Glen Hooker’s 1939 Mercury Convertible

This beautiful Valley Customs creation has popped up a few times in HAMB posts by Rikster on channeling and period-correct 40s Customs, but I don’t know if there has ever been a dedicated post to the Hooker ’39 Merc. It’s a milestone custom of a prewar car in my eyes for a few compelling reasons- Let’s start with the clean, well-planned bodywork: Channeled 4 inches over the frame with the hood left uncut, fenders left in their stock positions but their wheel wells radii have been raised 3.5 inches and the lower portions removed. All these mods work together for a subtle transformation that leaves the untrained observer asking if the car is still stock. Top this with complete ’40 Merc front sheetmetal (and dash), a slanted & chopped windshield, liberal trim removal and ’41 Studebaker taillights placed horizontally in the rear. Interior is all business with understated tuck-and-roll and a ’47 Cadillac steering wheel. This car is a really nice sum of it’s parts all working in harmony, exuding style, and it’s a lesson in smart mid 50s customizing by the masters.

Photos courtesy of Neil Emory & Rikster