Mercury

Mercury, a marque born from Ford's desire to bridge the gap between its mainstream offerings and the more luxurious Lincoln, carved a unique niche in automotive history. Introduced in 1938, Mercury initially offered stylish, slightly upscale vehicles, often sharing platforms with Ford but boasting distinct designs. Post-war, the brand experimented with bold styling, including the iconic "lead sleds" of the 1940s and 50s.

Mercury's performance aspirations were evident in models like the Marauder and Cyclone, though the brand struggled to consistently compete with rivals. Despite periods of innovation, including the introduction of the Cougar, Mercury ultimately faced declining sales and a shifting market. The brand's final years saw rebadged Ford products, and Mercury was discontinued in 2011, leaving behind a legacy of stylish, often overlooked, American automobiles.