The pinnacle of the custom Merc trend, the 1951 Hirohata Merc, naturally commanded a big price when it recently hit the auction block.
An icon of the custom car era, Bob Hirohata's 1951 Mercury customized by the Barris shop, went under the hammer over the weekend at Mecum's auction in Kissimmee, Florida, and ultimately sold for $2,145,000.
The Hirohata Merc is viewed as the pinnacle of Merc lead sled design, and is recognized as the most famous custom of all time, which is why it's no surprise to see it sell for seven figures. Built by the Barris brothers, George and Sam, at Barris Kustom, it received all the right changes to make it look sleek and elegant, but not overstyled.
Along the sides, the Barris brothers replaced the straight fender trim with rounded trim from a 1952 Buick Riviera that provides a delineation for a two-tone Ice Green and Organic Dark Green paint scheme. The bright color was a departure from the many dark colors on customs of the day. Large fender bulges were added to the rear, fronted by functional handmade scoops decorated with teeth from a 1952 Chevy grille.
Once the customization was complete, Hirohata had the engine swapped with the mill from a 1953 Cadillac, earning the car the nickname"Mercillac."
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