For 1939 the Mercury Eight was released as a new, premium brand from Ford Motor Company, positioned between the standard Ford and the upscale Lincoln. The overall body was based on the Ford design, however it had a four-inch longer wheelbase designed for a more luxurious ride. Mercury had a larger 239 cubic inch V8 engine under the hood, producing ten more horsepower.

The Mercury Division was created by Henry Ford's son, Edsel, as he knew having more comprehensive price brands of automobiles was needed to better compete with General Motors.