502-cid, 500-hp OHV V-8 engine, three-speed Hydra-Matic transmission, coil spring independent front suspension, live rear axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs and front disc, rear drum hydraulic disc brakes. Wheelbase: 118-inches

Old song, new composer. Chopped, channeled and lowered 1949-51 Mercurys have been around almost since they were new, modified by icons like George Barris, Gil Ayala and Dean Jeffries. This car looks at first glance like one of them. Instead, it’s an example of the new guard, an interpretation of the heritage design by contemporary customizer Chip Foose.

Foose, who learned his craft at the knee of Boyd Coddington, has interpreted the “James Dean” Mercury with a subtle touch. The top is chopped sparingly, an inch or two less than his forebears would have done, and the windshield is a bent pane, eliminating the center bar. The grille teeth are understated, the bumper has no guards, and the lights are frenched front and rear, although the headlights retain narrow bright bezels.

The interior is stark beige leather, a single color throughout. The original dashboard is retained, covered in matching leather, and fitted with round VDO gauges. An Alpine stereo is installed in the original radio location.

The drivetrain is orthodox big-block Chevrolet and Turbo 400 Hydra-Matic, and the undercarriage is detailed in meticulous fashion using ordinary hardware – no chrome or gloss paint to be found. The overall effect is finished off with a set of Boyd’s deep dish wheels mounted with BF Goodrich Comp T/As. Consider it scrumptious.