Bad Betty...the Final Draft
Hot rodders go through changes, just like the machines that get our blood pumping. What was cool a few years ago may not be cool today—it’s all in the eye of the beholder. And that’s what brings us to the 1951 Mercury on these pages. Russ Pendley is the proud owner of the custom coupe, and he considers this his dream Mercury. It may not be your dream Mercury, but that distinct vision is what makes the hot rodding world go ‘round.
Russ cars hot rods for many years, but shifted gears toward traditional hot rods and customs a number of years ago. His shop is packed with killer project cars, but this Mercury is the centerpiece of his collection, and it means a lot to him. It wasn’t this particular car that started his love affair with Mercurys or customs in general, but his mental picture of
