1941 Mercury Custom Convertible

This 1941 Ford custom convertible is powered by a 302ci V-8 engine installed during its restoration. Mechanical updates include front disc brakes and air conditioning. Originally restyled by Barris Kustoms for John Vara, the build began in 1948 at George and Sam Barris' Los Angeles shop on Compton Avenue. The body was channeled 8 inches and lowered an additional 3 inches with a modified rear crossmember while retaining the original springs. The front fenders were raised for wheel clearance, and the body was sectioned with the rear fenders molded into the body. Custom sheet metal was used to create the hood and full fadeaway fenders, with the front bodywork welded into one piece. Additional modifications include frenched-in headlights, a custom grille shell, shaved door handles, a nosed hood, a decklid with rounded corners and a recessed license plate. The windshield was chopped 4.5 inches, and the door openings were modified to extend to the bottom of the body. A 1946 Ford gravel pan was molded into the rear fenders, and motorcycle taillights were incorporated into the rear license guards. The car features 1949 Plymouth bumpers, Cadillac Sombrero hubcaps, dual Appleton 112 spotlights and 1946-48 Ford fender skirts. The padded convertible top was fabricated by Louis Chavez of American Auto Tops. The interior was upholstered by Bill Hilborn of Inglewood in red and white material with a couch-style rear seat incorporating a small bar and a sliding drink tray. Additional interior details include a smoothed and chromed dashboard with handcrafted clear red plastic accents, wine-colored carpeting, courtesy lighting and push-button passenger-door operation. The completed custom measured 56 inches in overall height. Originally completed in 1948, the car was later owned by Johnny Zaro before being purchased by Russ Erlinger of Belleville, Illinois, in 1953. It underwent a restoration while retaining its original Barris custom body modifications. The car was featured on the cover of the July 1951 issue of MotorTrend magazine.