Poll: Which Mercury? (3/12/2026)

THE '52.  By '51 the '49 body style had run its course (in my eyes) and the '52 was new and refreshing.  It was time for a change and it was delivered with a lower, sleeker, and a hardtop to boot. 

Agree with George.  1952

It may just come down to appreciation of old school versus new school. The 51 still carried the iconic styling made famous by it predecessors, but the 52 entered a new era. I like old school better than new school but in this instance, favor the 52. 1952 for me please John!

What George said.

The 51 is nice and has always been a favorite, but the 52 opens the door to a more modern look and a new generation of Mercury style.

I voted a tie.  Nostalgia for earlier bathtub shape and a vote for the updated version. 

'52 please.

I LOVE the '49 Mercury design; they got the details right regarding the grille and tail end.  In '50 these details didn't present quite as cleanly and in '51 the tail light change and chunkier grille detracted from the smoother design of year one.  All three years are nice though but IMHO the '49 was best.  The '53 HT is tied with the '55 for my fave Merc of its decade and save for minor trim differences the '52 is almost as attractive.  The '52 gets the nod today.

@georgeschire George I agree with you.  My vote was the 52 as well.

In 1951 my dad bought a new 51 Mercury coupe and 1956 I bought a used 1950 coupe. Not only did these cars have style, IMO, but they were well built solid performers as well. Looking at these two today this old guy would much prefer walking out to the garage and seeing that 51.

@bob-jackman Bob; it sound like your Dad liked his cars!  Did the '51 Merc give way to the '54 Pontiac which, when totaled by your mother as I recall you mentioning, gave way to that gorgeous '55 Pontiac convertible?  I used to get so frustrated because my father couldn't care less about what he drove and tended to run each one for many years.  He would never even wash them......I always did because I can't stand having a dirty car......which probably explains why he didn't.  Lol.

Posted by: @perrone1

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It may just come down to appreciation of old school versus new school. The 51 still carried the iconic styling made famous by it predecessors, but the 52 entered a new era. I like old school better than new school but in this instance, favor the 52. 1952 for me please John!

Tony, I think you nailed it best saying, "It may come down to appreciation of old school versus new school".  I could have easily voted a TIE today, as I really like both versions of these Mercury's.  But as I stated in my original response, for me by '51, the '49 body style had run its course. 

Of the three year body style of Mercury ('49, '50' and '51), I admittedly like the '49 the best and though the minor changes were okay, the '51 just seem so dated to the more modern '52.  And being honest, the '49 Mercury is my personal favorite Forties car (along with the '40 Ford) and I'd love to own one. 

I've always been happy that Danbury Mint gave us the '49 Mercury's in 3 different color combo's and the two Woody wagons as well.  How sweet it would have been to also have gotten the '52 in 1:24 scale.  Oh yea, that would have been sweet indeed!  

I picked the '51. I just like that bodystyle better than the 52-54. That's just me though. 😊

I also picked the 1953. After reading all the comments this morning, I have to appreciate both designs and the family backgrounds that make them relevant. You cannot really lose in either choice.