Best of Show 2009
1950 Mercury Custom Coupe

I grew up believing a chopped Mercury was THE "hotrod of hotrods". I finally started looking for one in 2003. In 2004, while in Kerrville, Texas, I saw what I thought was a beautiful red '50 Mercury, with what appeared to be a perfect chop job. I inquired about the car and was told it could not be bought. Needless to say, I was quite disappointed and continued on with other projects.

Early in 2009, I received a call from a friend in Kerrville telling me there was a red '50 Mercury for sale. After a few questions, it became apparent to me that it was the same car. I was on the road to Kerrville within a matter of hours.

I found the car to be in good shape, but needing some TLC since it had been a daily driver for about 5 years. We made a deal that day and I drove the car back to Georgetown, Texas. As it turned out, the car was in amazing condition, considering it was originally built in 1992. After some looking, talking, and test driving, we went to work, cleaned and detailed the entire engine bay, tuned all mechanicals, detailed, cleaned and repainted the underside, reupholstered most of the interior, installed a new butt-joint windshield, new exhaust system, added some pinstriping (both on the body and under the hood), and did a complete paint touchup, wetsand and buff. It turned out great and was then ready to show.

While doing the work, I was busy learning the history of the car. I've discovered that custom cars especially can have very interesting histories. I learned that the Merc was built by Heinzman Street Rods of Phillips, Nebraska. John Heinzman has been building cars professionally for more than 35 years, and I have learned he is as good as there is in the custom car business. The chop and body work were done by Andy Glause of Glause Metal Crafters. Andy built the prototype body for the steel Dearborn Deuce Coupe and is, without a doubt, a premier metal crafter. The Merc has original Appleton Spots, which have not been refinished. I wondered where someone would have gotten them, and in a conversation with the builder, I found out they were purchased from an Army soldier just back from Korea in 1953. Spots were still in the box and they were not used until the car received them in 1992.

The car is built as follows: 1950 Mercury Custom Coupe, chopped 3 1/2", nosed with rounded corners, shaved and decked, frenched headlights, frenched '50 taillights, custom built "floating" grille by Gene Winfield, '49 Mercury dash with Autometer gauges, '59 Impala steering wheel, '57 Eldorado caps with bullets, 2" lake pipes. Drip rail is on the car. Sound system is Alpine with CD player. The car sports '51 Mercury skirts with '53 Mercury spears, side spears are from a 1938 Packard hearse. It has a '50 Mercury rear glass. Side rear wing windows are operable and have all chrome trim installed. Seats are original '50 Mercury, done in ultra leather which is white with wide pleats. Carpet is Mercedes deep red wool. Headliner is also pleated to match seats. Windshield is butt-joint. Spotlights are original Appleton.

The Merc is powered by a 410 c.i. small block, equipped with power steering, power brakes, a/c and heat. Firewall is smoothed, with brake cylinders and battery relocated. Transmission is a built 350 t.h. with a mild shift kit and 10 bolt Posi rearend. All engine and chassis work was done by Heinsman Street Rods, with front disc brakes and rear drums. Suspension is dropped 2 1/2". The car is an absolute joy to drive and is road worthy for any trip, having been built by some of the best.

In 2009, after spending about 3 months prepping the car, it made a total of 8 shows and received the following: one Top 3 award, one 1st in Class award, three Best of Show awards, two People's Choice awards, one Best Street Rod, and a really cool Club Pick from Ruidoso, New Mexico, proclaiming it to be the "Way Too Cool" ride of the show, and other interior and class awards.

Finally, I want to thank TCCS for choosing my Merc as their 2009 Best of Show. This award means so much to me for several reasons. First, it is the cause--Make A Wish does great work. Secondly, the people involved are true car people. Finally, the quality of cars is always very high.

Well, that's the story, so to speak. I'll be looking forward to the best part of the car hobby, and that is seeing and talking with all the friends made, both old and new, in 2010.

Look for the "Red Sled" and remember, There's nothing better than spotlights, wide whites, pinstripes, and loud pipes.