Hirohata Merc (Hirohata Mercury)
Model: Bianca Cardoza
Photographer: Mitzi Valenzuela
Known as the ultimate custom car, this car was conceptualized by Masato (Bob) Hirohata in 1952, created by Barris Kustoms (Sam and George Barris, assisted by Frank Sonzogni), in Lynwood, CA
Bob Hirohata had his 1951 Mercury Coup body completely customized. The engine is a 1953 Cadillac V8 The hub caps are Cadillac The grill is Ford (made from three 1951 Ford Grilles) The side trims are Buick The interior pin striping created by Von Dutch
After changing hands a few times, the Merc was purchased by Jim McNiel in the late 50s/early 60s. It was restored entirely by McNiel in the late 80s (with the exception of the final paint color). The resotoration was funded by Rod And Custom Magazine (Magazine editor Pat Ganahl) and it was agreed the magazine would run the story on the car.
Current final paint layer was done by Junior (Hershel) Conway of Junior’s House of Color. Conway had learned to paint while working at Barris Kustoms in the 1950s.
