Lot #1258.2 - Modified 276cid Flathead Mercury V8 engine with Offenhauser cylinder heads, triple Stromberg 3-barrel carburetors, 3-speed manual transmission with overdrive, independent ball joint front suspension with custom upper control arms and anti-sway bar, rear axle with de-arched leaf springs and front disc brakes. This distinctive Mercury combines the best element of 1950's era customizing, the inspired vision of its owner and remarkable skills of builder. At the 2007 Sacramento Autorama, it was judged as the World's Most Beautiful Custom. In addition, this car was the subject of a Rod & Custom magazine feature in the January 2007 issue. Classically inspired body modifications include a top chopped 2" in the front, 3" in the rear and an additional 1" at the crown. Other work includes a pair of angled B-pillars and a circa-1950 rear window. Frenched headlights are surrounded by '54 Merc rings, the molded-in grille opening carries bright '53 DeSoto teeth, the front and rear hood corners were rounded and a reshaped '53 DeSoto front bumper was added. The doors were smoothed, leaving beautiful and graceful fade-away fender lines. Other details include rounded door corners, molded quarter panels and flush fitting rear fender skirts. At the rear, frenched '54 Merc taillights were installed and a custom bumper was created out of two '53 DeSoto units. Custom mixed PPG Bone White and Candy Red paint. Overhauled 276cid Mercury Flathead V8 with new bearings and piston rings. A pair of Offenhauser cylinder heads were added, along with finned aluminum goodies, Fenton exhaust headers and an Offy intake manifold mounting three Stromberg 97 carburetors. Also rebuilt was the 3-speed manual transmission, which is equipped with overdrive. For improved safety, drivability and cruising comfort, suspension updates were performed and had disc brakes. The build of this stunning custom took 18 months and the quality of the work is was confirmed by winning World's Most Beautiful Custom at Sacramento Autorama in 2007 and Rod & Custom feature.