Bill and Don Cunningham's 1940 Mercury
1940 Mercury owned and built by Bill and Don Cunningham of Indianapolis, Indiana.
Capt. Bill and his brother, Cpl, Don where pilot and crew chief with the 113th Fighter Interceptor Squadron at the Scott Air Force Base when they built the car.[1] Don and Bill spent their spare time building the Merc. The build took 18 months, and it was completed in 1950. The body was modified and the frame rebuilt. It was powered by a 1949 Lincoln engine, running a 1948 Lincoln transmission and a two-speed Kego rear axle.[2] A dropped front axle was installed to lower the car up front.[1]
Contents
Removable Hardtop
The build was fit with a removable hardtop.[1]
Safety Features
A padded, leather-covered dashboard and a pop out windshield were amongst the car's safety features.[1]
Lounge and Cocktail Bar
The interior was upholstered in leather and the front passenger seat swiveled so everyone but the driver could get a clear view of the television enclosure that divided the two rear lounges. The rear armrest opened into a cocktail bar.[1]
Shown at the 1951 The Hot Rod, Custom Car and Sport Car Show in Deroit
In January of 1951 Bill and Don's Mercury placed second in the custom car division at the 2nd annual The Hot Rod, Custom Car and Sport Car Show in Detroit, Michigan.[2]
Craftsmen in Uniform
In 1952 the Cunningham Mercury was featured in the April issue of Popular Science. The story was named "Craftsmen in Uniform."
Magazine Features and Appearances
References
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