James Dean's Mercury at the National Auto Museum

Author: Sherril Steele-Carlin

Were you a "Rebel Without a Cause," just like young, handsome James Dean in the classic 1955 film? The film tells the story of a lonely yet rebellious outsider who tries to fit in with "normal" society at a time when culture and teenagers were undergoing tremendous changes. Thousands of teenagers identified with the young lovers in the film, played by Dean and beautiful Natalie Wood.

If you identify with Dean's character in the film, then perhaps you longingly think back on the memorable Mercury Dean drove in that film. It was a 1949 six-passenger coupe, fitted with a V-8 and an attitude, just like Dean's own rebellious attitude with his slicked back hair and leather jacket. The car fit the man, and made the film even more unforgettable. Dean's death just a month before the October, 1955 release of the film helped make the car an instant classic, too.

Today, you can see the 1949 Merc on display at the National Automobile Museum in Reno, Nevada. Part of the Museum's permanent collection, the car appears much as it did in the film. Less chrome and more gleaming black paint than showroom models were the order of the day for the film car, and after the movie hit theaters, the coupe became a cult favorite with car buffs and collectors.

The 1949 model year for Mercury revealed a newly redesigned car that also captured the hearts of baby-boomer parents and their rapidly maturing teenagers. Largely the same since 1942, Mercury's redesign in 1949 featured a revolutionary overdrive, along with a lower, wider, and longer design that gave it quite a different look over previous Mercury models. The new design also did away with transverse springs and the torque-tube drive. Four models were available, from the six-passenger Dean drove to a 4-door sports sedan, 6-passenger convertible and 2-door station wagon. Dealers reported brisk sales and over 301,000 models were produced that year.

Compared to other makes and models of the time (think of the '49 Plymouth, boxy and conservative), the Merc was coolness personified. It's easy to see why so many young people longed for a car just like Dean's, and of course his tragic death just seemed to make the car more tantalizing, somehow.

If you'd like to visit the Museum, it's open every day of the year except Thanksgiving and Christmas. Located just a few blocks from the downtown casinos, the Museum is easy to get to, and contains hundreds of cars exhibited in galleries reminiscent of the eras they were driven. The Museum also has a nice collection of automobile advertising memorabilia and vintage clothing.

If you're interested in the restoration process, there's a gallery just for you to view restoration on the cars, along with a research library and an art collection. The Museum is a fascinating destination for the entire family, and give yourself several hours to really view all the cars and memorabilia inside. From time to time, the Museum also sells some of its' surplus cars and you can find out what cars are currently for sale by visiting the Museum web site: http://www.automuseum.org/index.shtml. You can also find out about admission prices and hours, too. So, come visit the National Auto Museum and see the Mercury that became a classic after "Rebel Without a Cause."

Sherril Steele-Carlin is a freelance writer and researcher in Reno, Nevada. Her work has appeared in numerous national publications including American Profile, Highways, Pool & Spa, and many more.