Al Forrester's 1950 Mercury

The Merc as it appeared on the cover of Custom Cars September 1957

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1950 Mercury restyled by Wilkenson's Body Shop for Al Forrester of Portland, Oregon. The top was chopped and turned into a hardtop by removing the door posts. The standard coupe doors were replaced with electrically operated doors from a convertible. The hood was shaved, rounded and peaked, the deck lid was shaved as well. A new grille was made by using three horizontal bars taken from a 1956 Chrysler. The headlights were frenched and fenderskirts were built out to form airscoops, trim teeth from a 1954 Rambler were installed. Tunneled taillight openings were shaped to house the 1947 Studebaker Commander taillights. Special glass were cut for all windows. Lee Hetzler of Hollywood Auto Upholstery rebuilt the interior. Front seat rails were removed to increase headspace. Seats, headliner, and door panels were covered with white Koroseal glitter material with silver beading. The engine was rebuilt to give top-flight performance. Once the bodywork was complete, the car was painted purple.

Magazine Features

Custom Cars September 1957