The big news for 1951 was the availability of the optional "Merc-O-Matic Drive," a fully automatic transmission. Approximately one in every three 1951 Mercurys were sold with an automatic transmission. In 1951, Mercurys came in first at two NASCAR Grand National races.

The 1951 Mercury production outdid even the banner year of 1949 with an astounding 310,387 units.

1951 Mercury - SERIES 1CM

A new grille that was integrated with the signal lights was a styling change for 1951. The benchmark styling change, however, was that Lincoln-like molded-in vertical taillights replaced horizontal tacked-on units found on the 1949 and 1950 models. The rear window on two-door and four-door models wrapped around and offered a better view for the driver and passengers.

New lower rear quarter panel stainless trim was added, and it made the wraparound bumper appear to extend even further than before. On the Monterey coupe, a custom interior, chrome gravel shields, rocker panels, and a vinyl or canvas roof were standard equipment.

Standard equipment was similar to 1950 and included: cigarette lighter, electric clock, locking glove compartment, twin horns, two sun visors, arm rests on each front door, foot control for headlights with beam indicator on instrument panel, two ashtrays in rear compartment, friction-lock, ventilating windows in front, dimming control for instrument lights, luggage compartment light, and spare wheel and tire in luggage compartment. Power window lifts and seat adjustment were standard on the six-passenger convertible and available at extra cost on all models but the station wagon.

Body Colors -

• 01 Black
• 05 Luxor Maroon
• 07 Mission Gray
• 09 Tomah Ivory
• 13 Sheffield Green
• 15 Kerry Blue
• 15A Academy Blue
• 17 Coventry Green
• 19 Vassar Yellow
• 202 Monterey Red
• 203 Turquoise Blue
• 204 Brewster Green
• 204 Yosemite Green
  

Upholstery Choices -

• Broadcloth or cord in closed models
• Genuine leather in Convertible and the Station Wagon.

Mercury Engines -

• L-head V-8. Cast iron block. Displacement: 255.4 CID. Bore and stroke: 3.19" x 4.00". Compression ratio: 6.80:1. Horsepower: 112 @ 3600 RPM. Torque: 206 @ 2000 RPM. Three main bearings. Carburetor: Holley 885FFC two-barrel.

Chassis - All Models -

• Wheelbase: 118".
• Overall length: Passenger Cars - 206.8" Station Wagon - 213.5".
• Front tread: 58.5".
• Rear tread: 60.0".
• Tires: 7.10 x 15.

Powertrain Options -

• Three-speed manual column mounted transmission was standard.
• Merc-O-Matic automatic transmission was optional.
• Touch-O-Matic Overdrive was optional.
• Rear Axle ratios: 3.31:1 w/Merc-O-Matic, 3.9:1 w/standard transmission, passenger cars w/overdrive 4.27:1, station wagon w/overdrive 4.55:1.

Significant Options -

• Back-up Light
• Courtesy/Map Light
• Directional Signals
• Engine Compartment Light
• Exhaust Pipe Extension
• Fender Shields
• Fog/Road Lamps
• Front Grille Guard
• Hand Brake Signal
• Heater/Defroster
• Gas Tank Lid Lock
• License Plate Frames
• No-Glare Rear View Mirror
• Oil bath air cleaner
• Outside Rear-view Mirror
• Plug-in Utility lamp
• Power Seat (standard in convertible)
• Power windows (standard in convertible)
• Radio with station changing push buttons
• Rear Window Wiper
• Seat Covers
• Spare Tire Air Extension
• Spot Light
• Two-tone Paint
• Undercoating
• Visor Vanity Mirror
• Wheel Trim Rings
• Windshield Washers