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The 1949-1951 Mercury coupe is one of the most iconic sleds of the hot rod and custom world. Low-slung, aggressive looking, and backed by some of the most beloved engines of the era, these iconic beasts can be found in pretty much any comprehensive automobile collection. Luckily, if your collection doesn’t include one of the most popular Mercury’s of the 20th century, RK Motors Charlotte currently has this beautiful 1950 number up for sale. Check it out in detail in the video above.
Commissioned by custom tattoo artist and Beatnik Koolsville founder Brian Everett, this 1950 Mercury coupe named “Tradition” is the quintessential creation of a classic 50s custom.
Originally built for a 1997 Grand National Roadster Show debut, Tradition has come a long way from its backyard beginnings. Under Everett’s guidance, the once yard-kept Merc quickly took form as a no-expense-spared creation, with names like L’il John Harvey of New Mexico’s L’il John’s Kustom Studio having a hand in the build.
Unfortunately, Tradition didn’t see its 1997 GNRS debut due to a snow storm that prevented Everett’s trip to Pomona, California. With a Joe Bailon Candy Apple Award and a First in Class designation from Blackie Gejeian’s Fresno Autorama under its belt, the Mercury was preserved for a 1998 GNRS debut.
This unfortunately didn’t happen either, on the way to the 49th annual GNRS, Tradition’s trailer suffered a malfunction, causing it to barrel roll down the highway attached to Everett’s SUV. The result was a totaled Suburban and a severely creased ’50 Merc.
Determined more than ever to give Tradition a GNRS debut, Everett got the car back home and constructed a plan with Harvey to overhaul the now damaged classic. The result of that overhaul is the House of Kolor Candy Tangerine over Maroon and Silver sled you see here.
Equipped with a modified, factory-disguised 221ci Flathead V8, Tradition features a hardy 6.2 to 1 compression ratio, a trio of Ford carburetors and air cleaners, cast Fenton headers and an Offenhauser 3-pot. The car only outputs 85 hp, but don’t let that low power number fool you–this Merc is one heck of a custom.
Inside the car, you’ll find a custom Pearl interior created by Unique Upholstery of Scottsdale, Arizona. Off set by fresh grey carpeting, the Pearl interior features a traditional tuck ‘n roll approach with Stewart Warner gauges, custom door panels and headliner, a ’68 AMC steering column with a ’59 Oldsmobile steering wheel, B&M shifter, and a High Fidelity radio.
Recipient of many prized industry awards and the highlight of several magazine features, Tradition is exactly what it claims to be–a gorgeously rendered traditional lead sled. And for just $79,900, it could be yours!
