1940 Mercury Custom by Jack Kiely and Rob Ida

Built by Rob Ida and commissioned by Jack Kiely, this 1940 Mercury Custom blends the iconic hot rod silhouette with sophisticated coachbuilt design. The car features a handcrafted body with custom steel panels, embodying a concept Edsel Ford might have envisioned if given free rein in the design process. Underneath the artistic body is an Art Morrison chassis with custom suspension components created by Bob Ida, featuring an Air Ride Technologies setup. A unique engineering feat allows for front fender skirts that steer in tandem with the wheels using a secondary steering rack. The build is powered by a 5.4-liter Ford engine from a 2009 Shelby GT500, complete with an Eaton supercharger, delivering 660 hp. The interior is adorned with brown leather and includes a customized dashboard with center-positioned instruments. The exterior showcases unique custom-made trim, ensuring every detail aligns with the period-correct yet modernized aesthetic.