1948 Mercury M47 Pickup – A Proud Canadian Classic, Preserved with Authenticity
In the aftermath of World War II, the automotive world resumed its march forward, and Canada saw the emergence of a unique badge from Ford Motor Company’s northern arm—Mercury trucks. Built exclusively for the Canadian market to support its network of Mercury-Lincoln dealers, the Mercury M47 was more than a rebadged Ford; it was a symbol of post-war utility wrapped in a distinguished package. Produced from 1946 through 1968, these pickups remain a rare sight today, especially those restored with care and respect for originality—like this 1948 Mercury M47 recently sold through PC Classic Cars in Sherman, Texas.
Power, Purpose, and Provenance
Under the hood, this M47 hosts a 239 cubic inch Flathead V8, a staple powerplant of the Ford family through the late 1940s. Known for its smooth torque and bulletproof durability, this flathead V8 is paired to a classic three-speed manual transmission. The drivetrain remains impressively true to its roots, featuring a stock one-barrel carburetor, exhaust manifolds, and a quiet stock-style crossover muffler feeding into a single tailpipe.
Though the odometer reads just 1 mile, it’s a placeholder for a much longer story—a life of reliable performance and preservation. The engine bay retains a very original appearance, down to its 6-volt electrical system, and is topped off by an engine casting number CB9A, marking this as a genuine Canadian-born Mercury.
Authentically Canadian, Lovingly Preserved
Wearing Barcelona Blue paint (code “MC-14221”), this truck has been repainted in its original hue, giving it a rich finish that showcases its classic curves. Despite some age-related imperfections in the paint and trim, this M47 is remarkably solid from top to bottom. The wood bed floor has been replaced and presents beautifully, while 16-inch steel wheels wrapped in 2024-dated Coker 6.50x16 wide whitewalls echo the truck’s period-correct charm.
Inside, the cabin retains its humble yet handsome brown bench seat interior, complete with manual windows, locks, and a tastefully redone seat upholstery and sun visors. A newly installed headliner and back panel kit round out the interior’s appealing blend of preservation and enhancement. Though equipped without modern luxuries such as air conditioning or a radio, this M47 prioritizes authenticity and the joy of simple motoring.
Road Manners of a True Vintage Workhorse
This Mercury pickup runs and drives like a vintage dream—cruising comfortably at 40-45 mph. The manual steeringfeels appropriately weighted, tracking straight with a solid, mechanical feedback that's characteristic of late-1940s engineering. The manual four-wheel drum brakes function reliably, making it a confident companion for local drives or vintage events.
Underneath, this truck is very solid, benefiting from updated front and rear shocks and replaced outer tie rod ends. Minor leaks noted from the transmission and steering box are common for the era and were not observed to impact performance. The driveshaft, while noted to have a dent, does not produce noticeable vibrations, affirming the vehicle’s excellent road manners.
A Rare Survivor from North of the Border
What sets this M47 apart is not just its condition, but its Canadian-specific features, from the interior code (M18005-C)to its heritage as a Mercury-branded Ford truck—a legacy built to serve the unique needs of Canada’s rural markets. Its originality, documented preservation, and character-rich presentation make it a standout example of an often-overlooked chapter in North American automotive history.
At PC Classic Cars, we’re passionate about preserving the legacy of vehicles like this 1948 Mercury M47 Pickup. With deep expertise and a carefully curated inventory, we honor the stories these classics carry.
Do you own a 1948 Mercury truck or similar vintage classic? PC Classic Cars is always looking to purchase high-quality vintage pickups, especially rare Canadian models like the M47. Reach out today—our team is ready to help you share your truck’s next chapter.