The Mercury Eight was the first model to wear the Mercury name. The Mercury Eight was introduced for the 1939 model year, and was created to sit between Ford and Lincoln as the Ford Company's intermediate make. Over its production, the Eight was offered in a variety of body styles, each fitted with a V8 engine. Production of the Eight took place over three generations: 1st Gen (1939-1940), 2nd Gen (1941-1948), and 3rd Gen (1949-1951).