Here’s an original dealer training film that details the features of the all-new Mercury line for 1941.
Ford’s Mercury division got an all-new platform and body shell for 1941, shared for the first time with the Ford passenger car line, which was also redesigned that year. The Mercury version sported a wheelbase of 118 inches, four inches longer than its Ford stablemate, while the overall length was an expansive 202 inches, creating a package that was in Pontiac/Oldsmobile territory in size and price.
Mercury was also distinguished in these years by its larger, more powerful engine: 239 cubic inches and 95 horsepower, compared to the Ford’s 221 CID and 90 hp. Naturally, this explains why the Mercury version of the venerable flathead V8 was particularly prized by hot rodders.
This original dealership training film details a number of the premium features in the 1941 Mercury line: the reinforced chassis and improved transverse-leaf suspension; the deluxe interior appointments and instrument panel. By platform-sharing with Ford, Mercury was able to offer a station wagon for the first time in ’41, and the stylish woody is briefly showcased in this clip. But as we might expect, the most popular body style was the Model 73 four-door Town Sedan (pictured above), which accounted for nearly 40 percent of the brand’s sales volume of 90,000-plus vehicles. Video below. Now let’s get out there and sell the 1941 Mercury.
I love watching these old promo films. The emphasis on the new improvements that we all regard as ancient history now, is almost comical. But back then they were new improvements.
My Dad turned 16 years old and got his driver’s license in 1941. He always wondered what it would be like to actually travel 100 mph. Grandpa bought a brand new ’41 Ford sedan, not knowing that Dad and his best friend would trying it out to see if it would do the ‘TON.’ One nice cool evening they headed out on a straight stretch of highway. Dad floored the gas and Alan watched the speedometer. It took a while; the wind and the road irregularities caused the entire car to buffet and shake but Dad pressed on until Alan finally shouted: “We did it!” Dad slowed back to a plodding 55 and never had the desire to go that fast again….
Interesting to see a stabilizer bar on a front beam axle.
The 41 Merc was a much better looking car than the 41 Ford. That big grill filled the front nicely. Those 4″ added in front of the cowl weren’t all that noticeable unless the Merc was parked beside a Ford.
As to the stabilzer bar on the beam axle, my 47 Lincoln has one, too. Kind of like a torsion bar shock absorber. It’s pretty small, so I don’t know how effective it really is, but it can’t hurt.