Customs 49 Merc from St. Louis anyone recognize?

I shot this 49 Merc at a show in St. Louis in the mid 80s, I think. Does anyone have any other shots of it (especially rear and interior) or any information at all?

 

Is that an Illinois plate I think I see?

 

Yeah, it's still around...Saw it at a car cruise in Belleville, IL last year. I've attached some pics. Not sure who the owner is. The cruise was hosted by the Piston Pushers if that helps.

 

Not trying to hijack this thread, but do you have some photos of the car sitting next to the Merc.. looks to be the Johnny Zaro 1941 Ford.

 

Yep...I have a few of the front. Haven't seen either this year yet, but then again, I haven't been to a lot of local shows or cruises this year...

 

Thanks!

 

the guys name was Ed Leopold and as you can see, the thing got redone with a sectioned hood and other touches.

 

He has been on the hamb in the past. It`s one of my favorites from the 80`s.

 

Ed, has a good selection of cars, He still has the merc but he has been driving a 40 Merc Conv the last year or so, I know he was also fighting some health issues, Not sure how he is doing now, The Johnny Zaro Ford is owned by Kurt Mckormick out of St.Louis area as well,

 

Not that I know of.. or he must have bought it since I last talked to him in February this year.
We tried to get the car at the GNRS Customs Then & Now gathering, and the owner was from Illinois.. and was not interested in showing the car at the show.
Kurt owns Johnny Zaro's 1940 Mercury.. or what's left of it.

 

Yes the car was built and is still owned by Ed Lepold of Fairview Hights Ill A couple of years ago it was the tee shirt car at the James Dean Run and will be their again this year. Ray

 

My Bad!!

 

Thanx for the responses, guys! I hoped that the car was still around; it was too cool to change! Now I feel the call of the model bench!

 

Yeah Ed still has it. Here is a picture of the merc he just finished and drives now.