Barris’ shop started this great custom in 1946 and finished it in 1948. They molded ’46 Ford fenders to the ’41 body and chopped the top 4-1/2 inches. The rear window was leaned forward considerably, to create a very pleasing flow, and the drip rails were removed for an ultra-clean look. In front, the hood was stripped of its chrome ornaments, the stock grille was removed, and the grille opening was filled and modified to accept a ’48 Cadillac grille. The headlights were frenched but the headlight rings were not extended.

Barris employed ’47 Ford bumpers front and rear and ’46 Ford bumper guards were used. The rear guards were fitted with hand-made taillights so the rear of the body could be unbroken smooth steel. The running boards were molded in and rounded at the bottom. The trunk corners, though frequently rounded on this type of custom, were left untouched.

Deep metallic Forest Green covered the ultra-smooth body, and the side trim was shortened in the front. Channeling the body and kicking up the frame in the rear helped to create the very popular speedboat look. Twin Appleton 112 spotlights are another classic custom touch. In this picture, the car was fitted with single bar flipper hubcaps, but later Cadillac “sombreros” were used. While Jesse served in Korea he asked George Barris to sell the car. In September 1952 George sold the car to Danny Lares, who served as the starter at Lions Drag Strip for many years. Soon after that Danny crashed the car and totaled this beautifull custom in a very similar way as the Matranga Mercury.