Sam Barris was the older brother of the more popularly known George Barris, the duo of which formed Barris Brothers Kustoms in Los Angeles, California in 1946. Sam was well known as a hugely gifted customizer and is often credited with having created the first chop-top custom with his 1949 Mercury Coupe that he bought new. While the Ayala Brothers are also credited with having created the first chop-top custom, supposedly having started on the work earlier than Sam, Sam’s Mercury was finished first and graced the cover of the December 1951 issue of Motor Trend. Dark Green, Sam’s Mercury chop top featured a number of unique restyling elements that created the trend of the chop top Merc. Sam would ultimately leave Barris Kustoms to George in 1956, heading to Northern California with his son and daughter, John and Pam, to lead a quieter, country life. While Sam was behind a number of famous customs, the 1949 Mercury often stands out as his most iconic achievement, largely because of the trends it set. To honor his father and the ’49 Mercury he built, his son, John, built The Rose, a 1951 Mercury Coupe. Complete with the signature chop top, The Rose is finished in a stunning shade of Rose Pearl and boasts a number of subtle and not-so-subtle custom touches that set it apart from many others. Up front, a custom grille spans the front end, specialized headlight treatments bookending the look underscored by a unique bumper. The rear bumper features uniquely blended, almost hidden tail lights. The door handles are shaved, the rear wheel-well arches are refined and the sides are entirely void of brightwork. The interior is as impressive as the exterior, with beige upholstery covering the bucket seats, center console, dashboard, door panels and headliner. The center console features highly polished wood resembling Purple Heart, which matches the paint very well. The dashboard features full digital instrumentation and the same wood stretching across; a billet steering column hosts a billet steering wheel. Passengers will also enjoy air conditioning on warmer days, as well as power windows. Hosting a Ford V-8 and an automatic transmission, the engine bay is smoothed and painted to match the exterior, with wiring hidden from view. The scene creates an exceptional forum for the brightwork dressing up the Ford engine to shine. Power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering and power disc brakes make The Rose a breeze to maneuver, while an air suspension system allows for a supple ride and height control. Rolling on custom 18-inch aluminum wheels with Rose-branded center caps, this 1951 Mercury Custom Coupe is an absolute one of a kind with an untouchable story.
