Recessed Headlights

Jerry Harris' 1950 Mercury of Tacoma, Washington. By 1958, Tacoma Toppers member Jerry Harris had transformed his 1950 Mercury into a classic mild custom. Shaved and nosed for a clean look, the Merc featured frenched and recessed headlights, a 1955 Dodge grille, rounded hood corners, and full-length lake pipes. A touch of trim above the rear wheels and the absence of skirts gave it a sportier edge. Lowered with dual spotlights, Fiesta hubcaps, and a full custom interior, the car was finished in smooth metallic paint, making it a textbook example of late-1950s custom style.

Recessed Headlights are headlights that have been set back into the body or fender, rather than sitting flush or protruding in their stock position. This modification, often referred to as frenching, became popular in the 1940s and 1950s as customizers looked for ways to smooth and streamline their cars. Recessing the headlights created depth and shadow, adding a subtle yet dramatic touch to the front end. Builders used a variety of methods—from metal buckets to grafted bezels off other cars to achieve the look. Recessed headlights became a defining detail on many classic customs and remain a favorite among traditional builders today.

Custom Cars Featuring Recessed Headlights

Jerry Harris' 1950 Mercury