(1950 Mercury )
Ride Details
Engine Details
Paint Details
Interior Details
“Comanchero”
Owned by: Travis Lawson
Photos by: Chris Gosda
Travis Lawson’s 1950 Mercury is a remarkable blend of passion, dedication, and creativity. The inspiration for this build came from two significant sources: his father and the movie “Cobra.” The combination of personal connection and cinematic influence fueled the creation of this unique vehicle, making it a tribute to both family and pop culture.
A Labor of Love: The Build Process
Building this custom 1950 Mercury was no small feat. Travis dedicated seven years to transforming the car from a 1950 Baby Lincoln into the stunning vehicle it is today. His 24 years of experience in car building played a crucial role in overcoming the numerous challenges faced during the project.
Vehicle Transformation
The transformation journey of this 1950 Mercury is nothing short of extraordinary:
– Starting Point: The car began as a 1950 Baby Lincoln. – Body Modifications: Travis added Mercury fenders and hood, then sourced DeSoto front and back bumpers and the grill. He integrated ’49 Ford marker lights and ’53 Buick side chrome, cut the top from a ’58 Chevy Impala, and chopped the car by 6 inches. – Fender Flares: To achieve the killer look of the fender flares, he used four fenders—two from a ’53 Buick and two from a ’55 Chevy. – Roof and Windows: Travis made it a hardtop by removing the B pillar and fabricating custom window frames from 1/2-inch tubing, and added a ’49 Mercury back glass. – Interior: The interior is fully custom, featuring a handmade dash by his father, a Thunderbird back seat, and a Pearl Craft steering wheel.
Engine and Driveline
– Engine: The heart of this Mercury is a 1969 Chevy 383 engine, an 8-cylinder powerhouse with a 383 displacement. – Additional Engine Mods: Chrome or polish for enhanced aesthetics. – Driveline: Details about the clutch flywheel, torque converter, transfer case, axle, and gears remain to be specified.
Chassis and Suspension
– Chassis Mods: Includes specific modifications to the frame, with details on drop or lift inches, front and rear shocks, spindles, springs, four-link, compressor, valve, and airbag information. – Chrome, Paint, or Polish: Ensures both performance and aesthetics are top-notch.
Wheels and Tires
– Front and Rear Wheels: Types and sizes are yet to be detailed. – Tires: Front and rear tire sizes are part of the complete custom setup.
Paint and Graphics
– Color: House of Color Candy Burgundy. – Paint Type: House of Color. – Graphics: Done by Travis Rally, with painting executed by Travis himself.
Interior Details
– Dashboard: Customized for a unique look. – Gauges: Specifics not provided. – Steering Wheel: A 1959 Chevy steering wheel adds a vintage touch. – Console: Flaming River. – Audio System: Features a Kenwood head unit, Infinity amps, Pork Audio speakers, and a video system installed by Travis. – Seats: Sourced from a Honda Civic, upholstered in burgundy and white leather. – Tint: 20% for an elegant and functional finish.
Future Plans and Acknowledgments
Travis Lawson’s journey with his 1950 Mercury is ongoing. Future plans involve continuous enhancements and participation in car shows. He extends heartfelt thanks to his dad and mom, Pat at Pearl Craft, the team at Color Mach in Bristol, TN, and all his friends who contributed to the build.
Club Affiliations
Travis is a proud member of the Black Top Devils, a club that shares his passion for custom car building and automotive excellence.
This 1950 Mercury is not just a car; it’s a testament to Travis Lawson’s dedication, skill, and love for car building. Each modification tells a story, making this vehicle a true masterpiece in the world of custom cars.
