Arrival

Strip and Metal Fab

Mechanical

Trim and Detail

Finish

The first postwar Mercury was introduced in the 1949 model year. The engine was a flathead V8 that produced slightly more power than the then also newly designed 1949 Ford. A new overdrive system was optional, activated by a handle under the dash.  The styling of the Mercury Eight, when it was released in 1949, adopted the “ponton” appearance, and was successful in both ending the monotony of warmed-over pre-war style, and differentiating Mercury from its comparable Ford cousin, a trick that spelled sales success. Sales figures for both Ford and Mercury broke records in 1949. The new approach to styling was also evident on the completely redesigned Lincoln and the all new Lincoln Cosmopolitan. The Mercury Eight used full instrumentation.  An 8 tube radio as an option. The 4-door station wagon was replaced with a 2-door model.  Although the wagon now featured an all-metal roof, its sides still consisted of wood panels.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercury_Eight