Jerry Harris' 1950 Mercury

Jerry Harris' 1950 Mercury of Tacoma, Washington, as it appeared in 1958. A Tacoma Toppers club car, the Mercury featured frenched headlights, a 1955 Dodge grille, lake pipes, Fiesta hubcaps and wheels painted to match the body. Photo from The Vern LaCoursiere Photo Collection.

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1950 Mercury owned by Tacoma Toppers member Jerry Harris of Tacoma, Washington. By 1958, Harris’ Mercury had received several custom modifications, qualifying it for membership in the Toppers.

The car was shaved for a cleaner appearance and fitted with full-length lake pipes. Up front, it featured frenched and recessed headlights along with a 1955 Dodge grille. The hood corners were rounded, and the car was both nosed and decked. A short piece of side trim was installed above the rear wheels, while the omission of fender skirts gave it a sportier look. A lowered stance, dual spotlights, and a full custom interior wrapped up the style.

Finished in a smooth metallic paint, the Mercury sat on wide whitewall tires with Fiesta hubcaps, which appear to have been painted the same color as the body, making it a quintessential 1950s custom.

Tacoma Toppers Car Club

The Tacoma Toppers was a car club from Tacoma, Washington, founded in 1951. According to Joe Hammerschmith, prospective members had to have at least three custom modifications to qualify, in addition to maintaining a good personal reputation. In the 1960s, the Toppers were among about a dozen active car clubs in Tacoma, alongside groups such as The Steeds. Clubs often hosted dances and shows to raise money for charity, and members cruised local hangouts such as Frisko Freeze and Kings Drive-In.