What is this car?

[Jolly Amaranto]

A friend of mine found this photo he took at a custom car show years ago and would like to figure out what it is. Looks kind of like it may be based on a Cadillac?

[nvr2mny]

Mercury maybe, heavily modded of course. That's my guess.

[herr_oberst]

Your friend is right, it's a Caddy. The front wheel arch is the giveaway

[ckelly78z]

The feature on the trunk looks rather Edsel-ish....I think it is a montage of different parts and customizations on a 49-50 Merc.

[herr_oberst]

The Merc front wheelarch is rounder, the Caddy has the top of arch flattened, highlighted by a chrome spear. This is a 53.

I do believe that there is white Merc custom in the background of the OP image.

[Otter74]

50-53 Cadillac for sure; rear fenders look like they’re based on a ‘55 Pontiac but it’s hard to tell. Exhaust outlet trim looks to be late ‘50s but I can’t tell from what.

[Steve Carlton]

I think it's ugly.

[Jolly Amaranto]

To me it looks like a cartoon character from the back. Windows as eyes, Edsel nose.......

[Steve Carlton]

"Need a ride?"

[ckissick]

I think it's the product of Johnny Cash's song, One Piece at a Time.

[pwd72s]

Originally Posted by ckissick

I think it's the product of Johnny Cash's song, One Piece at a Time.

Very well done.

[NY65912]

Rear looks like a '53 Buick

[KFC911]

Special order.... Gimme the ugliest car in the most hideous color ya got!

[Steve Carlton]

I'm seeing some '63 Corvette in there.

[Tobra]

Whoever built that thing has mad fabrication skills

[latunabernie]

Studebaker grill in the trunk lid.
1959 Cadillac exhaust trim.
Looks like Oldsmobile taillights.
Different strokes for different folks.
Bernie

[Tobra]

I bet that car has more lead than Higgins has at his house

[herr_oberst]

[Steve Carlton]

Looks like skin tags for tail lights.

[Jolly Amaranto]

https://www.barrett-jackson.com/Events/Event/Details/1951-CADILLAC-CUSTOM-COUPE-213431