(originally posted 5/1/2011) Canadian cars and trucks are the mother-lode of badge engineering. Mercury trucks came about due to a quirk of the Canadian Ford dealership system due to the sparely populated areas of Canada. Many smaller towns would have either a Ford-Monarch (Mercury in US) or a Lincoln-Mercury-Meteor (Ford) dealership but not both. So starting in 1946 Mercury received its own version of the Ford truck line. So why weren’t they called Meteors? To keep you Americans confused.
The earliest Mercury trucks did differ in the use of chrome. The post war Fords featured a lot painted trim due to a chrome shortage but the Mercury version was lavished with lots of chrome trim. As the years went they became more and more similar to their Ford siblings. For most of the years the difference was just minor trim and badges.
Mercury truck history follows Ford trucks almost identically and while Fords used the ‘F’ prefix the Mercury trucks used ‘M’. From 1948-1950 the Canadian model postfixes where different and represented the maximum gross vehicle weight with the zeroes dropped off. So a 4700 GVW rating would give a model name of F-47 or M-47.
For 1951 the Canadian trucks followed the US naming convention of F-1, F-2, etc and Mercury followed suit with M-1, M-2, etc.
Interestingly there were a few mechanicals differences in the Canadian market due to its smaller market size. It was only V8 engines in post war trucks until 1956 when a 223 cid inline six was offered. Canada kept the flat head V8 for an additional year in 1954 instead of the newly induced in the US OHV V8.
When the US and Canada signed the Automotive Trade Agreement in 1965 Canadian variants slowly started to disappear and the Mercury trucks turn came in 1968.
So how rare is a Mercury truck then? Well for the early trucks the Fords are most common but by the 50s and mid 60s the Mercury trucks seem to make up just less than half of the remaining examples. The updated 1967 and 1968 examples seem quite scare but are still around. They are quite easily to fake though as there is no VIN difference as they were built randomly on the same line as the Fords.
The whole truck range was sold in the Mercury line up so there are Mercury Econolines, heavy duty models, cab over engine models and even school buses.
I lived in Niagara Falls, Ontario at the end of the ’60’s. My dad had a new Ford F-100, the next-door neighbor owned a new Mercury M-100. I remember Mercury trucks seemed as common as Fargos (Plymouth badge-engineered Dodge trucks); also GMC had a different naming system up there: the American 1500 (1/2 ton) was a 910 in the Great White North.
My first new truck was a 1967 Mercury M 100. I still own a 51 Mercury pickup. Mercury also made unique cars in Canada. Monarch, a 59 would be my favorite. Dave
When i was in high school in Whitehorse YT i had a 1966 1 ton Mercury pickup. 2 wheel drive step side with a 9 ft box, 352 V8 and a 4 on the floor with a bull low first gear. This was an ex federal government truck. In hindsight i wish i had kept it as i think it was pretty rare. Does anyone know how many were made or how rare it may have been?
Not sure but my truck is also a government vehicle forestry. 67 mercury shortbox stepside
Ive seen a M pickup in NZ as a British commonwealth country the US vehicle supply came from Canada I had always assumed the owners badged this ute themselves as they had a Mercury V8 sedan but my father told me the ute was like that new, he was right as it turns, out one escaped Canada Must be the reason the yblock didnt get here for the correct model as well.Most US cars here were private no remittance imports but supplied thru dealers so there wasnt any real continuity of supply but unlike Australia NZ kept pace with US models ie our Chevs had V8s not 6s , Aussie made Star V8 Fords till 1960 or so a Meteor grille in a 56 Customline.Ford badged not Merc Plenty of old FARGO badged Dodges here too
Part of my sick addiction is feeling the need to own a Fargo and a Mercury badged Slick (I’ve never seen one but heard they exist..).
I still have a 51 Mercury and a 56 Fargo pickup. Mercurys in mny oppinion where a little nicer then Fords but just a couple years go you tell the grill apart. Dave
A buddy of mine had a ’66 Mecury short box in high school. Loved the gear and lightening bolt emblem that appeared several places on the truck…
You learn something every day. I had absolutely no idea that Mercury made trucks.
Not only trucks but there are Mercury Econolines around too.
Yup, Mercury Econolines, including the pickup version. Our high school librarian had one of those.
I think I have the rarest Mercury truck,it’s a 61 Short box Uni body
http://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/album.php?albumid=20037&pictureid=77742&gnr_tab=0&ref=gnr-prev
That would be a cool truck. I also have a rare one, ’60 M250 3 door Crew Cab 4×4
so do you have a couple of these trucks ? do ya have any parts for sale. I’m workin on this 58 I ton Merc. rite know, but need some parts for my 60 Merc. I got this 59 ford 1 ton for parts.
Would love to find out more about your truck and conversion. I have a 60 F250 Crewcab I am working on also and a couple projects as well.
I have a 1946 Merc 1/2 ton. 1st year of Mercury trucks and only total of 2074 which includes 1/2T, 1 1/2T and 3T. Truck is always for sale or trade.
Hey Dennis, is the 46 still for sale? And how much are you asking? Thank you.
Driving up the Alcan Highway in 1990, I’d seen quite a few mid/late 1960s Mercury trucks. I figured it was done to differentiate Canadian-manufacture FoMoCo trucks from American manufacture, which would have stipulated heavy import duties and quotas in those days. I didn’t know they were made on the same line and that a full line of Ford trucks were sold at the same time.
There were a lot of strange differences in Canadian-spec cars. Ford had a full line of differently-branded, different-trim cars up there; and GM kept its differences long after. And, 23 years ago, there were plenty of 1960s survivors in the Western Canadian interior.
I have a 1953 mercury m100, all original for sale.
Nick do still have the 53 m100
I restored a 1956 Mercury M100 to it’s original condition. It had a 223 straight 6 motor and a factory 4 speed floor shifter transmission. My wife’s dad originally bought it in 1963. I sold it to a fella from Kent Washington during the Hot August Nights car event in Reno in around1994. I am interested in reacquiring it. If anyone knows about the truck email me. Thanks.
Elliot
Good morning Elliot,
I hope this email reaches you. I have been trying to connect and talk about your Eldo Brougham but your West jet email in not working. Our last conversation was in 2011. Please contact me at this email, if you do not mind. Thanks
Hi, I have a 1955 Mercury shortbox that I am fixing up and looking for so parts, Mercury letters for the hood, tailgate, rims and hub caps, steering wheel…
If anyone knows of someone that can help me out that would be great.
Thanks
Kevin
We had a 68 half ton Mercury–first truck my Uncle had with electric wipers. It was a straight 6 with 3 speed on the column. As a 9 year old I wondered why the outside of the truck said Mercury but the radio delete panel said Ford.
I have a 1953 Mercury M100 cannot find the vin # on it anywhere, any suggestions??
I found a tag that said Style 81A
Body # 19100
HECQ 825
Does any one know what that means
Thanks
Look on the frame by the steering gear, should be stamped there. At least I think in ’53 they still stamped them there.
Canada’s dealer network was different than that of the USA. Since towns were smaller, they couldn’t support both a Ford and a Lincoln/Mercury dealership so FoMoCoCanada rebadged Fords as Meteors and Mercurys as Monarchs from 1949 until 1961. That way the dealers could sell a low price and medium priced car in both the Ford-Monarch as well as the Mercury-Lincoln-Meteor dealerships. Rebadged Ford trucks were sold as Mercurys in the MLM dealerships so all had a full line of cars. Lincolns were all imported from the USA.
I’ve always preferred cars that are made in Canada than anything made in the USA.
Uh, why?
Good thing someone had the foresight to provide enough room on the grille & tailgate for all those “Mercury” letters.
As as kid I remember being baffled at my 1st sight of a Mercury truck. Of course Mom & Dad were no help in explaining this Fact of Life.
Mercury and Fargo. Then the Plodge, Cheviac mutations. What a confusing mess.
Have seen 3 of the 4 and still fail to grasp any good reasons to change names or composition when you cross a border.
Very interesting. Living in southern AZ, I see a lot of Ford “Lobo” trucks that were made for the Mexican market, and probably other markets as well. I don’t know what the differences are between these and the U.S. version F150, other than the badging.
Chrysler sold Fargo trucks through Canadian Chrysler/Plymouth (maybe Desoto too?) dealers until the early 70’s, and even then Fargo badged Dodge trucks were offered in the mid-east even later. GM had a Canadian truck line called Maple Leaf in the 30’s, but eventually sold Canadian built GMC trucks in Canada at Pontiac/Buick/Olds/Cad/Acadian dealerships. Interestingly, most of the Oshawa built GMC’s were simply Chevy’s with GMC grilles many years before that became the practice in the U.S.. Until the late 60’s many Canadian GMC’s used Stovebolts and Small Blocks while their U.S. counterparts used the GMC 248 and 270 6’s along with the big V-6’s.
On a slightly different note, I saw lots of American Motors cars in Chiapas, Mex. in 1990 and most had a different badge from what it would’ve worn in the States. I think the big 2 door (’75-ish) Matador was a Concord there, for instance. Can’t imagine why. Sorry no pics. Good day.
I think you’re talking about VAM, which was I believe a company that built AMC cars in Mexico under license.
This slightly modified ’51 or ’52 Mercury pickup lives near me.
Here’s a front view….
Wonder why Mercury didn’t sell those trucks in the U.S. ? There was a GMC and Chevy truck. We did get cars from Canada , like the Pontiac Astre. Was the Mercury Bobcat Canadian ? If anyone wants a Mercury like truck in the states, just buy a Mercury tailgate in Canada , and put it on your Ford.
Way back in 1969 I worked part time at a service center. I washed cars, and pumped gas. The boss had a 65 Merc long box, with in line 6 , and three on the tree. I washed and detailed it 3 times a week. {detailing hadn’t been invented] In 1969 detailing meant it looked like it just rolled off of the line.
I’ll never forget the American guy at the pumps. Him, and his buddy got out of thier car, to have a look at a Mercury truck. I remember them asking all these questions. I didn’t know at that time, a Mercury truck was only available in Canada. Who knew?
RE : Mexican ‘ LOBO ‘ Ford light duty pickups ;
One of the drivers for the place that buys our used tires has one of these and he wrecked the front end a bit , the grille and headlights are different .
I spotted a LOBO (Means Wolf) in my favorite lock Pick-A-Part Junk Yard that had been impounded for DUI and told him as it was nearly pristine ~ he was so excited and had me draw him a map to where it was and off he went…
Mexican GM Pickups in the 1980’s & 1990’s used the old oval shaped , recessed taillights from the 1960’s Vans , this made them hard to break and easy to cobble up a lens out of any old red plastic…
I shoulda bought a Mexican Chevy Silverado in 1982 when I discovered it came with the venerable i6 292 C.I.D. and TH350 tranny…
I bought a Mexican VW Beetle instead , it was a well built , wonderfully tough little car .
-Nate
-Nate
Never heard of Mercury trucks, but I like them !!
The 1959 painting “Milk Truck”, by Canadian artist Alex Colville.
That’s great , thank you .
-Nate
Late to the party, but seeing as this site is all about accuracy, I feel compelled to post this, in regard to the statement about Merc trucks being undifferentiated by VIN.
I had a beautiful ’68 250 series (3/4 ton) Ranger (high trim level) Camper Special from 1982 to about ’93. She had everything except A/C, and was an easy driving, reliable, tough truck; best payload was over 6400 lbs (mainframe computer forms) which on top of its 5600 lbs tare (I was gobsmacked to learn this) put me way over my tire rating and licenced GVW …
Researching it, I learned that, at least in 1968, the “250 series” encompassed a range of models “25x”, coded in the VIN, where the “x” denoted axle and spring ratings, except model “254” which denoted “Mercury”. The local Mercury parts man was adamant that they were by then “F” series and not “M”, and sure enough embedded in my VIN, there was the string F254. So at least in ’68, you could tell a Merc from the VIN, but dammit, you couldn’t tell the factory load specs …
Well, I certainly hate to rain on anyone’s parade, but I do disagree with that interpretation of the ‘F254’ code. Whoever told you that was selling something. It actually indicates a 2 wheel drive F250 with a 6900lb GVW rating. Check out the ‘fordification’ website for more info. There truly is nothing in the ’66-’68 door tags/vins to indicate a Merc except possibly the DSO codes A1-7 showing it was ordered by a Canadian Lincoln/Mercury dealer. The end of the Mercury trucks came sometime in the late spring of ’68; Kevin Marti has documented a may 15/’68 built M350. There’s more good info on the ’67-’68 Mercs at this link:
http://www.fordification.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=35331.
looking for parts for a 1957 m100 hood latch hood emblems
Hello
Did you have any luck finding hood emblems? do you have an extra “mercury 100” emblem . I am looking for those. appreciate any help
Take care
Victor
I had a Canadian tell me that only around 5380 ’59s and 5381 ’60s were built.
I have the correct Merc parts on my ’59 , including tailgate.
Try to find anything out about my 69 mercury truck shortbox. If anybody can help let me know. Kinda wanna know if it’s rare at all
A ’69 merc shortbox? Yep, it’s rare, as in None Made. Ford production records show them being built as late as may ’68, but definitely no ’69s. You can get proof of what it is very reasonably from Kevin Marti (https://www.martiauto.com/reports2.cfm)
That’s interesting maybe I got the year wrong. I will do more research and check serial number.
Sorry got it wrong it is a 67 mercury truck shortbox stepside What would be the rarity of that make and model. The guy that traded with me mentioned it was used as a forestry vehicle. Can’t be to many made due to fact only Canada made and the small population in Canada in 67
I have a question for everyone, I have been working on a 1951 m1 I found it sitting in a tree line off of a farmers field. I am doing a frame off restoration. So here is my question supposedly its a USAF truck, its stated on the nomenclature tag that was on the dash, the serial # on the tag matches the # on the frame, it has all the m1 chrome, hood ornament, mercury tailgate and so on. I for the life of me cant find any info that these trucks were used in the military, I know the F1 was called a follow me truck, also on the serial # the assembly plant letters are DL. I really want to bring it back to what it once was in its past life, just need some info on how to find that out, thanks in advance. shaun
Dave, the easiest way to find out production numbers on your truck would be to get a Marti Report, as Kevin Marti has obtained the Ford production records from 1967 forward.
Shaun, maybe it’s possible that maybe your truck was purchased at a Canadian dealer for use on a US government installation associated with the Alaska Highway maybe. There should be some place online that could decode your serial number to confirm it’s make.
mike
Thxs
If anyone is looking…
https://desmoines.craigslist.org/cto/6141719473.html
I am in need of a tailgate for a 64 M100, stepside, shortbox. Macs Auto used to carry them. Not anymore!!! Bummer. Anyone know of one somewhere. tia.
Hoping someone can help me with a value assessment for an old pickup that my parents own. It is a Ford Mercury 1951 pickup truck. Looks to be in all original condition, except for rebuilt Chevy motor. Body rusting somewhat as it has been outside. Last on the road 2002. If someone could help with the approx value or could direct me to where I could get an evaluation.
Hi Michelle. What part of country you in. Fat chance you are close to look at truck can u post pics
Hi David – Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. I will post some pics tomorrow
Hi Michelle
Cool I’m only 12 hrs away lol. I’m in calgary. Ya pics will help in determining roughly what it’s worth. Really its up to the eye of the beholder. One guy will love it. another not so much.
Yes Calgary might be a bit too long of a drive. Will definitely post a couple pics tomorrow. Understand about value just looking for a ball park so whatever advice you can give would be appreciated. More tomorrow with pics. Thanks
Hi David – here are some of the pics of the Ford Mercury 1951 pickup truck. If you can help with an approx value it would be greatly appreciated.
Another pic
Nice I would start 8000.00. No less than 6000.00. You might get a lot of tire kickers and guys who want parts. Screw those guys. Advertise accross country and be patient
It’s a rare beast to be sure but until one inspects it in person, looking at structural rust cab and frame, no way to place any value on it whatsoever .
-Nate
As I noted earlier. It all comes down to the eye of the beholder. It has to be seen. This is Canada and not Vegas so there will be rust. And it’s up to whom ever buys what they want out of it. My suggestion is if someone wants a bumper or fender . They buy the whole thing and deal with parting themselves. As opposed to seller dealing with months of bullshit. When they have enough to deal with
Hi All – I really appreciate the feedback on how to value. I understand tough to put a value without seeing in person. I added some new close up pics that I took today to hopefully show the condition better. I also found out that seats are not original along with the motor which was a Chevy rebuild. The rest of the body I believe to be original. Again, I am trying to handle this for my parents, who are not wanting to wait a year or longer to get top price but also want to get a good fair price. One guy is interested around the $2000 mark. Based on what I am learning from this forum that seems low now. If there are any new comments or wisdom you can share based on new pics that would help
Another pic
$2,000 is all the money in the world for that truck, take it and don’t look back. The $6-8,000 mentioned above will get you a running, driving, presentable truck.
3 pic
4 pic
Sorry one more
Dang that’s pretty .
-Nate
Hi , I,m looking for hood and rear doors off a 53-6 M100 , panel truck . Tks Bob
Hi ! I’m like Michelle I’m trying to sell a 1963 Mercury Unibody 1/2 ton for my mother. Some people have made me an offer of$400.00 for it. I was told by a neighbor he thought this might be a truck that is on the rare side,,how rare he didn’t know for sure. I had a gentleman come over that is in a car club but he was not into the Mercury’s so he said to ask a site like this and I would get some honest information on it.
I have attached some pictures the truck was boosted and started.My neighbor said the truck has surface rust and the box and floor are also just surface rust. I just want to make sure I’m in the right financial ball field when asking for a price for it. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
hey folks anyone know how many 1964 merc 3/4 ton 4 x 4’s were made ? starting restoration soon clint in the shuswap
hey guys just came into a 1950 m47 mercury pick up. its in great shape no rust , resto mod looks original from outside and interior but has ford 9 inch rear,4 wheel disc brakes, ford 302 engine auto c4 trans mustang 2 front end independent front suspension assist steering and assist brakes its real nice driving truck but was wondering value? and does anyone have any 1950 specific info…like how many did they produce? or how many are in united states? any info would be awesome thanks
heres more photo
1950 m47
rear
Does anyone out there have a 1958 mercury styleside tailgate for sale. I live on Vancouver island. Me and my son are rebuilding the truck
Thanks
does anyone have any data on how many Mercury trucks were built in the 60’s? I have a 1965 M100 fleetside shortbox and was just wondering how many were produced. Thanks.
I have a 68 M100 truck with 16 inch 5 lug rims. They appear to be original white (rusty) steel rims. The spare matches the others, and I bought the truck from the original owner’s estate, so I am pretty sure they are the original rims, but I have never heard of Ford 1968 F100s having 16 inch rims. Has anyone heard of 1968 M100s with 16 inchers?
Maybe Canadian Mercury trucks were so equipped so to be more useful as actual work trucks ~ by 1968 all American pickup truck makers were well aware that over 85 % of new light duty pickups sold went directly into non commercial usege .
No fair to brag about your M100 and not post pictures…
-Nate
I live in the U.S.A.
Yesterday I watched the Robert Redford movie “An Unfinished Life”. He was a farmer that drove a Mercury pickup. I had no idea that Mercury ever made pickups! So, I had to get on the internet and investigate.
Mercury trucks were pretty rare like Fargo trucks..More Ford and Dodge than the others.
FYI:US got Plymouth badged trucks until 1980 or so,Canada stopped Fargo in 1973(might be off by a year).
Meteor cars were Ford cars just a grille change and name until the late 50’s then they became a rebadged Mercury..
Yes,in Canada they still sold the same American cars they had the Ford/Mercury models along with Meteor models ..You could find a 1965 Meteor beside a 1965 Mercury and they were the same except grille and minor trim changes..I think the Meteor had the Galaxie dash..Confusing..
Fargo trucks were sold at Chrysler Plymouth dealers and they still had Dodge trucks and Vans as no vans were Fargo(in the b series version anyways not sure about the 60’s version)!
GM was confusing too,Acadian and Beumont was not a Pontiac or Chevy but it looked like a Nova and Chevelle..Sold at Pontiac,Buick,GMC dealers…
I think it was a dumb Canadian law for rural towns,strange things happen in the Great White North (too much coke).