I'm gonna buy me a Mercury...

[Bigcam59]

...and cruise it up and down the road! I found this beauty on Craig's List, of all places. I thought for sure it'd be gone, but it wasn't
This is how I got it...

And this is after a change of tires and a quick lube. I had a set of ozone stained beigewalls that fit the bike perfectly.

I love the streamlining and can't wait to get the horn and lights working again. I was wondering, does anyone know anything more about these bikes?

 

[TheFlyingDingo]

now that...Is cool

 

[rico]

Great CL Find :!:

you are a lucky guy that is nice :wink:

 

[user 135]

One of the coolest bikes made. And a piece of history. First bike designed by Victor Schreckengost
http://www.viktorschreckengost.org/Gall ... 6/110/1502

 

[scrumblero]

:shock: WOW ... that thing is just beast!! what a cool piece of history..

 

[Bigcam59]

:shock: WOW ... that thing is just beast!! what a cool piece of history..

my words exactly ! :shock: Thanks for the info, cman.
Just goes to show, you have to check Craig's List every day. I originally didn't respond to the ad. I figured it wouldn't last a New York minute before somebody snatched it up. I was surprised to find out it was still for sale.

 

[Wildcat]

Awesome bike! That tank may hold a lot of cash! Have the camera handy when you open it up.

 

[user 135]

I knew the bike was designed for the 1939 Worlds Fair. I urge you to find out more about this bike by posting over at thecabe. And definately don't part this one out or rat out.

http://mercuryindustries.wordpress.com/ ... rlds-fair/

This guy may also know. http://www.bicyclebill.com/Bikecomppages/Mercury.html

 

[Tommy Atoms]

Wicked find. Care to disclose the price? I dont blame you if you dont.

 

[Bigcam59]

I actually paid $100 for it. The chrome is pitted the fenders are a bit rough and the paint is what you'd expect on a 70 year old bike, but i don't plan on doing more than giving it a good cleaning and recovering the seat. I think it's beautiful, warts and all. I did open up the tank. No cash, also no bulbs or horn buzzer, but also no corrosion. It looks almost like there were never batteries left in it. 8)
PS Who is theCabe?

 

[user 135]

http://www.thecabe.com/vbulletin/forum.php

Another forum that specializes in collecting and restoring old bikes, not ratting them out like we do. :mrgreen: :mrgreen:

You may also contact via rms37 as he is a wealth on knowledge.

 

[Tommy Atoms]

Thanks! To me that sounds pretty cheap. I would've too. Im glad your just gonna clean it.

 

[Tailwinds]

I actually paid $100 for it.

I think a small part of me just died.

Around here that bike on CL would be $500 and it wouldn't last 15 minutes. Lucky, lucky find, congrats!

 

[dave the wave]

that bike is very rare.its a $10,000 or more bike.there are now only 2 known yours and leon dixon's.congrats

 

[Bigcam59]

that bike is very rare.its a $10,000 or more bike.there are now only 2 known yours and leon dixon's.congrats

:shock: :shock: :shock:
I will delve into this and let you know.

 

[2manybikes]

Here is a link to another webpage that has a bike similar to yours.
http://www.nostalgic.net/bicycle807.htm
Nice Score !!

 

[Bigcam59]

the paint is pretty scratched, just what you'd expect for 70 year's use. If I do strip it down it'll be to repaint it the original black. The chrome on the wheels is pretty pitted too. I did get the lights and horn working, by updating the electric. Didn't modify any of the original parts just added some 21st century updates, like led bulbs and a modern battery box, both removable, so now I have lights and a horn. I know I can't make it new again, but I am going to make it look better.

 

[Gold Street Customs]

Its just nice to know that deals do pop up , and man what a ride !!!!

 

[Tommy Atoms]

I went and checked CL after reading this post.

 

[user 135]

Are you going to try and find a chainguard like the rest of them have?