this is my grandfathers custom built car that was featured in june of 1952. i never got to meet him but would love to find his car if it is still around.
I have no information on the cars current whereabouts, but I do know that it was also featured in the 1952 RESTYLE your Car book published by the Trend company. In it it was Listed in THE 10 BEST ... not a small thing back then. I hope you will find the car... and if you do, or find some leads, please keep us posted. Here are some better scans taken from that publication.
A mystery! I enjoy doing automotive sleuthing and this is what I have so far: I recognized the car from the 1952 Trend book, Restyle Your Car. The car was built on a 1950 Studebaker chassis and took about two years to build, according the story. So was probably completed in 1951 when the photos were likely taken. It shows 1951 Pennsylvania plates. William Heermance lived in Schwenksville, Pennsylvania, about 35 miles from my current residence in Reading, PA. I did a quick online check of the name Heermance in Pennsylvania and found no exact matches, but several variations like Hermans, etc. The photos were taken by Bussa Studio of nearby Norristown, PA. They are no longer in business, again from an online check. Bussa produced postcards in its day and is known to postcard collectors. So postcards of the car may have been created. Since the car was built on a Studebaker chassis, it might be known to the Studebaker Drivers Club. I'll check this out. More clues as I uncover them!
I cant thank your enough in the pic with the man and woman there is a third person my father who the woman (Marie heermance) my grandmother is carrying in her stomach and the gentleman is my grandfather
There is a post on here of an early Merc custom that looks similar but is not the same...the front and rear looks very similar but it is a 1939 Mercury I think not a custom on a different chassis..
Try this: http://forum.studebakerdriversclub.com/showthread.php?58346-Heermance-Special-50-Stude-chassis
I am almost sure I saw this car driving around sarasota last week... I did a u turn when I saw it and followed for about a mile. I passed it on both sides and it looks identical to the one in your pictures. I could not see any badges on it so I figured it had to be a custom. The car I followed is 100% pink I'm talking super pink. I can't tell the hue of paint in the old pics, but it stands out in traffic right now. Like I said I might be wrong but I would have to say 90% sure its the same car. Ive only seen it this one time but Ill keep my eyes peeled and if I get a chance to, I'll get a picture or 10.
Was this the car you saw? Have a look at this thread. The car you saw might have been a heavily customized 1948 Buick called Durso's Dream which lives in Florida. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=97125&highlight=durso
I just got a private message from someone saying they are pretty sure they saw it in Sarasota Florida people please keep your eyes out
I'm not much into customs, but I have to say that is one fine-styled car. I love the profile and the tail shot. r Why isn't this in the 'Customs' forum?
Since my last post on the subject, I moved to Bradenton, FL, just north of Sarasota. I'll keep my eyes peeled!
Everyone in the Sarasota area is from Pennsylvania or Ohio, so that is quite likely! (I know this because I'm from Northeast Ohio originally and knew several people who moved to the Sarasota area over the years.) If it's there, HAMBsters will find it!
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