Combining both classic and modern cues, this 1951 Mercury Custom Convertible is already a head-turning ride, but there is even more to that story. This gorgeous car with old-school paint, flames and complex pinstripe detailing was previously owned by race car driver Paul Tracy, the CART, Champ Car World Series and Indy Car driver who has also done color commentary for NBC’s Indy Car programming. Therefore, under that crazy base/clear coat custom paint scheme is a modern drivetrain featuring a fuel-injected, 400 HP, GM LS1 V-8 engine, a 700R4 automatic transmission and an updated rear differential assembly. Equipped with tuned headers feeding glass-pack dual exhaust, a serpentine belt drive, dual electric cooling fans, a body-matched custom flamed engine cover, and stainless firewall and apron panels, this car is a true showpiece underhood. Suspension upgrades include Accu-Air air ride with a control module, dual air bag compressors, front and rear air bags and gas shocks working with a factory front suspension and custom rear trailing arms. There is power steering and power front disc brakes here as well. The body features a removable, black, Carson-style top, and there are shaved door handles, side windows and trim. A 1956 Dodge Coronet split grille and A-cup Dagmars serve as the special customization up in front, while the interior is heavily detailed beginning with new black upholstery. Inside is the hard-painted dash with spider web, a cut- down Mercury steering wheel with Dagmar center cap and pinup girl knob, bucket seats, a center console, a split rear seat with fold-down armrest, a tilt steering column, SoCal instrumentation, bullet-themed control knobs and a Pioneer AM/FM/CD audio system. Outside points of interest include the tri-bar headlamps, dual rearview mirrors, chrome front and rear bumpers, chrome exhaust tips, a set of 1957 Cadillac wheel covers customized with center bullet caps up front, and chrome steelie wheels in the rear tucked in behind the fender skirts. Coker wide whitewall radial tires round it out. For those looking for “that special something” nobody else has and a car that can turn heads, Mr. Tracy’s “lead sled” ideal is right here.
