Shaved Body

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.

A Shaved Body refers to a car that has had its exterior trim, emblems, handles, and other factory add-ons removed for a smoother, cleaner appearance. This custom modification became popular in the 1940s and 1950s as builders sought to streamline body lines and eliminate unnecessary ornamentation. Achieved by welding up holes and smoothing over seams, a shaved body emphasizes the car’s overall shape and flow. Often paired with nosed hoods, decked trunks, and frenched headlights, the shaved look is a staple of traditional custom styling—simple, sleek, and timeless.

Custom Cars Featuring a Shaved Body

Jerry Harris' 1950 Mercury
Kent Olof Olsson's 1955 Chevrolet