Jerry Reichman's 1950 Mercury

The photo is taken at the Compton Drive-In by George Barris

Bill Busch's 1949 Mercury in the background

1950 Mercury 4-door restyled by Barris Kustoms for Jerry Reichman. The top was chopped all the way round and featured a 1949 DeSoto rear windshield. To give it a smoother look, the drip moldings and the chrome strip beneath the windows were removed. The car was shaved for handles and emblems, and the doors were push button operated. The front fenders were extended 4 inches and altered by slanting the leading edge straight down from the lower half of the headlight rims, eliminating the "lip" as seen on other Merc's. The gravel pan was welded and molded to the body. Barris Kustoms rounded the grille grille opening and inserted a floating grille featuring two integrated directional lights. The side moldings were shortened 15 inches on the front fenders. It featured taillight assemblies fabricated from 1/2 inch round bars and sheet metal with 1950 Studebaker lenses inserted. The custom interior featured a chromed dashboard. Dual spotlights and Cadillac Sombreros were added. Once the bodywork was done, George Barris painted the car in deep Apple Candy.

Magazine Features

Car Speed and Style January 1959
Rod Action September 1975