Hi there, I have had the opportunity for me to potentially buy a 1955 M250. What I don't know is how rare these are being the Mercury brand. I also don't know what to really look for on these and really don't know what they're worth. I know that the frame is cracked on it and it hasn't ran in a few years. I was told its a 239 overhead valves? (I'm very familiar with the 60's Ford engines but not these) any and all info is much appreciated. (Sorry if this is the wrong place to ask)

 

Are you in Canada? The M trucks are potentially worth more in the US than in Canada since few were ever imported. Actual value has everything to do with condition and location, the 250 is not as in demand as the 100. The cracked frame is bothersome. The legal indentifier for the entire truck, at least in the US, is the number stamped into the frame that codes the year, model, assembly plant, engine and unique build sequence #, the rest of the truck,any other plates or numbers are immaterial to ID and/or ownership. If you replace the frame, the resulting vehicle is now as identified as the serial number in the new frame. If the serial # in the current frame IDs it as a 55 M250 it is a 1955 M250 with a unique build sequence #YYYY. If the cracked frame is replaced with one stamped from a 1953 F350, with build sequence # WWWW, you will now own a 1953 F350, build sequence #WWWW. Also get a definitive answer as to what paperwork you will need to title it and obtain plates, and make absolute sure all of it is available and in order before spending a single dime or a quick minute on it.
The M trucks have the same rust prone places as the F models, but there are almost no patch panels made for the larger model specific parts: fenders, running boards, bed, tailgate, and no one makes repop Mercury trim parts as far as I know. If any of the trim parts are missing (they were often stripped off any derelict trucks) , replacing them is gong to be difficult and expensive.

 

I tried to add some pictures. Yes I'm in Canada. It's rough but it was the shop truck for the shop that my great grandpa opened in 1952 and if it's salvageable, I'd like to get my hands on it rather than let it go to scrap. Forgive me if the pictures didn't make it. It's my first try uploading pics

 

If not for the art on the doors alone, the fact the your grandfather once owned it tells me you should buy it.

 

I don't even know what a fair offer would be on the truck

 

If I'm not mistaken, it appears to have the rare Coleman 4x4 conversion done to it. That makes it even more unique. As for price, the body has it's share of rust, but replacement parts and panels are available, so I wouldn't let that deter you if you really want to restore your Grandfather's truck. You'll need to do some local market research to determine value and see what similar condition trucks are selling for near you. Prices will be a lot different between my house and yours. The bottom line, really, is what is it worth to you to have your family vehicle in your possession and preserved by the family?

 

Those wheels took like the two half-piece that used to be used on the railroads to fit the track spacing.

 

I got some more info, it's not a Coleman conversion but was converted to 4x4 with a transfer case from a 1960 3/4 ton Ford and differentials from an army scout of some sort. I'm going to try to go out to it tomorrow and take another look and see about an asking price.

 

The star in the grill (which shows a 6 cyl) is different than the star on the US trucks
I would love to have that plow on my 55 Marmon Herrington!

 

Alright, I went and looked over the truck again. I got a picture of the crack in the frame as well as the vin #. Any info on decoding this would be greatly appreciated. Info on what engine this may be would be nice too. Firing order is 15486372. I included a picture of the frame on the opposite side to visually represent how it should look.

 

Oh boy, someone has done a LOT of "field modifications" and repairs to the frame. It's had a very hard life. Don't know if that frame can/should be saved.