August 2017 The Brass Lamp

push upwards of 400 hp The 1957 Mercury Mermaid raced along the smooth Courtesy of the Historic Vehicle Association sand, reaching speeds of up to 180 mph.

Sixty years ago, one of automotive history’s most radical looking factory Created by the legendary experimental vehicles appeared on the cover of Hot Rod magazine. Look- Bill Stroppe and associates ing as though the entire top had been shorn off save a single, shark-like fin for the 1957 Daytona Speed directly behind the driver, the “Mermaid Merc” was unlike anything else ever conceived or designed up to that point. Built specifically for the 1957 Trials as a factory experi- Daytona Speed Trials by Bill Stroppe and other Mercury crew/team mem- ment, the Mercury Mermaid bers, the Mermaid was created for one reason—speed. was built to go as fast as possible and look great It was the age of tailfins and the “race on Sunday, sell on while doing so. Looking a that looked like space- Monday” mentality, auto bit like a boxy Jaguar D- ships and airplanes, arguably manufacturers were constant- Type on steroids, the Mer- one of the most unique eras ly looking for ways to improve maid featured a giant tailfin in terms of automotive de- their product, both from a just behind the driver and sign. The late 1950s saw some stylistic standpoint and the an almost completely flat, radical design ideas being ex- ever-increasing need for enclosed cockpit built by ecuted by some of the largest speed. Eddie Kuzma. automobile manufacturers in Continued on Page 8 >>> the country. And while a lot of these ideas never made it past the “dream ” or con- cept phase, some design and engineering elements first seen as fantasy did eventually find their way into production vehicles.

Of all the fine finned cars of the late 1950s, none was quite as radical looking as the 1957 Mercury Mermaid. It’s a car that, to this day, still manages to surprise with its utterly unique look. Operating under It was during this time that standard production cars modified for racing began pushing the limits of what was previously thought possible, and nowhere else was this more prevalent than on the beaches of Daytona. Here, cars with engines that could

The President’s Joseph F Yochim (314) 602-9498 President Column… By Joseph F Yochim Mark Goldfeder (314) 878-2786 1st Vice President/Programs

Al Mercer (636) 928-8672 Greetings everyone! Wow— ance for our veterans who 2nd Vice President/Membership we set a record of 108°--not have so graciously served our only is that unbearably hot, country. Thanks to Bill Alber- Jackie Allen that’s like Superman hot! With tin and Joe Krazan, Jr for or- (314) 741-4158 that said, I sincerely hope that ganizing this mini show. Acting Treasurer everyone is staying cool and

Martin L. Hassel hydrated. The HCCM strawberry social (314-232-5934) was held on Friday, July 21, Recording Secretary News flash!! The BBC recently 2017. Temperature outside announced that the British that afternoon was 103 which Dr. Gerald Perschbacher Parliament is beginning the did keep some people away. (314) 849-5249 process for legislation to no Corresponding Secretary However, we had a good longer permit the sale of fossil turnout despite the heat and Directors fuel powered vehicles in the everyone in attendance en- John Clark (2017) UK by year 2040. joyed strawberries and the Ron Nelson(2017) peaches. Special thanks to Vacant (2018) That was in the news in the Wayne and Melba Nolan for David Stephens (2018) third week of July. It amazed bringing the delicious fresh Kevin Williams(2019) Sharon Mercer(2019) me how it just snuck through peaches. the headlines—no one paid Ron Nelson attention. So, I guess the Who is ready for some barbe- 9826 Affton View Ct. Queen will have to ride in her cue? St. Louis, MO 63123 horse drawn carriage as it is (314) 638-7131 Brass Lamp Editor zero emissions. The annual HCCM picnic is scheduled for Sunday, August Kevin Williams With deep sadness I report 20, 2017 at Blanchette Park in (314) 481-9111 the passing of one of our club St. Charles from 11 AM to 3 Webmaster members. Mrs. Butch Taylor PM. A barbecue lunch will be

Neal McIntyre passed away on July 13, 2017. served at approximately 12 (314) 494-0346 Our thoughts and prayers are noon. Please do not be Special Events Coordinator with you Tom. See the tribute scared to cross over the Mis- article by Gerry Perschbacher souri River into St. Charles. in this edition. Super easy: Highway 70 to the Fifth Street exit. Take 5th HCCM visits the veteran’s St. north approximately 2 home. This time-honored miles, turn left at Randolph club tradition is very near and Street. Continue on Randolph dear to my heart. I am Street approximately ½ mile, www.hccmo.com pleased and proud to report turn right into the park. I will (314) 991-HONK to the membership that we have signs posted on Fifth had an all-time new record for Street all the way into the vehicles in attendance at the park to the shelter just follow veteran’s home on Sunday, the HCCM signs. All members Celebrating 73 Years July 9, 2017. A grand total of are welcome. Members at- In 22 vehicles were in attend- tending please bring a side St. Louis!

2 dish and or dessert. The club Remember, volunteering to out. So, mark your calendars will be providing three types work at the swap meet and and start searching for that of meats, melt in your mouth the Easter show affords each recipe that will knock every- brisket, turkey breast, pulled member a free ticket to the one’s socks off or tickle the pork and baked beans. These Christmas party. So let me re- digestive system. four items will be coming emphasize the need for help- from Sugar Fire Barbecue. ers in the early morning hours Christmas party at Glen Please RSVP to the president of Sunday, September 17. Echo: HCCM Christmas party so that there will be enough Assistance will be required is scheduled for Sunday, De- food and beverages for every- later in the day for the judg- cember 3, 2017. Doors open one. Members who signed up ing of the vehicles at the car at 12 and lunch will be served at the July meeting do not show portion of this venue. at 1 PM. Immediately after need to RSVP. Last day to So for those of you that do lunch there will be a short RSVP is August 10, 2017. not wish to come at 5 AM you program in addition to lots of Looking forward to seeing all can still come help out later in attendance prizes. my friends and members at the day. Just please come out this event. and help. Election nomination com- mittee for 2018: Ladies and Car cruise to Kimmswick! Brass and nickel show: this gentlemen, I need five indi- The suggestion was made at event is scheduled for Sunday, viduals to accept the respon- the July 21st general mem- October 1, 2017 at the Muse- sibility of the nominating bership meeting. The date um of Transportation on Bar- committee. Some of our has been set. Sunday, Octo- rett Station Rd., St. Louis members being retired have a ber 8, 2017. Let’s take our County Missouri. A friendly little more time available than classic cars for a drive down reminder: brass and nickel those of us who are still work- Highway 61/67 to historic means 1925 or older. ing every day. Sincerely, I Kimmswick that afternoon for could really use some help brunch at the world famous White elephant auction: here. Please contact me at Blue Owl Restaurant. If you Friday, October 20, 2017 at 314-602-9498 so we can are not able to participate in Logan College on the oppo- begin the process for nomina- this event you will have site side of campus in the lab tion of officers for the 2018 missed some delicious food room at 6:30 PM. Start look- calendar year. and good fellowship. So mark ing now for that unusual item your calendar. The meeting that gets everyone’s attention. Sincerely yours place will be the Chick-fil-a The last two years the white Joseph F. Yochim Restaurant at South County elephant auction has raised Mall at 12 noon. We will de- nearly $1000 for the charity part at approximately 12:15 chosen. So, start gathering on our journey for delicious up your collection of things food, while taking a leisurely that you can sacrifice to chari- cruise and enjoy our beautiful ty for a genuine cause. I truly classic vehicles. believe everyone has some things they can donate for the Swap meet: the annual auction. HCCM swap meet is sched- uled for Sunday, September HCCM chili cook-off: HCCM 17, 2017 at the Hollywood chili cook-off will take place Casino parking lot in Mary- on Friday, November 17 at land Heights. Helpers are Logan College starting at 6:30 needed for early morning PM. This year there will be an parking assistance with the incentive for all members par- vendors. ticipating in the chili cook-off. Three awards will be given

3 ’s Slant on Nash, 1953-1954 By Gerald Perschbacher, LL.D.

Did you know that Packard and Nash nearly had a co- joined history? “Enjoy a whole new way of life on wheels!” an- nounced Nash Motors in No- vember of 1953. The compa- ny was making an energetic bid for an increase in its share of the new car market in the United States, and it anticipat- ed stiff competition. In the long run, it would be solid, visionary leadership that kept the Nash effort moving for- ward. Packard knew its fu- ture would be tough, also. And there was talk circulating The Nash operation torcars at affordable prices that if Packard and Nash were had a notable but a humbler still ran strongly. So, it was to survive, they would need to beginning. The company that when George Mason, a merge. The same went for name was derived from vi- “Kelvinator” man who used a Hudson and . sionary Charles Nash who had plethora of good business In the wake of the lift- headed in the techniques to advance that ing of production limits that early years of motoring. Yet appliance producer, was had been in place by the Fed- even earlier, creative industri- wooed to Nash through the eral government during the alist and inventor Thomas B. formation of the combine, Second World War and into Jeffery founded the company Nash-Kelvinator Corporation. the early years of the Cold under his name and was fo- Truth be known, Mason had War, there was nothing to cused on the rising car busi- early been in the employ of stop Ford from making a no- ness by 1897. For 1902 he in- Studebaker, followed by a holds-barred sales attack troduced his Rambler model. stint with Maxwell-Chalmers against Chevrolet. Would that The company was obtained (guided at the time by Walter affect the success of Nash? by Nash in 1916 and contin- P. Chrysler), and soon headed Even the Packard Clipper? ued successfully through the Kelvinator. Indeed, that danger existed. defense production of the Similarly, the Packard Company leaders knew it! Second World War. But in the brothers had bowed out of Packard traced its early years of the 1950s, times their car connections way be- origin to 1899 as a car com- were changing. Large con- fore the Second World War. pany, its product being called glomerates such as General But they were proud to realize PACKARD even though the Motors, Ford, and Chrysler their namesake was zipping car company name of that ilk were gobbling huge chunks along from strength to had yet to be coined. The of the market while smaller strength in the automotive Packard automobile was the mass producers – including field. mechanical child of the Pack- Nash – were having to settle Being a man of big ard family in Warren, Ohio, for small slices of a few per- proportions (a six-footer and its history was proud and centage points, at best. weighing in at around 300 stellar as the name gained Mr. Nash was long pounds and liking sports, in- fame and importance seldom gone by the end of 1953, but cluding hunting), Mason of realized by car makers. the idea of making good mo- Nash had a hunger for suc-

4 cess in car production that ran far bigger than his girth. He directed the Nash operation toward small cars with a sporty flair, and family con- veyances with comfort in mind. For a time, hopes ran high for the Nash operation. But the sudden passing of Mason, age 63, in late 1954 put those ideas at risk. The Packard Convertible and the higher priced Packard Carib- James J. Nash was the bean were the price leaders at head of Packard by that time, the top of the line for the luxury and he was uneasy about Ma- car maker in 1954. son’s idea of merger. Well, let’s put it this way – IF Nance at least there seemed to be a troduced a new way of build- were put in the top spot and better chance for survival ra- ing automobiles – welding had full control of a Packard- ther than wilting as individual body-and-frame into one unit Nash merged company, and companies. instead of bolting them to- IF all the details worked to his When Mason’s last gether,” said the company in advantage, and IF no one new model bowed for 1954, its advertisement. “This is stood in his way (whether em- the lines came threefold: the Nash Airflyte Construction. ployed or elected to a posi- Nash Ambassador (121 ½ Today, after 45 billion miles of tion), then Nance MAY have inch wheelbase, 130 horse- driving proof, this method is opted for merger while Ma- power six with 256.6 cubic called the greatest basic im- son was active. As it was, inch displacement), the Nash provement in car construction Nance bridged the gap with Statesman (114 ¼ inch wheel- in 40 years.” The construction Studebaker, albeit a question- base and 110 horsepower L- kept Nash cars free of rattles able move since that revered head six), and the Nash Ram- and squeaks as a sign of company was deeply in the bler (100-inch base with 284 “better, stronger construction” red to the tune of at least $30 cubic inch, 85 horsepower that made the new products million and was digging the six). These were sensible “deliver a ‘double-lifetime’ of grave financially deeper with cars, so to speak, and the service.” each passing month, it company lauded them. Packard, meanwhile, seemed. “Thirteen years ago, Nash in- was scurrying to secure pro- The two main leaders over Studebaker were not willing to face the strength of Mason and, to avoid any clashes, wanted little (if any- thing) to do with Nash opera- tives. Nance, somewhat out of character, seemed willing to follow the plan of Mason by wedding Packard to Stu- debaker while Mason per- formed the marriage of Nash with Hudson, then the two merged companies would merge once more, thus com- bining all four brands under one conglomerate. The new venture hardly would be as large as General Motors, but

5 duction of its 1954 models of ganizational and people-skills, in the auto business as peace and Clippers, caught as Foster notes (page 84). finally returned to the country. short in the sale of the Briggs During the Second World War, Of course, he moved body company to Chrysler. in his role as head of the Au- amid the circles of car makers, Packard read the handwriting tomobile Manufacturer’s Asso- including Packard, and be- on the wall and knew it had to ciation office in Detroit that came known as a phenomenal cut its umbilical with Briggs moved into high gear early in corporate organizer. That and go it alone when it came 1940, Romney “was kept busy caught the attention of Pack- to body production. That was coordinating production ma- ard leaders. a cost factor the luxury car chinery and manpower with Romney must have company could ill afford. needs, making sure the flow of had a liking for Nash cars. He Good leadership often is the war goods was kept to a maxi- made a gift of a new Nash se- salvation for a car company. mum.” Romney was a tireless dan for his father in the sum- In the new book George Rom- and efficient striver to “sustain mer of 1947, says Foster. ney, an American Life, written the fighting men in the field.” There was a potential for by car hobbyist and Nash jour- A good portion of that drive, Romney to be groomed to nalist/aficionado Patrick Foster no doubt, transferred to his head the operation at Packard, (Waldorf Publishing, future efforts in the car busi- according to a conversation www.WaldorfPublishing.com), ness. between he and Packard Presi- dent Alvan Macaulay in early 1954 was the last year President George Mason Romney had 1948, when Packard officials held the helm at the Nash-Kelvinator Corporation, potential sensed the revered company anticipatory of a transitional time of solid leader- Packard con- was slipping in its future pro- ship headed by George Romney, a “George” of a nections spects for success. Romney different type. which many was 40 at the time. Could his car collectors conservative Mormon back- today do not ground have kept him from realize. driving an expensive car like a Foster calls Packard? Romney’s He was tempted by the AMA job notion of taking the reins at “one of the Packard, but a conversation most im- with George Mason toned that portant jobs down. Visionary Mason’s in- in the coun- fluence entered the picture in try” (page 74). what ended up being his re- Then, in Janu- maining months on earth as ary of 1942, he spelled out his notion of Romney was combining Nash with Hudson, “named man- Studebaker, and Packard. If aging direc- the idea had materialized, it tor of the Au- may have placed Nash leader- tomotive ship in control. What came of Council for all this was a twist in history. It more light is shed on the entry War Production” through was likely based on ideals and of Romney into the car world which he encouraged about egos that resulted in Nash tak- before his rise through politics 2,000 auto executives “to con- ing over Hudson and forming and his run for the White tinue their intense effort and American Motors on May 1, House (release date for the to cooperate with each other 1954, without the other two book: September 15, 2017). as much as possible” in the proposed principals. Romney was hardly a parallel war effort. With such experi- Pity, that. There exist to Mason, but he was to be his ence and related success sto- to this very day the full-size highly capable successor in ries in production that fol- blueprints of a new version the top spot over Nash. Rom- lowed, there was little wonder Packard-built engine that was ney was gifted with strong or- that Romney was a rising star planned for the Nash automo-

6 biles. This was a move toward combining, but it came too late to matter. Still, the prints exist, part of a plan that never materialized amid a situation that should never have happened! Romney led the balk against the Studebaker-Packard Corporation, realizing the Stu- debaker leadership seemed anti-Nash and, even more so, that their financial straits were nearly impossible to overcome. The Packard story ran a troubled course. Operational control was given to the Curtiss- Wright aviation executives in 1956, who systematically gained benefits from defense contracts engaged by Packard and Studebaker and switched them to the Curtiss advantage. What re- mained of the car companies was let loose, much of the Packard side devastated while the Stu- debaker portion made a valiant effort for survival, carrying it into the 1960s and, by diversifying, even to more recent time. Although he was hardly the physical build of Mason, Romney’s ability seemed to match what Mason had been hoping. Romney’s vision and optimism as the top executive at AMC is a study in good management, hard work, idealism, practicality, and much more. In a certain re- spect, as this writer sees it, those were virtues ingrained into the formative years of AMC and which may, in a certain respect, still linger even long after AMC was welcomed into the Chrysler Corporation. It’s still true today: opportunity plus solid, visionary leadership do much to move the au- tomotive industry forward.

“Cyclops-center headlight” that turned with the wheels, Tucker’s creation set a new and exciting bar for cutting- edge automotive technology and styling. Ultimately, how- ever, the rest of the story is remembered as a tale of “what might have been.” There’s still plenty of de- bate on what led to the downfall of this ambitious company and whether or not Detroit’s Big Three—in an effort to shut down an up- start competitor—really was behind the scandal and accu- sations of tax fraud that land- ed Preston Tucker in federal court. Tucker was eventually 70 Years of Tucker exonerated of all charges, Seventy years ago, Preston Tucker unveiled the now iconic but years of litigation left his automobile that bears his name. company bankrupt and his reputation in tatters.

Tucker died of cancer in On June 19, 1947, an automotive visionary named Preston Tucker 1956 at the age of 53. Only unveiled what he hoped would be the future of the automobile to a 51 Tucker sedans were built crowd of more than 5,000 spectators. It was an auspicious start for during his company’s brief the newly established Tucker Car Corporation. lifespan, of which only 47 Dubbed the “Tin Goose,” the Tucker ’48 prototype was unlike remain. any other automobile at the time. Aerodynamic, loaded with ad- vanced safety features and never-before-seen innovations like the

7 <<< from front page

The car was thus made as aer- Stroppe and team flexed simply for show. For whatever odynamic as a chrome laden some serious muscle on the reason, the 180 mph top domestic land barge of that drivetrain by shoehorning in a speed was not repeated and era could be without modify- Hilborn injected, bored-out thus didn’t capture a speed ing the lower half. In other 387 cubic inch Lincoln. On the record for the week. However, words, the Mermaid was the beach, driver Art Chrisman Chrisman captured second automotive equivalent of pushed the car to a reported place for a standing mile rec- something of an inverted speed of 180 mph to prove ord of 93.47 mph. mullet-style haircut with the that all those crazy looking party (racing) up top and the design features were not As with so many other iconic concepts, the Mermaid Merc was used in a number of pro- motional efforts by Mercury dealers before ultimately be- ing parted out. The car has since been faithfully recreated and, whenever it appears on the show circuit, still manages to draw a crowd with its one- of-a-kind look. We recently spotted the recreation at this year’s Carlisle Ford Nationals.

practical (business) down be- low.

Arriving at Daytona for the Daytona Speed Trials in Feb- ruary 1957, the Mercury Mer- maid was an immediate showstopper, its radical look backed by an equally impres- sive amount of speed. By re- moving the car’s interior and windshield and installing a small, single driver’s side cockpit with an equally small Year 2000: The Mermaid rides again! The Mermaid has returned! I've always liked the style of the late 50's windshield in its place, the Mercurys. When I learned about the original '57 Mercury Mermaid Mercury’s team shaved a race car that sported a 5 foot tail fin, I felt it was the kind of unique, great deal of weight off the head-turning car that just had to be rebuilt. After researching the orig- vehicle while also cutting inal Mermaid race car, the project began. Thanks to the help of nu- merous automotive enthusiasts and restoration pros the awesome down on the car’s drag. Mercury Mermaid is back. Royce Brechler

8 In Memoriam Butch Moved Along By Gerald Perschbacher (LL.D.)

We called her “Butch” ing out will allow some other which always made her very fine person (or two or stand apart. In other three) the opportunity to serve words, how many OTHER as she had served. Not a bad women do you know who idea! carry that nickname? Butch thought the world of Her given name was Ellen- sons Tony (wife Joy), Patrick, der Louise Brown (later and Tim (Tammy), plus grand- changed to Taylor when children Georgi, Tommie, Jo- she hitched her future via seph and Josie. She talked marriage to Tom). She about their successes and liked “Butch,” and that’s prayed for their futures. what we called her. If ever you want to know the rea- This very fine lady named sons for that name, ask Butch avidly enjoyed square husband Tom. It’s a fine dancing, too, even though she way to open a conversa- never danced around any task tion…. she ever knew, from what I heard tell. If there are square "Butch" was the kind of dances in heaven, she’ll be in person you wish many oth- the swing, and leading some ers could be. She was fancy steps! honestly compassionate, Butch in a favorite pose, wishing others the very best dedicated to family and from the front seat of the Taylors’ DeSoto. Lest we are remiss, Butch also friends, and clear minded enjoyed the companionship of in her approach to duties husband Tom as they fellow- and challenges. Her calm and special candles for unique occa- shipped with the local Model T cool analysis seemed right on sions with her Backdoor Candle Club and 1st Capital Classics target, and her sincere concern Store (I can tell you that’s the when there was no conflict with for others was a hallmark. Her truth, because I used her keen the schedule of the Horseless love of the Lord was primary in ability). When she felt her Carriage Club of Missouri, Inc. her dealings with people -- al- brother should become active in ways. She LIVED a life of serv- the car hobby, guess what – she For quite a while now, I think anthood to others. got him to join the club and be- every time I light a candle at come a pretty regular attendee of home or hear the calls at a Butch didn’t sit around and wait club events. Good for her – square dance, or see the delight- for things to happen. She dove Good for him – good for us. ful 1956 DeSoto (and even an right into any project she liked. early fifties or striking That was good for the old car Butch winged heavenward on Porsche) I’ll have a flashing hobby and our car club, since July 13, 2017, not of her choos- memory of a grand lady named Butch was a ready fixture and ing, but the Lord called. Maybe Butch, who was (and still is) a helper in just about anything that he wanted her “up there” for hard act to follow. Right, Tom? was hobby related. And she some special duties. I think she You know it! adored candles, even making would like to think that her bow-

9 COMING ATTRACTIONS

Remembering the era of drive in theaters

Automotive Pioneers Hall of Fame Trivia

Answers from last month

Pioneer #35: Walter Austin This Grand Rapids automobile maker was known for column shift 4-speed trannys and 2- speed axles

Pioneer #36: Dodge Brothers John and Horace developed a ball bearing bicycle, then moved their machine shop to Detriot. They made transmissions for Oldsmobile and engines for Ford. Then they organized Dodge Brothers Car Co. to make cars with their name.

*************

Pioneer #37 1845 - 1910 Immigrated to the U.S. in 1863. Built bicycles under the name “Rambler.” Invented the “clincher” tire in 1881. Produced his first successful car in 1900. Finished his career with Nash motors. Who was this great man? Answer next month

Pioneer #38 1882 - 1858

He left another car company to form his own company to build cars in 1916. Refused to sell more than 5000 cars a year. Originated the first advertising to feature the “esthetic” value of a car. His successful company fell victim of the crash of 1929. In 1950 he began writing a column for automotive news. Who was this great man? Answer next month

Most info from Chilton’s Complete Book of Automotive Facts, editor: Craig T. Norback. Published 1979 10 The Brass Lamp

The Publication of the Horseless Carriage Club of Missouri, Inc. august 2017

Activities Calendar

Information in this calendar is summarized. See flyers for events —go to www.midwestswapmeets.com 2017 Club Events Calendar

2017 SWAP MEETS CAR SHOWS, ETC. August 20 Picnic—11 AM Blanchette Park St. Charles August 12 Arnold Hist. Soc. Arnold City Park 9-3 September 15 7:30 General Meeting, Logan August 18-20 Ozark Annual Swap, Springfield MO September 17 HCCM Show & Swap Meet, September 3 SLICK 20th show Lions Park Arnold MO October 1 Brass and Nickel show, MOT September 10 Wheels in Motion Westport Plaza October 8 Kimmswick car cruise September 17 HCCM Show & Swap Meet, Hlywd Casino October 20 6:30 White Elephants, Logan 105G October 1 Brass & Nickel Show, Mus. Of Transport November 17 6:30 Chili Cook-off, Logan December 3 12-3 Holiday Party, Glen Echo Car Cruises and other events can be accessed at http://clubs.hemmings.com/lakerscarclub

Alert! Please check the club web site monthly at HCCMO.com for notices of club event cancellations or changes in time or location due to weather or other circumstances.

Reminder for Volunteers Volunteering to work at the Easter show and/or the September Swap Meet events held by the club earns credit toward free admission to the annual Christmas dinner and party. Your next opportunity is working at the September Swap Meet and Show.

The Brass Lamp is a monthly publication of The Horseless Carriage Club of Missouri ©2017 All Rights Reserved. Material from this 11 newsletter may be reprinted or shared by our club members with proper citation and written consent from the editor. What is it? It is the 1957 Mercury Mermaid, as rebuilt in 2000 by Royce Brechler. See the

cover article for details of this special concept car..

The Brass The Lamp A Publication of the Horseless Carriage Club of Missouri, Inc. Carriage Missouri, of Club Horseless the of Publication A www.hccmo.com (314) 991-HONK