Actually, this urban cowboy is quite happy with his Colorado Crew Cab 4X4, but I did enjoy your comment on a different level.
It reminded me of the Detroit Auto Show a few years back. I had a very friendly prolonged conversation with the Isuzu reps there. The Isuzu display that year was relegated to the lower level at Cobo, completely overshadowed by the quirky Chinese autos and the over-the-top DUB custom cars.
The Isuzu display consisted of 2 Ascenders and one crew pickup. The reps were so friendly, I think they were so bored and just so happy to talk to anybody at that point.
Anyhow, congrats on the COTD, sarge sir.
It reminded me of the Detroit Auto Show a few years back. I had a very friendly prolonged conversation with the Isuzu reps there. The Isuzu display that year was relegated to the lower level at Cobo, completely overshadowed by the quirky Chinese autos and the over-the-top DUB custom cars.
The Isuzu display consisted of 2 Ascenders and one crew pickup. The reps were so friendly, I think they were so bored and just so happy to talk to anybody at that point.
Anyhow, congrats on the COTD, sarge sir.
@Hoccy: I completely forgot about this one. I guess being forgettable makes it an excellent choice.
@Electro Gyrocator: Ha. That's awesome.
The economy is this bad? We have TJ Hooker working at a Waffle House now?
@Fat Tire: As long as we're talking about the coupe version in this vintage, I'll go out on a limb and say I like the Sebring's styling better than that of its Eclipse siblings.It would have been better named the Stealth however, since I never saw one promotion for the car ever. In fact, I had to do a quick walkaround of a black one I saw in the mall parking lot just to identify what model it was. And I live in Detroit.
I had the opportunity to walk through GM's collection of Cadillacs just prior to their opening of the Heritage Center. One of the cars was a specially prepared Seville with spoiler/ground effects/alloy wheels from the late 80s. The guide said his most asked question about the car: "Why is a Bonneville SSEi parked in the Cadillac display?"
@499wishes: I'll see your Corsica/Tempest, and raise you a Geo Metro/Pontiac Firefly.
If the car is well sorted, the price is high, but not unreasonable. Don't let the lowly R5 roots fool you, it really is a supercar.
I've seen exactly one in the metal. Circa 1989, parked DOTS style in front of our house in East Lansing, MI. The car was painted silver, with the turbo script large on its flanks, had the Gotti wheels and a large Euro style vanity plate on the front bumper that read "GO FASTER" in reversed letters.
I've seen exactly one in the metal. Circa 1989, parked DOTS style in front of our house in East Lansing, MI. The car was painted silver, with the turbo script large on its flanks, had the Gotti wheels and a large Euro style vanity plate on the front bumper that read "GO FASTER" in reversed letters.
@johnvarry: Same here. I fondly remember an older couple getting out of their new (2005ish) Grand Marquis to ask me about my 94 XR2. The husband said he had no idea that "Mercury made such a thing". I know I'll feel some sadness when I get rid of it.
I think the only major crime committed with the last-generation Cougar was announcing but never actually producing the performance S version.
@FormerlyPreferredCustomer: Not that the '90s Lotus Elan was a high water mark, but I always reveled in the fact that the Capri was faster.
@Sheldon George: I owned and loved a XR4Ti back in the day. Mentioned it in the other thread. A great car, mine just loved to cruise on the freeway comfortably smooth at 85 mph all day.
The Australian Capri was doomed at the start because of poor marketing, and being introduced at the same time as the Miata. Things got worse when the few people who favored the Capri, people with an occasional need for a rear seat/cargo area, started experiencing quality/reliability issues.
It's a shame, because at the end of its run the Capri became a very reliable and practical little convertible. The rear area was good for kids or extra groceries. The FWD and 4-cylinder engine made it very economical to own.
In fact, one of the biggest impediments to continuing as a program was the cost that would be involved for a next generation Capri to meet ever more stringent safety standards. The bean counters probably balked as a result of the damage done early on to the model's reputation.
Bottom line, it was a very different car to the sports car that was the Miata. I recall a contemporary car magazine saying one was a sports car while the other was a sporty car.
It's a shame, because at the end of its run the Capri became a very reliable and practical little convertible. The rear area was good for kids or extra groceries. The FWD and 4-cylinder engine made it very economical to own.
In fact, one of the biggest impediments to continuing as a program was the cost that would be involved for a next generation Capri to meet ever more stringent safety standards. The bean counters probably balked as a result of the damage done early on to the model's reputation.
Bottom line, it was a very different car to the sports car that was the Miata. I recall a contemporary car magazine saying one was a sports car while the other was a sporty car.
The second car I could call mine was a Merkur XR4Ti and I loved the thing. True it had zero traction in anything more than a medium rainfall, but it was a great all around car.
I've owned many makes of cars over the years, but I've always had a fondness for Mercury. It's true that for the most part they were dressed up Fords, but I enjoy dressing up. In that sense, you're spot on to say I was attracted more for what the car was not. When my finances necessitated buying a cheap sensible car, I gravitated toward a Tracer sedan. An Escort was not even a consideration.
Besides the Cougar, another of the "last of the breed" unique vehicles was the Australian-built Capri. I had a crush on those cars when they were new. At the time I was still rocking the Merkur and being a recent college grad, the 16K cost put the little convertible out of my range.
A few years later, I was better off financially, so I began a hunt for a quality used XR2. Fully expecting to find a fixer-upper, I was fortunate to find an immaculate 1994 XR2. It's given me 11 great summers of fun. The drivetrain has been rock solid reliable, but the trim pieces and electric window problems will soon have my parting with my Aussie pride and joy.
If there is such a thing as a Mercury fanboy, I am one. Though we'd probably prefer the title "aficianado". I lament that it's all coming to a close, thought I'm more saddened to see how its badge had been allowed to atrophy in recent years.
I've owned many makes of cars over the years, but I've always had a fondness for Mercury. It's true that for the most part they were dressed up Fords, but I enjoy dressing up. In that sense, you're spot on to say I was attracted more for what the car was not. When my finances necessitated buying a cheap sensible car, I gravitated toward a Tracer sedan. An Escort was not even a consideration.
Besides the Cougar, another of the "last of the breed" unique vehicles was the Australian-built Capri. I had a crush on those cars when they were new. At the time I was still rocking the Merkur and being a recent college grad, the 16K cost put the little convertible out of my range.
A few years later, I was better off financially, so I began a hunt for a quality used XR2. Fully expecting to find a fixer-upper, I was fortunate to find an immaculate 1994 XR2. It's given me 11 great summers of fun. The drivetrain has been rock solid reliable, but the trim pieces and electric window problems will soon have my parting with my Aussie pride and joy.
If there is such a thing as a Mercury fanboy, I am one. Though we'd probably prefer the title "aficianado". I lament that it's all coming to a close, thought I'm more saddened to see how its badge had been allowed to atrophy in recent years.
No respect at all. First comes the announcement that Ford will kill Mercury. Then, before the first spadeful of dirt is heaved toward the coffin, they desecrate the grave with this.
I don't know about that. I'd take a Calais Quad 4-4-2 for the right price. Especially one in SCCA trim.
Going the relatively cheap route, and choosing from the cars of 1967, I'd probably want to rally in an Austin Mini. Forget about comfort; I'll stretch out when I get to the motel.
Things can get crazy expensive when you're talking cars of this (ahem) vintage. Though it would cross the fine line from rally to road trip, my expensive car of choice would have to be a Corvette Stingray.
My '84 slushbox Charger was a non-Shelby, though it had the 2.2L. It's most likely served as beer cans, grocery carts, etc. long ago, but these pictures still make me sad.
My little car was an absolute blast to drive, tracked well in the snow, and had a cavernous trunk area even before you folded the rear seat down.
A lot of good selections have already been mentioned, but one I have firsthand experience with: Late '90s Escort/Tracers. Rock-solid reliablility of its Mazda underpinnings, the VVT 4-cylinder doesn't make you fear highway on ramps, and for added utility you can opt for a wagon version.
