A lead sled is a standard production automobile with a body heavily modified in particular ways(see below); especially, though not exclusively, a 1949, 1950, or 1951 model year Ford 'Shoebox' or Mercury Eight car. In the name, "lead" refers to the use of lead as a bodyfiller in early days, and "sled" refers to the lowering of the vehicle, giving these vehicles the appearance that they were "slip sliding" down the highway.
The Hirohata Merc, one of the most famous cars in the lead sled style
A 1950 Mercury lead sled and a stock 1950 Mercury for comparison. The lead sled has received a roof chop, fadeaway fenders, a canted B pillar, frenched headlights, shaved doorhandles and trim, and more.
Image: 1950 Mercury Lead Sled; Annandale, MN (42568334244) (cropped)
The Mercury Eight is an automobile that was produced by the American manufacturer Ford Motor Company under their now defunct division Mercury between 1939 and 1951. The debut model line of the Mercury division, Ford slotted the full-size Mercury Eight between the Ford Deluxe model lines and the Lincoln. In total, Ford assembled three generations of the Eight.
1939 Mercury 8 two-door Sedan
1939 Mercury 8 Sport Convertible
1941 Mercury Eight Club Convertible
Mercury Eight
