Special Puzzle #1636 - Chuck Manning's Merc V8 Special

[Otto Puzzell]

Know what it is?

Please, respond below and identify what this is, and who built it.
As always, detailed answers are greatly appreciated by all. 
If you haven't registered yet, you need to do so in order to reply with your answer.  You can do so by clicking here.

Also, please be sure to check out our other puzzles, and, please post a puzzle of your own if you'd like - the more, the merrier.

Thanks!

[woodinsight]

Manning Mercury Special 1951 built by Charles "Chuck" Manning, an engineer with the Douglas Aircraft Corp.

[Otto Puzzell]

I'm pleased to award you your first AutoPuzzles point 

In looking at your tacks so far, I suspect you'll be promoted to Expert status very quickly.

[woodinsight]

Many thanks! I'm happy to join this excellent site - the best in my humble opinion. I have several to post if I can reach Experts status in the future.

[Paul Jaray]

Welcome to Autopuzzles!

if I can reach Experts status in the future

...if you keep on like this, you'll set a new record!

[woodinsight]

Thanks for the kind comments - will press on as time permits