For Sale at Auction: 1950 Mercury Custom in Scottsdale, Arizona

This custom 1950 Mercury known as "The Rebel" was professionally chopped by Joe Bailon, the legendary customizer especially recognized for his Mercury builds. It is powered by a mid-1980s Lincoln fuel-injected 302ci V8 engine paired with a 4-speed automatic overdrive transmission. This car began as a clean, 90,000-mile example and retains its all-steel body, including the original floor pans. Bailon performed a 2-inch roof chop with additional slant to the center posts for a sleeker appearance. This was reportedly Bailon's 39th and final Mercury top chop. Additional exterior modifications by Dan Weaver Hobbies include slightly slanted windshield and B-pillars, removable flush-mounted fender skirts, frenched headlights, taillights, turn signals, door handles and key locks, smoothed bumpers and a 9-piece 1953 DeSoto-tooth grille. The car also features 16-gauge stainless-steel 2x3-inch oblong side pipes with illuminated "Rebel" end caps. The laser straight body received four-stage urethane primer and then finished in dark brown German urethane paint with an airbrushed image of James Dean on the decklid. The front suspension employs a mid-1960s Chrysler torsion bar setup with A-arms and power rack & pinion steering. The rear houses a Ford 9-inch rear end with Dutchman axles and Posies leaf springs. Stopping is provided by power disc brakes. Additional equipment includes a 21-gallon stainless-steel fuel tank with in-tank pump, along with stainless brake and fuel lines. The engine breathes through a mandrel bent 2-inch stainless TIG-welded exhaust system with stainless mufflers. The engine bay is detailed with a custom-machined aluminum 14-inch air cleaner, as well as custom-fabricated ribbed valve covers, radiator cover and computer cover. "The Rebel" rides on custom-fabricated 15-inch wheels fitted with deep-dish 1956 Cadillac hubcaps mounted with Diamond Back whitewall radial tires. The custom Ivory interior is upholstered in roll-and-pleat marine-grade vinyl with power seats, power windows, Dakota Digital gauges set in the original dashboard, a custom see-through steering wheel, full-length CNC-formed center console, door panels with custom armrests and wood-grain window surrounds, German square-weave carpet and a stereo system using Alpine and Pioneer components. Roughly 1,500 labor hours went into the restoration over a 5-year period. This vehicle is a multiple award winner, including Goodguys Custom of the Year finalist and John D'Agostino Best Custom. It is accompanied by a letter from Joe Bailon certifying his work.