath air cleaner. This powerplant is factory-rated at 95 horsepower and is paired with a column-shifted three-speed manual transmission and a Columbia two-speed rear axle.
Exterior details include a distinctive split windshield, a cowl vent, a chrome horizontal-vane grille, and dual exhaust outlets. Body-color 15-inch steel wheels with hubcaps and trim rings are mounted on older whitewall tires, which are due for replacement. Notable equipment includes double-action shock absorbers at each corner and a torsion-bar stabilizer, contributing to the car’s original handling characteristics.
While the overall condition is solid, there are some flaws to note: the body and paint show signs of wear, and the left-rear side window has a crack. The rear drum brakes were machined and resurfaced in September 2020, during which the brake master cylinder, shoes, and seals were also replaced to ensure safe operation.
Inside, the cabin received a refresh in 2003 that included a new headliner, refinished surfaces, new kick panels, and reupholstered two rows of bench seats in brown cloth. The car retains its original equipment such as manually operated windows, a heater, an AM radio, and a glovebox-mounted dashboard clock. However, both the clock and radio are currently non-functional.
The driver’s area features a classic two-spoke steering wheel facing a 110-mph speedometer, flanked by auxiliary gauges that display fuel level, oil pressure, battery charge, and coolant temperature. The five-digit odometer reads approximately 64,000 miles, with only around 200 miles driven under current ownership.
Recent maintenance includes the replacement of the carburetor and battery in 2025, alongside an oil change and a fuel system flush done to prepare the vehicle for sale.
This Series-09A Eight is now offered at no reserve, and the sale includes import documents, service records, spare parts, the 1995 car show trophy, and a clean Michigan title in the seller’s name.
For collectors and vintage car aficionados looking to own a well-documented classic with authentic patina and a storied past, this 1940 Mercury Eight Sedan-Coupe presents a charming opportunity.
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