This pickup is a classic Canadian M-Series model.
Interesting Footnote
Back when the F-Series was just finding its footing in the market (and reinventing the truck as we know it), Ford Canada had split its sales divisions into two - one for Ford, and one for Mercury and Lincoln. It also wound up selling the F-Series pickups of that era not only with Blue Oval badges, but also Mercury ones, in this case, as the M-Series. Today, we don't see many M-Series pickups out there, but this gorgeous 1951 M-1 is going up for grabs at Mecum's Kissimmee auction.
Photos: Mecum Auctions
Long Running Trend
In 1951, Mercury began using the "M" series moniker while Ford went to "F," which is precisely why this pickup is called the M-1 - the Mercury version of the F1. Otherwise, the two trucks are mostly identical, save for exterior badging and trim, a trend that mostly carried on until 1968.
Photos: Mecum Auctions
Recently Restored
These days, we don't see a whole heck of a lot of M-Series pickups, but this M-1 is certainly one of the nicest we've stumbled across in a long time. It was recently treated to a total restoration and has accumulated just 620 miles since its completion.
Photos: Mecum Auctions
Spartan Cabin
Peek inside, and you'll find the same spartan cabin present in F-Series trucks of this era, with little more than a gray vinyl bench seat, rubber floor mats, a pushbutton AM radio, a heater, defroster, and not much else. But then again, that's because these trucks were designed to work.
Photos: Mecum Auctions
Legendary Powerplant
Power comes from Ford's 255 cubic-inch Flathead V8, which is mated to a three-speed manual transmission. That combo won't exactly light one's hair on fire in terms of performance, but it's a reliable and rather iconic powerplant that'll keep on chugging along as one might expect.
Photos: Mecum Auctions
Real Looker
On the outside, this 1951 M-1 is certainly a looker thanks to its teal and silver two-tone paint job, black-painted grille and running boards, refinished wood bed floor with chrome strips, and black 16-inch wheels with chrome Mercury script hubcaps wrapped around bias-ply wide Whitewall tires.
Photos: Mecum Auctions
Great Value?
Though they aren't terribly common, these old Mercury trucks don't command crazy prices, which is a bit of an anomaly in today's world. Regardless, the auction estimate on this example is between $30,000-$40,000, which is a great value for such a beautiful and rare old truck.
Photos: Mecum Auctions
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