Ulf and Mari Kusendal's 1950 Mercury - Hysteria
Ulf and Mari Kusendal's 1950 Mercury of Kvissleby, Sweden, is a traditionally styled custom that blends American heritage with Scandinavian craftsmanship. Originally restyled in the United States during the 1960s, the car was later imported to Sweden, where it received a chopped top and further modifications before coming into Ulf’s hands in 2001.[1]
The Kusendals used the Mercury as a family driver for nearly two decades, logging more than 90,000 kilometers with it—often towing a camping trailer. Their daughters grew up in the back seat of what would later become one of Sweden's most celebrated customs.[1]
Around 2019, Ulf began a complete rebuild of the car, a process that stretched over five years and resulted in the radical custom now known as “Hysteria.” The car was completed the night before its debut at the 2025 Custom Motor Show in Jönköping, where Ulf saw the finished Mercury assembled in its entirety for the first time.[1]
At the event, Hysteria was crowned Sveriges Snyggaste Bil 2025 (Sweden's Most Beautiful Car), marking the 50th anniversary of the prestigious award. The victory came as a surprise to Ulf, who humbly admitted, “It’s not that kind of car, please—it wasn’t supposed to win.” The couple had previously taken home the same honor in 2016 for their 1952 Buick Super Riviera.[1]
Later in 2025, Hysteria also swept several top honors at the Oslo Motor Show, where it was named Skandinavias Flotteste Bil (Scandinavia's Finest Car), as well as winning Best in Show Amcar, Best Interior Amcar, and Best Paint Amcar.[2]
Before Hysteria, the Kusendals were known for other award-winning builds such as the 1941 Buick Super Sedanette shown at the 2023 Custom Motor Show.
References
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