Hirohata Merc

==Description==
The Hirohata Merc is a custom 1951 Mercury Club Coupe built by Barris Customs. It was fabricated in 1953 by George and Sam Barris with Frank Sonzogni, for Bob Hirohata, a Japanese-American Navy Veteran and businessman. It has often been called "the most famous custom of the classic era" and had a "momentous effect" on car builders. The car was sold at a private auction in 2022, having changed hands a number of times prior.
Hot Wheels has designed the Hirohata Merc in the past, being named the '51 Merc in the 100% Hot Wheels line, based on their '49 Merc tooling. Larry Wood loaned Brendon the hand-sculpted resin pattern from the previous development, which was 3D-scanned for development. Minor tweaks were made to improve the details.
==Versions==
The Hirohata Merc has come out in the following 1/64 scale versions:
Col # 	Year	Series 	Color 	Tampo 	Base Color/Type 	Window Color	Interior Color	Wheel Type	Toy #	Country 	Notes 	Photo
143/250	2024	Rod Squad5/5 	Seafoam 	Silver side trim, fender badges, headlights 	Dark teal/Plastic 	Clear 	Chrome 	WWB5SP 	HRY69	Malaysia	New ModelBase code(s): T03, T04, T05, T07, T08	
143/250	2024	Rod Squad5/5 	Metalflake apple green	Silver side trim, fender badges, headlights 	Dark green/Plastic	Clear 	Chrome 	WWB5SP 	HTD66	Malaysia	New ModelBase code(s): T20, T21, T22, T23 	
046/250	2025	Rod Squad4/10	Plum 	Silver side trim, white flames, headlights 	White/Plastic 	Clear 	Chrome 	WW5SP 	HYW97	Malaysia	Base code(s): 	
046/250	2025	Rod Squad4/10	Spectraflame purple 	Silver side trim, white flames, headlights, TH logo on rear wheel cover	White/Plastic 	Clear 	Chrome 	WWMD 	JBC36	Malaysia	Super Treasure HuntBase code(s): 	
==2024 card==
From the back of the 2024 card:
Born: 1952, Lynwood, CA
Designer: George Barris & Mercury
It only took 97 days for the Barris brothers to create this award-winning and trend-setting custom 1951 Mercury. Radically modified from bumper to bumper, it's one of the most influential customs ever built.
==See also==
*'51 Merc 
==Gallery==
IMAG1550(25943).jpg|HRY69 143/250 2024 r
HM front.jpg| First Edition
HM rear.jpg
HM side.jpg
HM top.jpg
HM base.jpg
Hirohata Merc.jpg
2024_HM_Comp.jpg|Both of 2024 
TF24 PP HM 1.jpg|Hirohata Merc and Purple Passion
TF24 PP HM 2.jpg
TF24_PP_HM_DM.jpg|Purple Passion, '49 Drag Merc and Hirohata Merc
Mainline 2024 Hirohata Merc Mint Green Malaysia HRY69.jpg|Mainline New Model 2024
Mainline 2024 Hirohata Merc Apple Green Malaysia HTD66.jpg|Mainline New Model 2024
Category:2024 Hot Wheels
Category:New for 2024
Category:Brendon Vetuskey Designs
Category:Licensed Hot Wheels
Category:Mercury Cars
Category:1950s
Category:American Cars
Category:Rod Squad Series
Category:Lowriders
Category:Two/Three-door Vehicles
Category:1:64
Category:2025 Hot Wheels
Category:2025 Super Treasure Hunts