What 1950s custom car was built for Bob Hirohata by Barris Customs?

The 1950s custom car built for Bob Hirohata by Barris Customs was the Hirohata Merc.

Constructed in 1953, it began as a 1951 Mercury Club Coupe. George and Sam Barris, assisted by Frank Sonzogni, transformed it into a landmark “lead sled,” with a chopped roof, reshaped pillars, a custom grille, frenched headlights, Buick side trim, Cadillac wheel covers, and a two-tone green paint scheme.

The car’s origin story is almost as famous as its styling. Hirohata wanted it ready for Motorama, and Barris Customs reportedly completed the intensive build in only 14 days with a 10-person crew. The finished car appeared in several contemporary magazines and became one of the most influential customs of the classic era.

A common mix-up is confusing the Hirohata Merc with CadZZilla, another celebrated custom associated with a famous owner. CadZZilla is a later Cadillac built for ZZ Top guitarist Billy Gibbons, while the Hirohata Merc is the iconic Mercury commissioned by Bob Hirohata.