Peggy is a 1940 Mercury Eight 09A Convertible
The Mercury nameplate was the result of Edsel Ford who envisioned it as a brand that would fall below the luxury brand of Lincoln but above the entry-level Fords. After much needed convincing to father, Henry, and other family members, the project was given the green light. By the close of the 1930s, cars were being assembled and produced with Mercury badges.
From the start, the Mercury brand was successful. It competed against General Motors products of Pontiac and Oldsmobile and it took a few years to achieve similar sales figures as those household names.
During the early 1940s, Mercury averaged around 80,000 units per year which put it in twelfth or thirteenth in the industry.
The name ‘Mercury’ is from the winged messenger god in Greek mythology. In keeping true to its name, the Mercury had performance and style. They sat on a wheelbase that was four-inches longer than the Ford, measuring 116 inches. Styling featured curved fenders, rounded body lines, and a crisp and pointy front end.
Technical Specifications and Dimensions
| Production Figures 1940 Mercury Eight Series 09A Convertible 2 dr. 9,741 Convertible Sedan 4 dr. 1,083 Coupe 2 dr. 189 Sedan 2 dr. 6,243 Sedan 4 dr. 42,805 | Exterior Length : 201.6 in | 5121 mm. Wheelbase : 116.0 in | 2946 mm. Front Track : 58.0 in | 1473 mm. Rear Track : 60.0 in | 1524 mm. |
| Convertible Price : $1,079 Weight :3 105 lbs | 1408.404 kg Seating Capacity : 5 Doors : 2 | 1940 Averages Avg. Car Cost : $825 Avg. Household Income : $1,725 Avg. Home : $3,920 Avg. Gallon of Gas : $0.18 |