Lowered Suspension

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 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.

Lowered Suspension is a defining feature of both traditional customs and hot rods, giving cars a sleeker, more aggressive stance. In the early days, builders achieved the look by removing leaves from spring packs, reversing the eyes on leaf springs, or using drop spindles and blocks. A lower ride not only improved the car’s profile but also gave it a road-hugging attitude that set it apart from stock vehicles. By the 1950s, the low look became a signature of custom cars, often paired with skirts, wide whites, and shaved trim for maximum style. The tradition continues today with both static and adjustable setups.

Lowered Custom Cars

Jerry Harris' 1950 Mercury