1956 Mercury Jade Idol

[Mercuryman54]

Has anybody seen one of these? It's pewter and 1/43 scale. I bought it at a swap meet probably 30 some years ago. It was the only one the vendor had. I have never seen another one. I've searched online to no avail. I thought someone on the forum may have. I know of the real car from pictures and magazine articles. Thanks for any information that anyone may have. I can't recall what I paid for it. It was/is in a plain white box with only (kit) written in pencil.

Dennis

[Mercuryman54]

Here's a few pictures of the 1:1 1956 Mercury Jade Idol. 

[misterNNL]

Great and unusual find there my friend.Are you planning to build it?If so please be sure to post your progress here.

[Mark]

If I remember right, Billy Belmont (of Massachusetts?) bought the car in the Eighties, and commissioned those models to be made.  I'm not positive but there may have been an assembled/painted version also.  Belmont recently sold the car; as I understand, the new owner is having Gene Winfield repaint it with fogging closer to original than the current paint job... 

[Mercuryman54]

Back in the late 80's early I met Gene at a car show. I wish I would have had the kit there for him to sign!! Very talented man!!

[bamadon]

It was a beautiful car. I saw it at a car show in Syracuse NY back in the sixties. The paint was amazing, especially for that time.

[1930fordpickup]

Back in the late 80's early I met Gene at a car show. I wish I would have had the kit there for him to sign!! Very talented man!!

He has been at the Detroit AutoRama for 4 or 5 years in a row. Stop in next year and see if he is there next February or March . He is a very nice guy. 

[Can-Con]

If I remember right, Billy Belmont (of Massachusetts?) bought the car in the Eighties, and commissioned those models to be made.  I'm not positive but there may have been an assembled/painted version also.  Belmont recently sold the car; as I understand, the new owner is having Gene Winfield repaint it with fogging closer to original than the current paint job... 

A couple years ago I told Gene that the Idol was what got me hooked on customs. Probably my favorite custom ever. 

He told me then that the car was for sale again ,, only $300K and it could have been mine ! 

[Mercuryman54]

I believe the rear quarters are from a 57 Chrysler. 

Dennis