Richard Piscatelli's 1954 Mercury

Richard's Mercury was featured on the cover of Customs Illustrated September 1960.

It was also featured on the cover of Cars September 1960.

1954 Mercury restyled by Bernardo Auto Body for Richard Piscatelli of West Haven, Connecticut. Up front, the hood on the Merc was rounded, and the hood scoop was dechromed. A 1959 Plymouth front pan was molded in and a new grille opening was handmade. The grill was dressed up featuring 48 drawer pulls. The front fenders were reworked to accept canted quad 1958 Edsel headlights. It ran 1959 Edsel sidetrim.

The rear quarterpanels were scooped, and the stock trim teeth were cut down and mounted in the opening. The rear fenders were extended slightly in order to house frenched 1956 Packard taillights. Once the bodywork was completed, the car received 18 coats of cobalt blue lacquer. The Merc was lowered by chopping the coils and installing 6-inch blocks.

Cover Car

In September of 1960 Richard's Mercury was featured on the cover of both Customs Illustrated September 1960 and Cars September 1960.

Sold to Robert L. Fabbri

As a teenager Robert L. Fabbri worked part time for Richie at the Kelsey Bakery on Campbell Avenue. In 2016 Robert told Kustomrama that he bought the car from Richie; "I bought the car from Richie around 1962. I kept and drove it for a few years before I sold it to a young kid when I started college around 1966. I don't remember his name."

Where is it Now?

Fred Williams grew up in West Haven, Connecticut. In 2016 Fred told Kustomrama that there were several Bernardo Bros customs in his town, but when he was 16 years old Richard's Mercury was his favorite. Fred is currently trying to locate the Piscatelli Mercury, if you know what happened to it, please get in touch with Kustomrama at mail@kustomrama.com.

Magazine Features and Appearances

Cars September 1960
Customs Illustrated September 1960