Ford of Canada elected to divide up the dealership network into Ford and Lincoln-Mercury, providing a more upscale experience for buyers of the premium nameplates. However, management of these franchises soon complained about losing truck sales, as they would no longer be able to sell F-Series trucks. The answer came in 1948 with the advent of the M100 Pickup truck. Available exclusively through Lincoln-Mercury dealerships, the M100 was essentially a rebadged Ford with upgraded exterior and interior trim appointments. Produced through 1968, the 20-year run proved relatively successful, but mounting competition and a changing marketplace called for the end of the M100.
Rare, these trucks have often been sought after by collectors, especially those interested in pickups. This one is a rare Jubilee Anniversary Edition celebrating 50 years of Ford, and it benefits from a nut-and-bolt restoration. Boasting 51,000 miles, the truck is complete with the original, rust-free steel and a rebuilt, 239/106 HP flathead V-8 engine. Interestingly, this car also hosts the very rare Merc-O-Matic 2-speed automatic transmission. Originally hailing from Saskatchewan, Canada, the truck has the original-style wiring harness and bench seat, which has been reupholstered in red vinyl. The truck exudes a better-than-new look with many new parts and components, such as new front and rear bumpers and a new oak bed with body-color-matched slats. Finished in the original Yosemite Green, the finish is dark, deep, reflective and seemingly exquisite. Rolling on the original-style 6.00-16 Lester tires on steel wheels with stainless-steel trim rings and period-correct Atlas Port-A-Walls, this M100 is an absolute head turner. Not only will the appearance of this truck grab attention, people will look twice to make sure they really did see the lettering “MERCURY” across the hood and tailgate.
