Sleek, streamlined, and stylish were the name of the game when it came to epitomizing the “lead sled” era. Featured on AutoHunter is a 1949 Mercury 2-Door Custom Coupe that brings all of those attributes, in addition to some modern mechanical upgrades. It is listed by a dealer in Southampton, New York, with the auction ending on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at 11:15 a.m. (MST).
Finished in “Black Cherry,” the exterior features include chrome bumpers, a custom grille, Frenched headlights, a louvered hood, a chopped top, dual side mirrors, shaved door handles, rear wheel skirts, custom taillights, and a dual exhaust system. The body was smoothed, lowered, and polished to perfection – complete with an accent pinstripe that runs the length of the body.
To many, Mercury models from the late 1940s and early 1950s were considered the ultimate “lead sleds.” They helped define the custom car movement in the decades that followed, and they were frequently used as blank canvases for radical customization. Famed American automotive designer George Barris (pictured above) was known for his love of Mercury models from the era. One of his most influential customs, the “Hirohata Mercury,” was a 1952 model that was heavily modified both inside and out.
The cabin of this eye-catching custom coupe delivers Cadillac-grade comfort, thanks to transplanted power-adjustable seats that came from a later-model vehicle. Additional interior features include power windows, a Grant steering wheel, Sunpro gauges, a JVC AM/FM/cassette radio, and a Hurst shifter.
Power comes from a rebuilt 350ci V8 mated to a Muncie M21 four-speed manual transmission and a nine-inch Ford rear end. Performance upgrades include a Holley four-barrel carburetor and Hedman long-tube headers. The car has a few other tricks up its sleeve, like power front disc brakes and a dual exhaust system. It offers a compelling blend of old and new, all wrapped up in a Black Cherry package that’s pretty irresistible.
As rewarding as it would be to build a lead sled of your own, consider the fact that you could alternatively buy a professionally finished, turn-key “Merc” that will have everyone on your block staring. It is bound to make the perfect addition to your summer 2026 cruising schedule. Check out the selling dealer’s videos for an inside-and-out look at this special custom.
The auction for this 1949 Mercury 2-Door Custom Coupe ends on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at 11:15 a.m. (MST).
Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and a photo gallery
