I agree with the above two gentlemen. Dead on. Let's all recall the Golden Sahara sold for 385k-in unrestored condition. The Hirohata is fully restored. Considered by many to be THE most iconic Custom of all time, I'd wager that if the Hirohata Merc rolled across an auction block and the biding opened at 200k, there's be at least a dozen hands in the air to get things rolling. Maybe I'm wrong, but I feel it will sell for at least half a million, maybe top a million. Could be considered a bargain when you weigh that some people are laying out many hundreds of thousands of dollars $$$ to have top notch Rods, Customs (and Ridler contenders) built by one of the high end shops. Would love to see it stay at the Peterson. Would be bummed if it ens up overseas...
I hope the right guy gets a chance to own his dream car. I somehow like the fact it´s not going to be auctioned, that way the family can choose from a few bidders whom they trust to be the next caretaker. Maybe not the best offer wins but the best guy for the car. I also hope it´s stays in the US, better yet in the south west. It´s just lookin best in it´s natural habitat , palm trees, coast lines, sunshine, warm weather.... i gotta get out of here
The Freddie Rowe Merc from the same movie "Running Wild" sold for about 300,000, that should give some indication of what it might sell for.
Quite true, but then, notoriety doesn't necessarily equal quality and taste. A one word example: Kardashian.
I’d guess who ever buys it, auction or private sale, will now what the car is about. 100k or 1million, doesn’t matter. Regardless of where it goes, it’ll probably be taken care of and look near the same in 50 years.
The Hirohata Mercury is iconic to me: it is the custom car which drew me to appreciate customs. Mecum just announced that the Hirohara Mercury will be auctioned at their Kissimmee, Florida event in January 2022. https://www.mecum.com/lots/FL0122-487726/1951-bob-hirohata-mercury-custom/
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