The Mercury brand was still young when it came out with the new Eight in 1949.The brand's first post-WWII design, it was a break from the styling that proceeded it with even more curvaceous line, a rounded off rear end that gave nary a hint at vestigial fenders and a toothy chrome grill that stretched thinly across the entire front end of the car.Under the large hood sat the familiar, 255cid Ford flathead V-8 but power was bumped up 10%... on itsFord counterpart to 112bhp and 200 lb-ft of torque. The last iteration of the flathead, its final year of production in 1951 would see it deliver its power through the rear wheels like preceding years cars.The simply, but elegant lines and easy to modify drivetrain made the car a popular target for hotrodders and customizers. Craftsmen like Sam and George Barris fabricated legendary 'rods like the chopped Hirohata Merc, giving way to the model's nickname: Lead Sled. The car's popularity with customizers meant that many of the Eights got chopped and channeled, so much so that today, few survive in unmodified condition.This Model M24 'suicide' four door sedan is one of those incredibly few survivors that were never modified from new. This car underwent a full frame-off restoration 15 years ago and has barely moved since. It was the absolute love of its owner for many years and is only being sold due to serious health issues of the owner. The frame, sheet metal and motor are all beautifully restored and remain today in nearly concours condition. The technicians at Black Horse pulled the car from is several-year-long slumber and have commissioned a full rehabilitation of the car. While the pictures show the car prior to detailing, the overall condition is quite apparent.The only noted flaw on the car is some slight separation of the pain on a very small area of the rear passenger door due to prep issues. The rest of the paint is immaculate.The interior of the car is also obviously restored to a very high standard. The seats and brightwork all pop and are all dome to exacting specification to what the car rolled off the assembly line looking like. The engine is the original Merc flathead V-8 displacing 255 cubic inches and putting out 112 horsepower, nearly 10% more than its Ford brethren. The underhood area is all correct and also immaculately restored. The car has undergone a complete safety inspection with rebuilt water pumps, brakes and a full tune up and fluid service. The car is ready to be reliably driven anywhere. We welcome inspection and encourage you to reach out by clicking the 'contact seller' link or by calling us at 888-475-6964One will be extremely hard pressed to find one this nice anywhere but fresh out of a restoration shop.