Kalle Jonasson's 1950 Mercury

Taken July 24, 1980, this is the last photo Kalle took of his Mercury. He sold it to Theodore Bakayza in Pennsylvania. Theodore also bought a 1939 Mercury that Kalle had built, which can be seen in the photo. Photo courtesy of Kalle Jonasson, provided by Henrik Forss.

Another photo of the two Mercurys that Kalle sold to Theodore. Photo courtesy of Kalle Jonasson, provided by Henrik Forss.

A couple of photos of Kalle's Merc appeared in Wheels Magazine November 1985, in a story about Kalle named "California Karl." Photo courtesy of Wheels Magazine.

1950 Mercury built by Kalle Jonasson of Costa Mesa, California. Kalle immigrated from Rättvik, Sweden to Costa Mesa in 1973. He had always been into cars and decided to follow his dream and buy a one-way ticket to California.

The Mercury was already chopped when Kalle bought it, but he decided to continue the build. He sold the car in July of 1980. Back then, it was only missing paint and interior.

Magazine Features and Appearances

• Wheels Magazine November 1985

Henrik Forss