Mercury M-series 1946–1968
| Mercury M-Series | |
|---|---|
Unrestored 1949 Mercury M47 ½ Ton
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| 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-SeriesBackground
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
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
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.