The Ultra Modern Merc: Leo Lyons Custom Mercury

11 Curiosity...the love of “the hunt”…discovering the unknown...putting the puzzle back together….all of these things are passions that people write about from their own unique perspective. Mine are lost cars and their uniquely American history. Rick D’Louhy and I have been friends and kindred spirts in the appreciation for unique cars for nearly four decades—starting with tracking down the history of my first car– the 1962 Shark Roadster—purchased when I was just 18 in August, 1980—a car I still have. We both are intrigued by the imagination, skill and diligence of pioneering spirits who designed and built unconventional automobiles. Rick and I have divergent automotive tastes. While I am most fond of bizarre styling including teardrop shaped vehicles, Rick is enamored with simple, swoopy roadsters. However, we both agreed that the Leo Lyons Ultra Modern Merc, with the story behind the car and its cast of noteworthy players made this car far more special than even its unique styling, and therefore warranted our returning it to its grand appearance. Our only regret is that Leo, who passed away in November, 2014 never got to see the rebirth of his masterpiece. Foreword i