Bernie Mordawski's 1940 Mercury Convertible

1940 Mercury Convertible owned by Bernie Mordawski at Mundelein Motors in Mundelein, Illinois. William Day of New Albany, Indiana bought the car from Bernie in 1971. This photo shows the car as it appeared in 1996, when William moved it from South Carolina to Lousville, Kentucky. Photo courtesy of William Day.

When William got the car, the body had been channeled over the frame. The fenders had been raised, and the hood was sectioned. The top was unchopped. Power came from a 331 OHV Cadillac engine with a LaSalle floor shift mated to the Mercury torque tube. Painted Cobalt Blue, it was dressed up with dual Appleton spotlights and acetylene smoked dash and garnish moldings. Photo courtesy of William Day.

A photo of the car with the top up. William was told that the custom was built by Barris in 1956. "But you know how that goes," he told Kustomrama in 2022. William is currently researching the history of the car, so if you recognize it or have any info about it to share, please get in touch with Kustomrama at mail@kustomrama.com. Photo courtesy of William Day.

Lost and Found - 1940 Mercury

1940 Mercury Convertible owned by Bernie Mordawski at Mundelein Motors in Mundelein, Illinois. William Day of New Albany, Indiana bought the car from Bernie in 1971. The car was advertised for sale in Cars & Parts. William was in his last year in college and got a loan from a girlfriend. When William got the car, the body had been channeled over the frame. The fenders had been raised, and the hood was sectioned. The top was unchopped. Power came from a 331 OHV Cadillac engine with a LaSalle floor shift mated to the Mercury torque tube. Painted Cobalt Blue, it was dressed up with dual Appleton spotlights and acetylene smoked dash and garnish moldings.

Do You Recognize the Old Custom?

When William bought the car, he was told that it was built by Barris in 1956. "But you know how that goes," he told Kustomrama in 2022. William is currently researching the history of the car, so if you recognize it or have any info about it to share, please get in touch with Kustomrama at mail@kustomrama.com.