The result is a stunning 1951 Mercury, impressive in PPG Lucille Gold; three-stage with base color, then the gold color, and then clearcoat. The CSS team and Hitoshi expertly handled the body- and paintwork, and Hitoshi applied this custom mix. The vehicle features Frenched headlights, wide whitewall tires, and EVOD one-off billet wheels that perfectly complement its classic lines. CSS’s Rick Kersh designed the Merc bumpers featuring 1952 DeSoto “teeth,” creating a recessed “floating” grille by eliminating surrounding trim. He also crafted the rear wheeltubs. Originally chopped at Dick Dean’s shop, the build was paused for years until it found its way to CSS; here, it was re-chopped and then the build was completed. Other custom bodywork includes the reworking of the top chop with functioning rear quarter windows that pivot to open, a smooth hood, shaved door handles, a modified trunklid, tilted B-pillars, custom-made driprails, and a custom windshield frame that was 3-D printed by CSS and, in turn, was engineered by EVOD.

Powering this 1951 Mercury custom is a Gen 3 (2018-23) Ford Coyote 5.0L V-8, which features an all-aluminum block and cylinder heads. The most noteworthy changes to the Coyote V-8 occurred in 2018, starting with high-pressure direct injection while still maintaining low-pressure port injection and a 12:1 compression ratio. The Gen 3 Coyote is lighter than earlier versions and includes larger cam lobes and valves. The construction of the cylinder walls was modified by swapping the steel sleeves for a Plasma Transferred Wire Arc process, which enabled a larger cylinder bore, resulting in a displacement of just over 5.0 liters (307 inches)—the largest displacement ever for Ford’s 5.0L/302-inch V-8. The result yields 460 hp and 420 lb-ft of torque.

The engine boasts custom modifications from CSS, including a unique intake manifold and valve covers. While the fuel injection system remains factory-standard, a Holley ECU unit drives the ignition system, utilizing the stock distributor, coil, and plug wires. Two OPTIMA batteries, now conveniently mounted in the trunk, deliver ample power to the system. The exhaust system incorporates additional custom-built components from Cambra, featuring 1-7/8-inch stainless steel headers connected to 2-inch-diameter stainless steel exhaust pipes, elegantly coated in black and leading to a pair of Borla mufflers.

The engine accessories are equally impressive, showcasing a pair of SPAL electric fans that pull air through a Champion radiator. Meanwhile, other pulley-operated components are driven by a Billet Specialties Tru Trac serpentine belt system. Powering the electrical system is a Powermaster alternator paired with a high-torque starter, complemented by a Ford factory oil cooler and a Billet Specialties pulley system. Mated to the Coyote V-8 is a Ford AOD transmission equipped with a Hughes converter for enhanced performance. A shifter from Powertrain Control Systems and a custom transmission cooler built by the CSS crew completed the setup. The driveshaft is sourced from Drivelines Incorporated, linking the automatic to the 9-inch rearend.