Here is a 1960 Mercury M100 Pick-Up Custom 4×4 – a unique pick-up truck to begin with that was the subject of a special build under previous ownership, estimated by the owner to have been completed approximately 10 years ago. A Mercury pick-up truck is a unique item to begin with. Unlike other trucks in the Ford Motor Company family branded Fords, the Mercurys were marketed only in Canada. They were sold in Canada for 20+ years in the post-war era, from 1946 to 1968. They always attract attention from our neighbours to the south, most of whose residents are unfamiliar with their existence. The truck at hand is more unique: the build features a chassis and powertrain from something much more modern and widely reputed for durability, strength and reliability – a 1991 Dodge Ram D350 4×4 Power Wagon with Cummins Diesel powertrain.

The exterior of the truck remains true to original Mercury form, boasting a sharp two-tone blue and white paint pattern. Exterior badging remains complete with badges showing a desirable patina – some wear evident as badges of honour for past service though exhibiting clear branding of a time past. Chrome bumpers and trim are bright and eye-catching in the sun, with light pitting observed only on the “M” branding above the grille. All lights are operational, with accessory lights in place on the roof and side mirrors appropriate for towing. The custom look of this truck is most apparent from the rear, where Ford-appropriate 1965 Mustang taillights have been fitted, as well as hardware to accommodate a fifth-wheel trailer. Also in the bed of the truck is found the fuel tank with check plate housing. The original fuel cap remains in place as a tribute to originality, it is non-functional. Custom wheels by Warn continue the chrome theme and they house grippy 285/70R17 all-terrain light truck tires which suit the lifted stance of the truck.

The interior cab of the truck is also loyal to its era, with modern conveniences to improve on the past. Factory instrumentation consists of a speedometer, odometer showing 97,000 miles (TMU – true mileage unknown), fuel and temperature gauges as well as oil and generator lights – note that the truck runs a 12-volt system. There are aftermarket items in the form of a switch for roof lights, temperature gauge, control for under-dash lights, Pilot-branded controls for electric trailer brakes and two DC outlets. The factory heater remains in place, seller advises that he has driven the truck approximately 500 fair weather miles in his four-year ownership tenure and can not speak to functionality. Original choke knob is in place but non-functional given the Cummins powertrain conversion and its Bosch direct fuel injection. Tan leather bucket seats with manual controls have been installed. The original large diameter steering wheel is in place as is a period shifter which might give off the appearance of a manual, though this Cummins is automatic. Paint on the inside steps up to the seats remains fresh.

Under the hood, the big Cummins 5.9L inline-six cylinder 12-valve turbocharged diesel oozes strength. It was originally rated at 160 horsepower (2500 RPM), though this engine is known for its torque – an impressive 400 lb.-ft. at a low 1700 RPM. The big Cummins makes towing a breeze – capacity is over 8,500 lbs. so this show truck can be put to work with the equipped with a fifth-wheel system in addition to the conventional hitch mounted below the bumper. To accommodate the fifth-wheel system, a custom vented tailgate has been fitted. Please review the videos to see the truck start and hear its engine running. There are locking hubs and the truck features 4-high and 4-low in addition to rear drive functionality. Underside of the truck has been oil sprayed and is very clean. Please note that the hood springs are unable to keep the hood lifted, as suggested by the broom stick in the video.

This one-of-a-kind truck was featured in an article that appeared in a 2019 issue of well-known collector car hobby newspaper “Old Autos” – the article appears in the gallery. This Mercury M100 with 1991 Dodge D350 4×4 chassis and Cummins powertrain is available in Valens, Ontario, close to Cambridge.