Boot Hill Auto’s 1950 Mercury M47 Build: A Canadian Classic Reborn

When you talk about iconic Canadian pickups, the Mercury M47 deserves a spot at the top of the list. Built between 1946 and 1968 for the Canadian market, the M-Series trucks were essentially Ford F-Series vehicles with Mercury badging—created to give Mercury dealers their own truck line in rural parts of the country. And in recent years, these trucks have become prized by collectors looking for something unique.

Enter Boot Hill Auto, a top-tier restoration shop out of Canada that took a 1950 M47 and turned it into something truly next-level. This build isn’t just a head-turner—it’s a full-on masterpiece of old-school design blended with modern power, comfort, and tech.

The Builder: Boot Hill Auto

Boot Hill Auto is no stranger to show-stopping builds. Known across the country for their complete in-house restorations, they offer everything from routine maintenance to full custom overhauls without ever moving your car off-site. Their passion for perfection and attention to detail have made them a go-to name in the classic car world.

Founded in 2009 by Blaine Schmidt—a former CFL veteran with over 20 years in the restoration scene—Boot Hill has built a reputation for getting things done right. And with this 1950 Mercury M47, they’ve proven once again why they’re one of the best in the business.

The Details: Built to Be Driven and Admired

This truck is more than just a tribute to the past—it's a full-blown custom build with all the bells and whistles you'd expect from a high-end shop.

Body & Paint

Finished in a deep, custom Boxwood Green using BASF’s 90 Line paint, the body is flawless from top to bottom. The custom bed opens up for easy access to the fuel cell and air tanks, and it's been mini-tubbed and lined with Accoya wood—accented by stainless rails that shine like jewelry.

Chassis & Suspension

The custom chassis features tubular control arms and a 4-link rear setup, all dialed in with Airlift suspension and a control unit to make ride height adjustments smooth and precise. It rides as good as it looks—no compromise here.

Powertrain

• Engine: Ford 302 with Sniper II fuel injection

• Exhaust: Fully custom, stainless steel setup

• Transmission: C6 automatic with a Lokar shifter

This combo gives you plenty of power with the kind of drivability that makes long cruises a joy.

Electronics & Lighting

Dakota Digital gauges keep things modern in the dash, while LED lighting throughout ensures you’re seen coming and going. Built-in cameras front and rear bring extra safety and tech to a vintage ride, and yes—it’s got Vintage Air to keep things cool inside.

Wheels & Tires

The stance is perfect, thanks to Detroit Steel D-Town Smoothie wheels wrapped in Pirelli rubber—225/45ZR18 up front and 295/40ZR20 out back. It’s got a classic-meets-modern vibe that totally fits the build.

Interior

Inside, it’s all class. The custom bench seat is wrapped in Muirhead leather (GP166 Angora) with green thread accenting the double-stitched seams. The dash is modified to include AC controls and the air ride system, while a custom green carpet with leather binding finishes it off. The details? Top-tier.

Audio

Don’t worry—they didn’t skip the tunes. A Kenwood DMX709S head unit runs front and rear camera control, with Morel Virtus Nano Carbon Integra 62s mounted in custom kick panels. A Kicker 10” powered sub brings the bass. Subtle, clean, and ready to roll.

Why It Matters

This 1950 Mercury M47 is a perfect example of how you can take a piece of Canadian truck history and make it shine in today’s world. Boot Hill Auto didn’t just restore a truck—they reimagined it, keeping the heritage intact while turning it into a show-ready, road-worthy beast.

Want to See More?

Check out our full gallery and more builds like this one on Instagram and Facebook. Got your own Merc project in the works? Reach out—whether you're sourcing parts or just need inspiration, we're here for it.

– Collector’s Auto Supply