1940 Mercury Coupe Custom

Many today think of a California custom as something born out of necessity: a used car that has been carefully rebuilt by skilled amateur artisans into something fast and beautiful. Mercury Coupe Custom is one of the very first California customs, perhaps the first customized 1940 Mercury in the Los Angeles area, and it is one of the few surviving to have intact customs built prior to World War II.

This Mercury is powered by a 454ci Chevrolet V8 engine mated to a 700R4 4-speed automatic transmission leading a Ford 9” axle. Under the drivetrain, a fully boxed chassis rolls on a custom suspension comprised of a Fat Man Fabrications front-clip and a 4-bar rear clip. Power rack & pinion steering leads power front disc and rear drum brakes. The Mercury’s curb appeal is augmented by painted steel wheels caging modern air bags.

Complementing the car’s exterior is a professionally installed interior of aviation-quality leather. A ’48 Ford dash frames VDO telemetry, Maxi Kooler air conditioning and MP3-compatible Sony Xplod audio. The driver seat sits behind a V8-branded tilt wheel and Juliano power windows.

This Mercury is work of art and one of the earliest, most important “lead sleds.” It is a must-have for any custom collection.