Stewart Rosendaul, a long-time supporter of the SEMA Action Network (SAN), recently shared images of his beautiful mild-custom ‘50 Mercury.  The Bryan, Ohio, resident has owned the 2-door sedan since Fall 1986.  The classic “Merc” is loaded with nostalgic touches harkening back to the hay-day of “lead sleds.”  Custom highlights Include ‘50 Cadillac ‘Sombrero’ hubcaps, a hood punched with more than 160 louvers, GM ‘Lucite Lacquer Pewter Green’ paint, a pin-striped dashboard and chromed interior door moldings.  “The custom vinyl top was actually added years ago—it is not the factory-installed vinyl top available on the Mercury Monterey model,” Stewart details.

Additional insight:

What is this project’s most altered feature?

This car is vintage ‘50 Mercury throughout except for the engine and transmission.  The ‘59 Cadillac 390 c.i. engine is almost fully stock with a factory Tri-Power manifold setup.  It is connected to a ‘38 Cadillac LaSalle 3-speed.  This swap was done in stages during the 1990s.  I even modified the Mercury radiator to accommodate the Cadillac engine using single hose outlets.  The engine looks like it came in it from the factory—but it did not!

How does this setup run?

It’s fun to drive and I have no problem keeping up with traffic!

Tow or no-tow?

This is not a trailered car—maybe three times in 34 years.  Estimated mileage driven is 45,000 miles.  The picture here was taken a couple of years ago during the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Festival in downtown Auburn, Indiana.

Have you named the Merc?

Yes, “Sally’s Clown”—my wife of 52 years is Sally, so you know who the clown is!