Fantasy Junction

Description

1950 Mercury Convertible

VIN – 50LA17585M
Exterior Color – Black
Interior Color –Red and Black
Engine – 255 cu. in. V8
Transmission – 3-speed manual w/overdrive
Mileage – 1,823 miles (TMU)

Highlights of this Mercury

- Paramount Pictures documented car from the movie “Grease”
- Owned by Paramount with known owners since sold in 1979 after production
- Beautifully restored to a high level and offered with “Grease” memorabilia
- Engine professionally built with Eddie Meyer Hollywood heads

History of the Mercury and the Movie “Grease”

Known for their high quality and V8 power, the Mercury line was the mid-value offering for Ford Motor Company, situated between the Ford model lineup and the Lincoln premium luxury line. Though a solid market earner with steady sales, Ford made the tactical decision to elevate the Mercury brand with more features, bringing it closer to the Lincoln line in both overall design and performance. The results were dramatic and ground-breaking with the arrival of the 1949 Mercury.

By 1950 the Mercury was the “go to” car for hot rodding and customizing especially given the standard V8 power and low-slung looks. Even in stock trim, the 50 Merc was powerful and memorable – features that endured for generations after it was released.

Released by Paramount Pictures in 1978, “Grease” was one of the most successful movies of the 1970s. Staged in the 1950s, the movie featured leading actors John Travolta and Olivia Newton John falling for each other in a madcap musical romance. Though a romance story, an underlying theme of the movie plot relied heavily on 1950s era car culture, a racing duel, and the battle between two rivals. Among the cars that featured prominently in the movie, Mercury, Ford, and Studebaker cars were used including a chopped 1949 Mercury convertible, a 1949 stunt car (a cut coupe made into a convertible), and this car, a 1950 Mercury reportedly used for interior scenes and close-up parked shots with the cast inside or around the car.

History of this Mercury Convertible

According to a letter written by the first owner who purchased this Mercury out of the Paramount lot, after shooting for the movie was completed, the car was parked on the Paramount storage lot along with several other cars used in the filming of “Grease”. Having been spared the torch and movie scene damage, the car remained in sound condition. The first post-Paramount owner purchased this Mercury from Paramount Studios, July 10, 1979, which is documented with the original Bill of Sale drafted on Paramount Pictures letterhead and signed by Transportation Coordinator Ed Chamey. This information is further confirmed by a letter written by the purchasing owner who dealt directly with Paramount for purchase. At the time of his purchase, this Mercury was painted black, had matching front fender flames, and the tailpipes were drilled to accommodate spark plugs for special effects. At the time of purchase, the car lacked most of the trim and exterior accessories which had been removed to match the look of the 1949 “Hells Chariot” Merc. After his purchase, the owner refinished the car in burgundy and located the missing trim to complete the car. As a source for movie car rentals, the owner rented the car to movie studios mostly for background 1950s period movies, most notably featured as the main car in Julia Roberts’ 1980 film “Baja Oklahoma”. This Mercury was sold to the current owner in 1999 who restored the car and has enjoyed it for the past 26 years as part of his multi-vehicle collection.

Backed by a letter from Paramount Pictures and a letter from the 1979 purchasing owner with his personal recollections on the purchase and history of the car after it was used in “Grease”, the current owner has maintained this Mercury to a high standard throughout his 20+ years of ownership. Services and mileage under current ownership are documented in a handwritten notebook including oil changes, transmission rebuild (2013), new Optima battery (2017), water leak repair (2018), and a coolant flush and oil change (2025). An invoice for the engine rebuild outlines key items including:

Magnafluxed BA block
Johnson hollow adjustable lifters
Grant piston rings
High Volume oil pump
Line bore and dowel pin main cap
Port and relieve block
Angle valve seat grinding
Stellite chromium valves
Isky valve springs and shims
Aluminum timing gear
Balanced crank and pistons
Surface cut heads
Eddie Meyer Hollywood heads
Big bore copper head gaskets

Current Condition

Today this former Paramount Pictures “Grease” 1950 Mercury is beautifully presented in gleaming black with contrasting red and black interior. Although the restoration was done some years ago, the quality of the finishes remains at a high level with excellent details throughout, including beautiful paint and chrome, excellent panel fit, and iconic Mercury details. In addition to the excellent overall body finishes, the various polished trim fits very well to the body, the chrome details are consistently fine, and the rare Mercury emblems are also very nicely finished. The glass and various exterior lenses are also in excellent condition. The black canvas convertible top is finished with red perimeter piping and a clear rear window. The power top raises and lowers smoothly and fits snuggly to the windshield header. All four side glass power windows rise to the bottom edge of the top and return to rest in the lowered position, flush to the door line. The car rides on a set of stamped steel factory wheels finished in bright red with full wheel covers and a set of Coker Classic P215/75R15 wide white wall tires.

The interior is beautifully appointed with red and black bench-style seating for both front and rear passengers. These wide lounge-style seats comfortably hold three passengers in a row, accented by two tone inner door and rear seat side panels, power window switches, and 3-speed manual column shifter. The dashboard, instruments, and steering wheel are a visual delight of the period. Mercury styling features a combination of streamlined elements, painted details, and artful sculpted jewelry for the knobs, switches, and emblems. In addition to the handsomely trimmed interior, the trunk is properly finished in keeping with originality including a full-sized spare tire and correct fluted rubber floor mat.

The engine and engine compartment were properly restored some years ago including a comprehensive engine rebuild with Eddie Meyer heads, period hot rod exhaust manifolds and heavy duty air cleaner. Driven occasionally in recent years, the engine and engine compartment show only modest signs of use. Finishes have acquired a warm patina, but the engine compartment holds up well and remains serviceable, clean, and authentic. The underside continues the same visual theme as the engine compartment with consistent finishes, excellent floors, and no visual evidence of structural compromise.

The car starts and runs smoothly with a quiet idle and just a hint of a bit more power from the enhanced flathead build and dual exhaust. The 3-speed engages easily with smooth acceleration from standing starts and engages into overdrive for smooth highway driving. Ride and acceleration are enjoyable and the owner reports taking multiple summer road trips without overheating. Braking is consistent with technology of the times with steering and suspension in that “just right” cruise mode unique to cars from the 1950s. Driving this Mercury invites the same excitement, nostalgia, and drive-in fun just as this car evokes as part of the iconic movie “Grease”.

Included with this car

This car is accompanied by a pair of removable black rear fender skirts, a set of tire changing tools and vinyl case, spare ignition parts, Mercury period service literature, and signed “Grease” movie memorabilia, and period photos of the car after it was repainted in maroon and used in the Julia Roberts movie “Baja Oklahoma” under prior ownership.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

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Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608