Poll: Which '53? (3/5/2026)

Mercury is more tailored 

Going with the Oldsmobile which in my opinion is a MUCH better car. An OHV V8 verse a flat head engine from a 32 Ford? On the Merc I can visualize the pitted chrome on the taillight surround...the Mercury...no thanks.

Posted by: @jack-dodds

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I am quite surprised; I thought this one would be close!

Yes, I'm surprised too.  Based on SALES figures for American cars in 1953, Mercury came in at No. 6 and Oldsmobile came in at No. 7.  So basically it would appear that they were close.  

With the above brought up, here are the rankings BY SALES for American Cars in 1953 from the ENCLYOPEDIA OF AMERICAN CARS 1946 TO 1959 by James H. Maloney and George H. Dammann published by Crestline Publishing Co. in 1980.  

1. CHEVROLET

2. FORD

3. PLYMOUTH

4. BUICK

5. PONTIAC 

6. MERCURY 

7. OLDSMOBILE

8. DODGE

9. STUDEBAKER

10. CHRYSLER

11. NASH

12. DESOTO

13. CADILLAC

14. PACKARD

15. HUDSON

16. LINCOLN

@georgeschire Not too surprising I guess; given that the top 9 are in the more affordable range.  I am kind of surprised to see Plymouth and Dodge so far apart though.