239 cu. in. Flathead Ford V-8, Offenhauser cylinder heads and intake manifold, triple Holley 94 two-barrel carburetors, independent front suspension, live rear axle, and four-wheel hydraulic brakes. Wheelbase: 118"

• Custom-built by leading-edge customizer Rick Dore

• Modern interpretation of traditional custom

• Multiple award winner at Fresno, Sacramento and the GNRS

• Modified Flathead V-8

Built by acclaimed customizer Rick Dore, this 1950 Mercury is best known as “Tradition,” attesting to its period look and feel, thanks to its extensively modified body that runs the gamut of time-honored restyling techniques. In addition to nosing, decking and smoothing of the body, the top received a four-inch chop. The Lucas tri-bar headlights and antenna were Frenched, the taillights were Frenched and lowered, the fender skirts and rear window were flush-mounted, the hood and trunk corners were rounded, and the bumpers were sectioned and smoothed. The full chrome grille was entirely hand-built, front and rear “Dagmars” adorn the car, and the exhaust exits through the pair at the rear.

The exterior finish is a combination of House of Kolor Candy Tangerine urethane and Diamond Dust with a Candy Red fade employed within the body-side trim insert that was sourced from a 1955 Pontiac. With no detail overlooked, the undercarriage is finished in Pearl White gloss set against black frame rails and a Candy Apple drivetrain.

The 239-cubic inch Flathead V-8 is complete with period goodies including an Offenhauser intake and cylinder heads, three Holley 94 two-barrel carburetors and Fenton headers feeding glasspack mufflers. Rolling stock comprises 15-inch chrome “smoothies” with Shannon Cones and Coker wide whitewall radial tires. The highly detailed interior and trunk are trimmed in matching tuck and roll Pearl White upholstery with silver piping and matching silver carpeting, while a full set of Stewart-Warner gauges and a 1959 Oldsmobile steering wheel round out the interior.

A true rolling sculpture with multiple awards at Fresno, Sacramento, and the 50th Anniversary Grand National Roadster Show, “Tradition” has been featured in many publications as well as on TV and represents the pinnacle of the rodding and restyling art.