1951 Mercury lead sled, built by Harts Hot Rods in Brea, Ca for 5 time NHRA drag racer Joe Amato, complete frame off build with extensive body work, Chopped top with full size back window, pancake hood with a one piece front end with beautiful 1953 Desoto big tooth grill. Shaved and decked with electric doors and all side trim window revels removed. Custom front and rear bumpers center sections cut and replaced, all chrome replated and spotless. Built on a custom frame with four wheel coil overs and disk brakes, fuel cell, four bar 9" Ford, topped of with an electronic E brake system (see pictures of frame). This 51 is powered by a 2021 383/450hp Al head, roller rockers, stroker motor brand new by Blue Print, not a rebuilt. Topped off with 3 new Stromberg carbs built by Speedway motors in the US with its custom fuel management system and linkage, electronic ignition with mini starter, Hedman headers, PS, PB, PW, AC and 140 amp alternator using a Holly front runner system. super neat appearance under the hood as it was made to look like a Olds rocket 88, period correct for the 60's Hot Rodders, backed by a monster 4L80e electronic trans by TCI.
Interior is all leather and Suede by J and S interiors, power bucket seats, power windows, tilt wheel, all new gauges that work perfect. Custom consul with built in AC ducts for the back seat which is huge. 400 watt stereo system with crossovers and woofer in the trunk with charging lugs and kill switch. Vintage super cooler will blow you out and the engine stays at 185F all day long. This build is in excess of $180K and 2 years, I bought it directly from Joe Amato in PA, two years ago. I am 79 and ready to move on to something of lessor value as I currently only use it around town, I have driven it to Crusin the Coast and Shades of the pass where I spent all my time cruising the strip. The Merc was originally set up with bags but Joe did not like messing with them, but it could be bagged again easily.
