Mercury M-Series

Mercury M-Series

Unrestored 1949 Mercury M47 ½ Ton
Overview
Manufacturer Mercury (Ford)
Production 1946–1968
Body and chassis
Class Full-size pickup truck
Layout Front engine, rear-wheel drive
Front engine, four-wheel drive
Chronology
Successor Ford F-Series (1967–1972)

The Mercury M-Series is a series of pickup trucks that was marketed by the Mercury division of Ford Motor Company. Produced from 1946 to 1968, the Mercury M-Series was sold primarily in Canada, as a rebadged version of the Ford F-Series.

Background

In 1946, Ford of Canada introduced the Ford pickup truck lines to the Canadian market. To improve its availability to rural communities (its intended market), Ford introduced its pickup truck lines through the Lincoln-Mercury-Meteor network, as few communities offered both Mercury and Ford dealer networks at the time. To differentiate the two model lines, Mercury trucks were given a brand-specific grille and slightly different trim.

Pickup trucks

1949 Mercury M-Series
1968 Mercury M100. 1968 was the last year for Mercury trucks.
1966 Mercury M-150

In 1948, following the introduction of the Ford F-Series, Mercury adopted the use of the "M" prefix (M=Mercury). From 1948-1950 nominal tonnage ratings were replaced by a series designation in which the numbers indicate the GVWR when equipped with tires of appropriate capacity. Each code number is arrived at by dividing the GVWR of the series by 100. Thus an F-47 (M-47) indicates a GVWR of 4700 lbs., F-135 (M-135) indicates 13500 lbs., etc. Each truck series is rated to its GVWR. In 1951-52 Ford of Canada got back in step with Ford USA with F-1 (M-1), F-2 (M-2) etc. (GVWR = gross vehicle weight rating - weight of chassis, cab and body, plus payload)

From 1948 to 1968, the Mercury M-Series followed the development of its Ford F-Series counterpart, differing largely in exterior trim. After the 1968 model year, Ford of Canada ended pickup truck sales through the Lincoln-Mercury-Meteor network, shifting all pickups to the Ford brand.

Other Mercury trucks

1965 Mercury Econoline EM-100 pickup
1964 Mercury M700 flatbed towtruck

Alongside the M-Series pickup trucks, Mercury dealerships in Canada sold other rebadged versions of the Ford truck line. Along with an M-Series counterpart of medium-duty F-Series trucks (F-500 and above), Mercury sold its own versions of the Ford B-series bus chassis and Ford C-Series tilt-cab truck. In a similar fashion, the Ford Econoline van and pickup truck was sold as a Mercury from 1961 to 1967.

While not sold as a Mercury, the Canadian Meteor division (sold alongside Lincoln-Mercury) sold a rebadged Ford Ranchero from 1957 to 1959.

Ford of Canada produced its final Mercury truck as it ended sales of its version of the Ford C-Series in 1973.

See also

Mercury passenger vehicle timeline, 1940–1979 — next »
Type 1940s 1950s 1960s 1970s
012 3 4 56789 0123456789 0123456789 0123456789
Subcompact WWII Bobcat
Compact Comet Comet Comet Zephyr
Monarch
Mid-size Montego Montego Cougar
Meteor Comet Comet
Full-size Custom Medalist Meteor
Eight Eight Eight Eight Monterey Monterey Monterey Monterey Monterey Monterey Monterey
Montclair Montclair Montclair Montclair Montclair Monterey Custom
Park Lane Park Lane Park Lane Park Lane Marquis Marquis
Turnpike Cruiser S-55 S-55 Marauder
Station wagon Commuter Commuter Commuter Commuter Commuter
Voyager
Colony Park Colony Park Colony Park Colony Park Colony Park Colony Park
Sports car Capri Capri II Capri
Cougar Cougar
Personal luxury Cougar Cougar
Pickup truck M-Series M-Series M-Series M-Series


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