Hi to all I put this out awhile ago on the 1948 - 1960 F-1, F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks without much response as it was Christmas holidays so thought I'd try again here on Large Truck.
My 56 Merc. C-500 has Vin# C50V6Hxxxxx. This is a U.S. vin indicating it was built at the Detroit Truck Plant. But wait a minute!! Oh my god !! No way!! Mercs. were never built in the U.S.!!
My theory is that in 53 the Detroit plant only was retooled to build the coe's because of low demand and being close to Canada, both Ford and Mercs. were all built there, the Mercs. for export only to Canada. AGAIN THIS IS ONLY A THEORY!!
A few years ago I looked at a Ford C.O.E. that had a 55 cab and a 56 vin# with the letter "H" which also indicates Detroit Truck. I have misplaced the vin#. Strange truck. This was when I first realized my truck had a U.S. vin#. Since finding this forum and doing the first post on this I have only found one other 56 Merc. C-700 and it also has a U.S. vin# C70Z6Hxxxxx. There's that "H" again !!!! The owner said the glove box tag said "Mercury built by Ford". This truck also has a Ford emblem on the hood as does another 56 Merc. coe tow truck from Calgary, Alta., who I haven't been able to contact.
If anyone can shoot my theory down please do so, I really don't mind, I just want some input and facts as to what went on with these trucks. Where were the earlier coe's built ? Where were the later coe's built ? Anyone out there with coe's that can tell us where they were built or who can post their partial vin#? Number Dummy, you always have factual information, any ideas ?
Thanks to anyone that can shoot me down, can help out or just throw some ideas around.
Bye for now.

 

mercurypickups.com