1951 Mercury
Photography by JH Peterson
This 1951 Mercury custom street classic is owned by Sam Nordby, who maintains homes in both Minnesota and California. It is very much a West Coast style car and faithfully replicates the best street rods of the 1960's. Nordby purchased it in California four years ago, then saw it had a one-year restoration. The engine is a 355 cubic inch Chevrolet small block (starting with a 350, then bored out .030"). Transmission is a GM TurboHydramatic 350. Above the base of the windowsit has been chopped by 4-1/2 inches, lowering the lines and giving the classic rod narrow look.
It has been also channeled, trimming 3 inches from the door and body panels. The paint job is custom candy deep cherry color. Lights in the rear are original Mercury, while the front grill is from a 1954 Chevy. Hubcaps are from a Cadillac. Tires are 215/75 x 15 in size. The unique white body molding trim was made from fiberglass and bondo. Hand made skirts enclose the rear wheel wells, and hide the suspension hydraulics.
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