HIROHATA MERC: CUSTOM LEGEND 2020
> IT’S NOT JUST A CAR; IT’S PURE ART
IT’S not very often we review a half-hour documentary, but every now and then something truly special comes along that deserves – no, demands – to be included in the Fanging Flick mix. The Historic Vehicle Association has a number of excellent docos on its Youtube channel, but Hirohata
Merc: Custom Legend genuinely moved me to tears. Many will be familiar with this iconic Mercury, built by famed customisers George and Sam Barris for thenowner Bob Hirohata. The build broke new ground in customising and set the trend for many that followed. The doco covers the famed custom’s journey from its initial build and lauded reception in the early 1950s through to its fall from grace as the custom movement began to fade, before its eventual resurrection in the hands of its saviour, Jim Mcniel.
Not only was Mcniel responsible for ensuring the Mercury survived, but he also has a profound relationship with the car and its legacy, which adds much to this tale. Jim, along with his family and a team of some of America’s most talented tradesmen, breathed life back into an icon, all the while embodying the inspiration, soul and pride that drives so many car crafters to strive for perfection.
The inclusion of interviews with some of our hobby’s greatest contributors – Junior Conway, Pat Ganahl and the late George Barris – reinforces the
COOL FLICK FACT: Sadly, the Mercury’s namesake and original owner, Bob Hirohata, was shot and killed in an execution-style murder in May 1981.
car’s significance. Even those who didn’t have a hand in it originally agree that its influence stretches across all generations and build genres. To quote Jim Mcniel: “The healthiest thing you can do is to get your personality out there in your car and let people see how you’re thinking – this is who I am; it comes from the heart.”
The restored Hirohata Merc has been on display at the Petersen Automotive Museum in LA, but at the time of writing it is up for sale. One can only hope that the eventual new owners keep it on public display for everyone to enjoy.
VERDICT: 5/5
THIS doco isn’t just for car people. Sure, it just happens to be about an awesome custom build, and yes, we’re biased as heck, but this story has universal appeal. The underlying thread is the importance of having passion and respecting history, and how the mateships formed in the process are often the most rewarding thing of all. Sound familiar?
OLD SCHOOL
HI GUYS, I was wondering if you could help me out. I’m looking for two issues of the mag from the mid-80s. One was with Mark Dall’acqua’s first V8 Escort (the white one), and the other issue featured Chez Dellunto’s yellow EH ute (left).
Both were shot at the workshop I did my apprenticeship in. My boss at the time is now in respite care and not well, and I would love to be able to show him the mags if I can track them down before he passes. Thanks for your help!
Wal Roberts, email HEY mate! Mark’s Escort was in the Jul/aug 1989 issue, while the Jan/feb 1990 issue featured Chez’s ute. You may be able to track down secondhand copies of these online; ebay’s probably your best bet. – Telfo
A REAL DRAG?
GEEZ, Aussie drag racing is in a weird place. On one hand, we have more cars being built than ever – every chassis shop and engine builder I know is flat-out. Big events like the recent Nitro Thunder meeting in Sydney had big crowds, and Drag Challenge sold out in less than a day. Heathcote Park seems to be going from strength to strength, and there are plenty of new tracks being built or upgraded.
This is all despite the war between the IHRA and ANDRA sanctioning bodies. It looked like ANDRA was on the ropes last year, but now that they have the operation of Perth Motorplex and have announced the Australian Drag Racing Championship, it looks like they’re building up a head of steam. Although, it must be said, IHRA has the edge in terms of having the most modern tracks.
Who knows where it will end up, but it can’t be good for racers, tracks, sponsors or fans.
George Franks, email
TRAY COOL
ANNE and I wanted to thank you and your staff so much for adding our HQ ute (above) to the June edition of Readers’ Rockets. We were utterly thrilled to see it in print; it’s a definite bucket-list moment for me.
We’re looking forward to the completion of our newest project, a 1972 HQ One Tonner. I’m trying to accomplish as much as I can with this on my own this time around. Perhaps I can send you some pics for In The Build? Thanks again!
Anton & Anne Brown, email
COLLECTOR’S EDITIONS
I JUST saw the pictures of Mark Allen’s Street Machine collection in the letters section of the May issue – lovely!
Here are some pictures of my own collection (right); the mags on the floor are from 1986 ’til 2017. Lots of lovely cars there indeed.
Robby Simpson, email