When Todd Win rolls up to a car show in his stunning 1951 Mercury, heads turn. This is much more than just a classic car! Todd’s Mercury 51 proved at the 2025 Spark!Fishers Car + Art Show, that some cars just never go out of style.
Why the 1951 Mercury Fits the Bill for “Most Wanted”
Todd’s car is called “The Most Wanted,” but it wasn’t actually Todd’s choice. The car came with the name. He names all his cars, but he didn’t pick the name for this Mercury, as it already had its name etched in the glass. For Todd, the name was a great fit.
When we talked with Todd at the show, he explained: “I’ll drive an old school car every day. The style, the lines, newer cars are cool, but nah, a lot of newer cars look the same. So, I like the old stuff. Got to have the old stuff.”
He also says, “I’m one of those weird people who just likes cars that other people don’t like.” But we disagree! There is nothing weird about appreciating the distinctive design of a true auto classic.
Todd’s approach to classic car ownership is different from many other collectors. While other car enthusiasts baby their vehicles and keep them in the garage most of the time, Todd drives his 1951 Mercury everywhere!
A Mercury 51 Transformed for Modern Times
Todd’s 1951 Mercury represents the perfect blend of classic styling and contemporary performance upgrades. Under the hood sits a powerful 327 engine that gives his Mercury the performance to match its stunning looks. Todd explained to us, “It’s got a 327, so I mean it’ll go if it needs to, but I keep it about 60 and I don’t do too much on it.” This measured approach to driving reflects a deep respect for both the car and the road.
The modifications Todd and his friend have made serve both form and function. The air ride suspension was a dream upgrade that Todd always wanted but never had before. This system allows for that perfect slow and low stance that defines custom car culture while maintaining ride quality for daily driving.
Additional upgrades include tinted windows for comfort and style, custom wheels and tires that give the Mercury its aggressive stance, and what Todd called “a pretty badass stereo system” that brings modern entertainment to this classic ride. Each modification was carefully chosen to enhance the car’s character rather than overwhelm its original charm.
The Legacy of the 1951 Mercury
The Mercury Eight was the first model produced by the Ford Motor Company for their Mercury line, and it was manufactured from 1939 through 1951. The 1951 model year marked the end of an era for the Mercury Eight nameplate, making Todd’s car part of automotive history.
The 1951 Mercury Series 1CM had a wheelbase size of 118.00 inches and a length of 206.80 inches, giving it substantial road presence that modern cars struggle to match. When new, the 1951 Mercury cost approximately $2,113 to $2,365, making it a premium vehicle for its time.
The original powerplant was a flathead V-8 that grew in displacement to 255 CID, with horsepower growing from 100 to 110 for the 1951 model year. While Todd’s 327 swap provides significantly more power, it maintains the V8 tradition that made Mercury special.
Mercury 51: Classic Design That Endures
The 1951 Mercury represents a sweet spot in automotive design. It represents the transition from post-war optimism to the confident styling of the 1950s. The new styling of the Mercury Eight, when it was released in 1949, played off of the “ponton” (AKA: pontoon) appearance. This was successful in both ending the bland pre-war styling and differentiating Mercury from its similar Ford cousins.
Todd’s Mercury showcases the timeless appeal of these design principles. It features a fender line, substantial chrome bumpers, and a distinctive grille, creating a presence that no modern car can replicate. It’s this unique character that makes the 1951 Mercury a perfect fit for events like the Spark!Fishers Car + Art Show, where classic automotive design is celebrated alongside artistic expression.
Living That Classic Car Dream
Todd’s philosophy extends beyond just owning classic cars—it’s about living with them. “Yeah, it rides nice. It rides really nice,” he says of his Mercury, emphasizing that classic cars can still provide real-world utility when properly maintained and thoughtfully modified.
This approach rejects the idea that classic cars are all fragile pieces that would be better in a museum than on the road. Todd showed us that with the right upgrades, maintenance, and protection, a car like the 1951 Mercury can be both a show-stopper and a reliable ride.
Protect Your Car: It’s More Than Just Transportation
Todd Win’s “Most Wanted” 1951 Mercury represents everything that makes classic car culture special. It’s about so much more than nostalgia. It’s also about maintaining a connection to an era when cars had distinctive personalities and driving was about more than getting from point A to point B.
As Todd puts it: “Got to have the old stuff.” In a world of increasingly similar modern vehicles, his 1951 Mercury stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of classic automotive design, personal expression, and the simple joy of driving something truly special.
The best way to protect your automotive treasure is to insure it with an insurance company that understands the challenges and rewards of owning classic cars. Classic Auto Insurance offers policies that meet your needs, whether you own one beautiful classic or a whole fleet of prize cars. Contact us at 888-901-1338 for a free quote!
