Over the years, certain cars, like the early Corvettes from Chevrolet have had broad appeal across the collector community, with pure originals at the forefront. Others, like the deuce coupe or 1936 Ford, capture the hearts of hot rodders. Among the custom car group, however, it’s the 1949-51 Mercury that holds broad appeal, perhaps originating from a single icon: the Mercury in 1955’s Warner Brothers’ film Rebel Without a Cause, starring James Dean. In that film 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 at that time, 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. Since then, countless Mercury’s have been modified in various ways to best suit the owner’s tastes.

Still retaining a stock non-chopped top, this coupe may also be considered a resto-mod by modern vernacular. The body was removed from the frame in order to best accomplish the changes. A new 302-cid Ford was installed with an automatic overdrive transmission, along with rack-and-pinion steering, Jamco front suspension and posi-rear end. Four wheel disc brakes now provide optimum stopping power. A full Ultra leather interior was installed as well as air conditioning, power windows, power door latches and power seats. The exterior has retained the majority of its body lines and shapes, but has been stripped of some unnecessary hardware. The nose and deck have been shaved, door handles filled, side trim removed and headlights frenched-in. In the end, this Mercury is very well crafted and ready for the next James Dean Festiva