Did Mark 35a Merc outboards come painted Black?

[Jay R]

Just bought a 1959 cedar strip runabout & it has a Mark 35a iekhaefer Mercury on it. I know nothing about this motor but would like to learn & know everything I can about it. For example, its black but every other one I see pictures of on line are painted white?Any and all comments and info would be appreciated.

 

[steelespike]

Re: Did Mark 35a Merc outboards come painted Black?

I think your best bet for help is at Johns Old Mercury web site or www.aomci.org
It does appear that the 35A was made only in 59 with a 300 and a 350 in 60 and 61.
Are you sure it is a 35A? my feeling is it was white. I was 16 when the 35A was new.
So my memory may have faded by now.

 

[Jay R]

Re: Did Mark 35a Merc outboards come painted Black?

I know it is a 35a but I'm still trying to figure out for sure if it is a 59 which is what I was told it is by the people who sold it to me. Your memory is still working great because I found out that the 59 was originally painted in cloud white which is why I still have some unanswered questions about the motor which is black. If the 35a was black in 60 &or 61, maybe the motor isn't actually a 59. I would like to figure this out? Thanks steelespike, the info and feedback is much appreciated.

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: Did Mark 35a Merc outboards come painted Black?

The 35A is a one-year model. The A stood for Anniversary, as in Mercury's 20th (1939-1959). It was also the last year of the Mark designation. 1960 model year went to the Merc X00 (.ie, Merc 300, 400, 500, etc.) designation. Mercs didn't go black until 1962 with the Merc 1000, followed by the rest of the line in 1963.

 

[Jay R]

Re: Did Mark 35a Merc outboards come painted Black?

Just made my Friday night by replying to my question Chinewalker, thanks. I've been checking in here every night hoping to find out for sure what I need/want to know about this engine I have and by the sounds of it, I can be now be sure that its a 59. Thanks for the additional info as well. Last year for the Mark designation eh, wow its cool that I know that now. If you or anyone else feels like continuing to post more info about the Mark35a motor ect. just know that I will continue checking in here and I appreciate the passing on of your knowledge about old Merc's to a guy like me who is just beginning to learn about these classic motors.