Vehicle Description
To be OFFERED AT AUCTION at Auctions America's Auburn Spring event,
May 11-13, 2017.
Chassis No.
99A157242
Estimate:
$ 75,000 - $100,000 US
This stunning 1940 Mercury Coupe Custom is the creation of famous
custom car builder, Rick Dore (TV shows: "Lords of the Car Hoards"
and "Rusted Development"), and is touted as one of the finest
custom cars that you can find.
Under the hood is a lusty Chevrolet 327-cid V-8 engine with an
estimated 300 horsepower and is linked to a fresh Turbo 400
automatic transmission. Originally owned by former funny car owner,
racecar driver and speed shop owner, Johnny Loper, the Merc has a
posi-traction rear end, suspension by drop axle in front and the
convenience and reliability of four-wheel drum brakes. With airbags
at the rear, she will go as low as you can go, and results in
turning heads wherever you go.
Premier custom craftsman, Rick Dore, of Glendale, Arizona, has been
elected to four Custom Car Halls of Fame and has won countless
awards along the way. Dore's designs subtly elaborate on classic
themes, enhancing them with his own blend of combining past with
future. With the hindsight of history, and his own inspired vision,
Rick Dore has created a tribute to the past that is totally
contemporary.
The roof is chopped by taking off four inches in front and six
inches in the rear, the entire roof was reshaped, creating a smooth
rearward sweep. In front, the windshield's height has elevated one
inch and the crown of the roof trimmed to eliminate the "lowered
eyeshade appearance." It's been described as "perfect." The side
spear was rescuplted and seductively shortened for a cleaner
profile. The front and rear fenders have been blended into the body
and the running boards were trimmed, and the skirts are
flush-fitted, with discrete lower edge flares. The hood ornament
and the handles were shaved. The bodywork is all metal, as you'd
expect on a Rick Dore custom.
Inside, the inviting front bucket and rear bench seats were trimmed
in soft Italian white pearl leather, complemented by a console with
door panels built with the spear profile to accent and match the
exterior, expertly finished by Bob Devine of Devine Custom
Interiors in Martinez, California. Bob's custom interior work has
appeared in Hot Rodder magazine numerous times.
The gleaming, incredible lustrous iridescent metallic blue green
paint is unmistakably the work of Art Himsl. Art's custom paint
work has been featured in Rolling Stone, Rods & Customs (three
times), Street Rodder, Auto Graphics, Street Rod Builder, as well
as a permanent display of his graphics at the New York Museum of
Modern Art. Art Himsl has been inducted into five Halls of Fame,
honoring his outstanding work.
This custom Mercury is an absolute show stopper that attracts a
crowd wherever it appears. It is said to be a sure bet to win
prizes, if shown. The great names associated with this machine will
always remain prominent and now you'll have a part of this fine
custom history.
