Model 0CM. 350 cu. in. OHV V-8, three-speed automatic transmission, coil spring independent front suspension, live rear axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs, and four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes. Wheelbase: 118 in.

Certain cars, like the 1957 Chevy, have broad appeal across the collector community, while others, like the Deuce coupe or 1936 Ford, capture the hearts of hot rodders. Among the custom car hobby, however, it’s the 1949–1951 Mercurys that hold broad sway, perhaps because of a single icon: the 1955 film Rebel Without a Cause, starring James Dean. A very mildly customized 1949 Mercury coupe, Dean’s ride became symbolic for a generation of teens who came of age during the 1950s. The custom car movement was near its zenith, and thousands of California youth were eager to take their Mercurys to such gurus as Gil Ayala, Darryl Starbird, and George Barris in search of individuality.

Dean’s car was merely nosed, decked, and lowered a bit, but the archetypal “James Dean Mercury” received more radical alterations, including a chopped top, frenched headlights, and a remote door and deck lid operation. This 1950 Mercury Convertible Coupe has all of these and some more modern adaptations as well.

Mechanically, it is in the modern street rod theme, with a small block Chevy engine, three-speed Hydra-Matic, and front disc brakes. The custom body touches start with a chopped windshield and a new lower-profile top. Popular custom trim items have been added, including DeSoto grille teeth and side spears from a 1953 Buick. The car is equipped with dual spot lights and painted in dark metallic green with subtle ghost flames.

The interior is finished in brown with dark green piping, with a matching top boot cover. The convertible top itself is tan canvas. The dashboard has been upgraded with new Classic Instruments gauges, and the power windows have been fitted with hidden controls. Built with a hidden door and deck lid controls, the car has had conventional door handles retrofitted more recently. Air conditioning, power steering, and power brakes complete the convenience package.