WRTV takes you all to Pomona's Grand National Roadster Show yet again and gives the Web Rides faithful a look at some more delectable treats in the form of hot rods and customs that are sure to take your breath away. Take this 1951 Mercury Coupe owned by Charlie Reynolds for example, and listen closely as Jessica tells us why it is so special. And any classic movie fans will immediately be able to identify this car right away for James Dean drove a similar 1949 Mercury in the classic film "Rebel Without A Cause".
Powering this coupe is a Mercury flathead V8 engine with a high rise intake manifold and 6 Rochester carburetors. The flathead V8 that powers this car is historical in itself as it was designed by Mercury's parent company, Ford, to be the first mass produced V8 engine. Many hot rodders then and several now chose the flathead to power their machines because of the more than adequate power it makes as well as historical significance. One thing that made the flathead more sought after by hot rodders was due to the shorter crankshaft that a V8 offered when compared to that of an inline six cylinder engine. Another reason the flathead caught on was because for it's size, it could handle bigger cylinder bores than comparable engines and when modified made substantial power gains which pleased many racers.
In keeping the car with the hot rod theme, Charlie chopped the top and shaved the door handles to give the car a low profile and sleek look as well as extended and lowered the quarter panels. The real thing that separates this car from most is the attention paid to the interior. The leather that blankets the inside of the car is diamond tufted making that car look like a padded room inside a mental facility, all of which can be attributed to the craftsmanship of 87 year old Vernon Mckee who spent months on the project.
As Charlie himself relates, this car was built to honor the men that began customizing their own cars back in the day that breathed the first breaths of life into such an amazing hobby. From WRTV to you Charlie, thanks for such an amazing ride. Enjoy.
