Ben Mario's 1947 Buick
1947 Buick Super Convertible built by Barris Kustoms for upholsterer Ben Mario of Hollywood, California in 1949. The car was modified with 1948 Cadillac Fleetwood fenders, grille and bumpers. The fenders were moved in two inches and molded to the body. The grille had been sectioned 3 inches, and moved back 2 inches. The hood was shortened and reshaped in order to fit the new grille. The car was given a full Fadeaway Fenders treatment. The headlights were Frenched. All chrome, except for the fender rub strip was removed. Hood, deck and doors were push button operated. The fenderskirts were handmade.
The car was dropped six inches through C-ing the frame, channeling the floor, using Z'd crossmembers, chopped coils and A-frames.
Once the top was chopped 2.5 inches Gaylord's Kustom Shop made a top for the car. Gaylord also did the interior in neutral grey and white leather. The car was painted in purple, and styled with Cadillac Sombreros.
Once completed, the car graced the cover of Motor Trend February 1950.
According to Rik Hoving, Ben Mario still owns the Buick. The car is supposedly still in very good shape, but it hasn't been seen for many years.
Magazine Features
Custom Cars Trend Book No. 101
Motor Trend February 1950
The Big Book of Barris
Sources
Rik Hoving Custom Car Photo Archive
The HAMB
The Jalopy Journal
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