Lot #428 - This 1938 Mercury 8 convertible features a Flathead V8 with a 3-speed manual transmission and a Columbia overdrive unit. All that makes this car very driver-friendly on the open road. This one-family-owned Mercury 8 convertible is one rare prewar ragtop. It has a beautiful-shifting 3-speed with electric overdrive. The striking color combination of Coach Maroon with tan interior and with Haartz cloth top makes this car stand out. The advertisements for this car declared it to be "The car that truly dares to ask 'Why?'" - referring to the idea that a big car couldn't also be economical. Its engine was a 95hp version of the Ford Flathead V8 engine, its styling was inspired by the Zephyr and it had hydraulic brakes from the beginning. With a wheelbase of 116" and an overall length of 196", it was a good-sized car, which the Ford company advertised extensively. The powerful V8, for the time, made this car a driver's car with ease of stopping provided via 12" drums.