at the sign of the · [email protected] years who asked if he could photograph ed’s car. or...

20
AT THE SIGN OF THE CAT THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE COUGAR CLUB OF AMERICA WINTER 2012

Upload: others

Post on 01-May-2020

3 views

Category:

Documents


0 download

TRANSCRIPT

Page 1: AT THE SIGN OF THE · c.course@btinternet.com years who asked if he could photograph Ed’s car. or sallyebrown@btinternet.com. Span the pond…we’d love to hear from anyone. car

AT THE SIGN

OF THE

CAT THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE COUGAR CLUB OF AMERICA

WINTER 2012

Page 2: AT THE SIGN OF THE · c.course@btinternet.com years who asked if he could photograph Ed’s car. or sallyebrown@btinternet.com. Span the pond…we’d love to hear from anyone. car

Club Contacts

CCOA Board of Directors Chairperson: Randy Goodling [email protected] 2046 Mill Road, Elizabethtown, PA 17022-9401 (717) 367-6700 Vice Chairperson: Bill Quay [email protected] 7113 Old English Road, Lockport, NY 14094-5408 (716) 433-9267 Financial Services: Greg Fritz [email protected] 16280 Andrie Street NW, Ramsey, MN 55303-5313 (763) 274-1438 Membership Services: Rob Merritt [email protected] 28 W. 8th St, Duluth, MN 55806-2515 (218) 727-6918 Club Services: Gavin Schlesinger [email protected] 3294 Griffon St W., Danville CA 94506-5005 (904) 588-4670 Special Services: Phil Parcells [email protected] 7227 Heath Markham Road, Lima, NY 14485-9508

CCOA Managers and Volunteers

Editer/publishor: Vacant

Assistant Editor / Advertising Representative: Kamran Waheed [email protected] 1410 Hamilton St, Jacksonville, FL 32205-7349

Merchandise: Randy Goodling (see Chair)

International Manager: Tim Glover [email protected] Oxton Birkenhead, Wirral, England

Historian: Scott Dyke [email protected] 1700 Kelly Ave., Crest Hill, IL 60435-2314 (815) 726-7905 (after 6 p.m. Central Time)

Legal Advisor: Jody Heil [email protected] 500 Maple Ridge Road, Berlin, Wisconsin 54923 (920) 361-5258

Webmaster: John Rotella [email protected] 2484 W Genesee Tpke, Camillus NY 13031

Volunteer Coordinator: Vacant

Specialty Vehicle Registrars

National Database (all Cougars): Phil Parcells [email protected] 7227 Heath Markham Road, Lima, NY 14485-9508 1968 R-code, Non-GT-E: Bill Quay [email protected] 7113 Old English Road, Lockport, NY 14094-5408 (716) 433-9267 1969 390: Mike Brown [email protected] 5527 Bluebell Ave., North Hollywood, CA 91607-1909 1971 429 Cobra Jet: Mitch Lewis [email protected] 1979 Chipmunk Court, Eagan, MN 55122-2225 (612) 720-7504 428 Cobra Jet (’69-’70): Scott Taylor [email protected] 2151 W. Shawnee Drive, Chandler, Ariz., 85224-1740 (480) 857-2005 (evenings) Dan Gurney Special: Scott DeFriez [email protected] 6420 Hermanas Road S.W., Deming, NM 88030-1721 (575) 544-4444 Eliminator: Dave Wyrwas [email protected] 21 Cathy St., Merrimack, NH 03054-2841 (603) 429-8437 GT, XR-7 GT, 6.5 Litre: Brett Irick [email protected] 2 Brookwood Lane, Dearborn, MI 48120-1302, (313) 240-6418 GT-E: Jim Pinkerton [email protected] 20727 106th Ave. S.E., Snohomish, WA 98296-7166 (360) 668-0243 Sports Special: Bruce Wallace [email protected] 8709 Catbriar Lane, Orlando, FL 32829-8619, (407) 826-2936 (o), (407) 273-1092 (h) Two Tone: Kamran Waheed [email protected] 1410 Hamilton St, Jacksonville, FL 32205-7349 XR7-G: Royce Peterson [email protected] 6360 Berwyn Lane, Dallas, TX 75214 (214) 538-8838

Page 3: AT THE SIGN OF THE · c.course@btinternet.com years who asked if he could photograph Ed’s car. or sallyebrown@btinternet.com. Span the pond…we’d love to hear from anyone. car

Copyright 2012 Cougar Club of America. All Rights Reserved.

Temporary Editor

Rob Merritt 28 West 8th Street

Duluth, MN 55806-2515 [email protected]

ATSOTC welcomes publishable material for future

editions. Send your submissions to the above address or

to the Assistant Editor at [email protected] Our next issue is planned for the Spring. Please send

your submissions no later than March 15.

Membership -- RATES (Since 1/1/10)

Annual Membership in the Cougar Club of America is available in several flavors:

FREE for members who submit a substantial article or

make regular contributions to the newsletter $20 for members who receive the newsletter by

email.

$30 for members who receive the newsletter by postal mail to a U.S. address.

$35 for members who receive the newsletter by postal mail to a non-U.S. address.

To join, point your internet browser to:

http://www.cougarclub.org/about/membership.aspx or contact the Membership Services Director listed in the Club

Contacts section of this newsletter.

Advertising Members may place a Cougar-related classified

advertisement of up to 100 words per issue at no charge.

Non-members may place classified ads at a rate of 10 cents per word, which is currently waived on a case-by-

case basis due to the inaccessibility of ads on the website.

Display advertising rates are also available.

Contact Kamran Waheed for details at [email protected]

Disclaimer

Members receive this publication with the understanding that the Cougar Club of America, its officers and

volunteers, cannot be held responsible for its content.

The CCOA reserves the right to edit all submissions. The CCOA does not necessarily endorse views and opinions

expressed in ATSOTC. Your mileage may vary.

In this issue:

Club Contacts............................................................... 2

Letters to the Editor On the Cover of the … ..................................... 4 Power Assist not Needed .................................. 4 Across the Pond ................................................. 4 Pick of the Litter ................................................ 5

CCOA Welcomes New Club Service Director ............... 6

Cougars in the News .................................................... 8 West Coast Classic Cougar Giveaway ........................ 10 Cougars in Miniature ................................................. 11

Financial Director’s Report ........................................ 11

Regional Reports & Events FordNutz. ......................................................... 12 Ohio ................................................................. 13 International Mercury Owners Ass’n .............. 14

eBay Cats ................................................................... 16

Membership Report .................................................. 17

Classified Ads ............................................................. 18

Dedicated to the appreciation and

preservation of the Mercury Cougar.

AT THE SIGN

OF THE CAT THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE COUGAR CLUB OF AMERICA

WINTER 2012

www.cougarclub.org 3

Page 4: AT THE SIGN OF THE · c.course@btinternet.com years who asked if he could photograph Ed’s car. or sallyebrown@btinternet.com. Span the pond…we’d love to hear from anyone. car

4 At the Sign of the Cat

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

ON THE COVER OF THE … Gail Taylor (#8651)

Linville, Virginia

We all remember the old Dr. Hook song, On the Cover of the Rolling

Stone. Perhaps it’s not the same “thrill that’ll getcha when you get

your picture on the cover of the Rolling Stone,” but getting your

Cougar on the cover of the Auto Krafters’ parts catalog is pretty

special. Gail Taylor writes in that she’s proud to have her car grace

the cover. The car has only 98,000 miles. Other than a couple of re-

paints, new wheels and general maintenance, the car is just like the

guys at the factory made it.

Be sure to check it out next time you’re looking for parts from Auto

Krafters… you might just want to “buy five copies for your mother.”

Power Assist not Needed

J.W. Moorhouse (#3372)

Maineville, Ohio

Original Owner J.W. Moorhouse recently renewed

his membership and included a note recalling the

day he bought his 1968 Cougar. He put in a special

order on the next-to-last day possible to get one.

He remembers the salesman phoning in the order –

“No… he doesn’t want power steering. This guy’s

got muscles!”

Across the Pond

Chris & Sally Course (#9000)

South Ockendon, Essex, UK

Greetings everyone and happy new year from us in

the U.K. Well, 2012 was kind of ruined by so much

bad weather...and our cat doesn't go out in the

rain. However, we did get to about 8 shows in

total. Some of the cars we have at our shows are

truly breathtaking. It’s more of a case of what's not

over here now....but we saw only one other cat at

a show this year. Dare I say, it was even better

than ours which of course hurts a little. Our

Cougar, thankfully, has been trouble free

and runs just fine. I am a bit worried about the

ethanol problems that might lie ahead, and shall do

some homework on this and maybe stick in an

additive.

We've had fun in 2012, and met some new friends

at the shows. The highlight this year was when we

put the cat into a decibel competition. We didn't

win, beaten by a Willys with open headers and 7

litres on tap!

When we've come back from shows, we have to

drive through country lanes on way to our home.

Well, there's a pub we go past every time where

they all sit outside in the garden enjoying a drink in

the peaceful surroundings... until we go past. We

Page 5: AT THE SIGN OF THE · c.course@btinternet.com years who asked if he could photograph Ed’s car. or sallyebrown@btinternet.com. Span the pond…we’d love to hear from anyone. car

www.cougarclub.org 5

coast the cat past the trees hiding us from them on

our approach, then bury the gas

pedal!...childish?...maybe, but we have it off to a

fine art, the beer flies out of their glasses as the

twin flowmasters kick in and sounds like thunder,

and our green cats gone before they can see it. It’s

cheap fun, but there's nothing like our car within

miles round here... so let them hear a proper v8.

We have a few jobs to do on our cat during winter:

new wheel lip trim, new hood trim, and new

steering wheel, and I’m colour coding the dash

bezels and the plastic chrome trim on the doors in

same green as the car. The chrome is shot and the

cost to replace is off the scale. Please forgive me

you guys, I have no choice. I’m going to hand paint

it all and hope it looks fine. The new Grant wheel

will be coded as well. And just to prove a point on

cost, we bought lip trims, Grant wheel, and cougar

floor mats at a cost of 5oo sterling. If you convert

that to US funds, it gives you some idea of buying

parts for American cars over here with shipping and

taxes.

Best wishes to all in Club. Please contact me and

Sally with your pictures and stories at

[email protected] or

[email protected]. Span the pond…we’d

love to hear from anyone.

Pick of the Litter

Ed Greenberg (#9028)

Mt. Pocono, PA

Ed sent in a few pictures of his Saxony ’68 XR-7

with black interior, nicknamed “Ceil” in tribute to

his deceased mother.

Ed reports that the car has 124,000 miles on its

pure stock 302 V-8. He found the car in the Blue

Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, a few miles

past the middle of nowhere. He writes that the car

is 100% original, inside and out, with A/C, power

steering, and power disc brakes. His favorite

driving music is Lynyrd Skynyrd, which sounds

good against the throaty dual exhaust notes from

the Cougar. His favorite place to cruise is Route

390 out of Canadensis, PA, and Route 115N from

Blakeslee to the Mohegan Sun Casino.

Ed was once approached by a young man of 18

years who asked if he could photograph Ed’s car.

Happy to oblige, Ed asked why. The young man

responded, “My mother promised me a brand new

car if I graduate from college. But now I have to

tell her that I want one exactly like this.”

Page 6: AT THE SIGN OF THE · c.course@btinternet.com years who asked if he could photograph Ed’s car. or sallyebrown@btinternet.com. Span the pond…we’d love to hear from anyone. car

6 At the Sign of the Cat

I

currently live in Northern California with

my wife, Lauren and son, Jack.

Over the past 25+ years, I have spent countless hours with

strangers hanging out in parking lots and talking about cars. I

am as interested in the cars today as I was when I first began

my search for my first classic car.

My family has always been supportive of my interest in cars.

My father and I rebuilt my first carburetor together in the late

80's. I still remember the scratches on my parents kitchen

table as we gouged it when we used it as a workstation. I also

remember the countless nights before car shows that my

father, who very rarely attended a show, would spend helping

me wax and shine my car. I was the only teenager I know of,

that had both garage parking spaces in my parents garage. I

typically had at least 3 cars growing up; one for shows, one

for daily use, and one to fix up & flip or part out to earn

additional funds.

The Cougar Club of America welcomes

Gavin Schlesinger ~ Club Services Director

Phone: (904) 588-4670

Email: [email protected]

Recommended web pages: http://www.cougarclub.org/

http://www.facebook.com/pages/1968-

Mercury-

Cougar/114490785260140?ref=ts

http://classiccougarcommunity.com/local

-clubs/

http://www.mercurycougar.net/forums/fo

rum.php

Page 7: AT THE SIGN OF THE · c.course@btinternet.com years who asked if he could photograph Ed’s car. or sallyebrown@btinternet.com. Span the pond…we’d love to hear from anyone. car

www.cougarclub.org 7

I have a very good network of friends within the

Cougar community, around the country. I have lived in

eight states, and have been in multiple car clubs. My

job allows me to travel nationwide. With my business

travels, I reach out to people within the community. I

enjoy gaining knowledge, having help and support, or

supporting others working on or gathering details about

the various Cougars.

Over the past several years, the car clubs have had struggles due to the economy, fuel costs, aging

members commitments between families and recreational club events. Now that I am filling the

Club Services position, I will seek to further network with the various clubs and Cougar owners

across the country. I will offer assistance to gain support for events and ideas for marketing to the

next generation of members. Additionally, I plan to build a bridge between the various clubs and the

National Club. I welcome people to contact me to discuss

ways that the Cougar Club of America can better service

the needs of their club. I am also interested in learning

what struggles are occurring with the Regional Clubs and

am willing to offer assistance to look for ways the

National Club can help bring solutions.

It is a struggle with my busy schedule to attend the

meetings. One idea I have is to have the meetings in the

summer at the various events. This would be a way to

gather the members and not take additional time away

from their family time.

I am a person who has a passion for 1968 Cougars as well as an appreciation for all models. I have

owned 67's, 68's, and a 69 over the years. I still dream of owning a 427 GTE, but will have to watch

and wait for one I might be able to afford someday. I like to network and talk with people about

Cougars, and look forward to contributing to the community in the months and years to come.

Gavin Schlesinger CCOA# 9090

Page 8: AT THE SIGN OF THE · c.course@btinternet.com years who asked if he could photograph Ed’s car. or sallyebrown@btinternet.com. Span the pond…we’d love to hear from anyone. car

8 At the Sign of the Cat

Cougars in the News

We’ve featured the 1970 CJ Eliminator owned by Paul

Tekatch (CCOA #8969) in prior issues of At the Sign of

the Cat. The car has caught the attention of others,

including the following article that appeared in the

Vancouver Sun back in October. Paul also sent in this

picture of the car with its Original Owner.

By the late-Sixties, the muscle car era had reached a crescendo, with more and

more horsepower being crammed under the hoods of mid-sized cars. Power-

sucking emission control equipment wouldn't be introduced until the next year

in the 1971 models.

At the front of the herd of muscle cars being

offered for the 1970 model year was the

luxurious, sporty and very quick Ford Cougar

Eliminator. The advertising boasted: "Password

for action. Spoilers hold it down. Nothing holds it

back. Now that's attitude!" On one particular

Sunday that year, veteran car salesman Sid

Tekatch took his twin 12-year-old sons to the

dealership where he worked. Although the

dealership was closed on Sundays, Sid had to pick

up some paperwork at George Black Motors in

Burnaby.

Twins Peter and Paul were immediately drawn to

a spectacular new Competition Orange Cougar

Eliminator with sleek black stripes displayed in the

showroom. This "gentleman's muscle car" was

complete with black and white houndstooth-

pattern bucket seats and monstrous 428-cubic-

inch Cobra Jet V8 engine under the open hood

with the Ram Air Induction option.

A look at the manufacturer window sticker

showed this car had the sport console shifter with

C6 automatic transmission, 3: 50 traction lock

differential and power disc brakes. This cat was

made to prowl and growl.

"I sat in that car and put one hand on the

steering wheel and the other hand on the shifter

and said to myself: 'This is a nice car. If only I

was of an age to buy this car,'" Paul Tekatch

recalls of that day nearly 42 years ago.

The boys were enthralled with the car which

would become a topic of conversation as the two

pursued the collector car hobby as adults.

Paul Tekatch became a firefighter with the

Township of Langley and Peter runs his own

trucking company. Through that connection, Peter

discovered that Rod Langbell, the owner of

another trucking company, owned the car. He,

too, saw the car in the showroom but was told it

was already sold. He later received a call from a

salesman saying the prospective purchaser had

lost his license and couldn't buy the car. Langbell

bought the Cougar Eliminator for his wife Elaine

on Jan. 25, 1971.

The car was driven until 1986 and then stored at

the Elrod Cartage Langley warehouse for 18

years. The Cougar had been driven just 31,276

miles. When Peter saw the car 16 years ago, it

was covered in dust. He asked to be contacted if

the car ever came up for sale.

Page 9: AT THE SIGN OF THE · c.course@btinternet.com years who asked if he could photograph Ed’s car. or sallyebrown@btinternet.com. Span the pond…we’d love to hear from anyone. car

www.cougarclub.org 9

In February 2009, Peter Tekatch was finally able

to approach the owners to sell the car after

explaining he and his twin brother Paul had sat in

it when it was new and on display in the George

Black Motors showroom where their father

worked. The owner confirmed he had purchased

the car for his wife shortly after that.

The car was stored outside under a commercial

awning that had collapsed under the weight of

winter snow. A support pole had punched a hole

through the hood. Once the two brothers got the

hood open, they saw the car still retained its

original 428 engine with all the optional Ram Air

Induction components in place. The owner, who

was devastated that the car had been damaged,

reluctantly agreed to sell it. It was decided that

Paul would buy the car and he picked it up on

Feb. 11, 2009.

What followed was a year-long comprehensive

restoration done to the last detail by the twin

brothers with professional

assistance. Peter had already

restored a rare 1968 Shelby

GT350 convertible.

The Cougar Eliminator once

again appears brand new.

One of the first trips was to

show the restored car to

original owner Elaine

Langbell. Her first words

were: "Nice car. You know I

had a lot of fun in that car

but never got a speeding

ticket."

Before Paul got a driver's

licence, he collected dealer

decals. He had an example

from George Black Motors

and it has been placed on the

rear bumper just as the

original selling dealer would

have done.

Paul Tekatch displayed his rare cat alongside

other Cougar collectibles at the Hallmark Ford

Show and Shine in August. The car looks

showroom new.

How rare is this particular Cougar Eliminator?

There were 2,267 1970 Cougar Eliminator cars

built. Only 374 were equipped with the optional

428 Cobra Jet engine and only 192 of these had

an automatic transmission. Further trimming the

totals, 128 had the Ram Air Induction option. The

two most popular colours for Eliminators were

Competition Orange and Grabber Blue which

further narrows the field.

Paul enjoyed a full summer season of cruising and

shows with his rare cat. It certainly brings back

memories.

"Who would have thought a kid growing up at 12

years old would end up buying this unique muscle

car nearly 40 years later," Paul says.

Page 10: AT THE SIGN OF THE · c.course@btinternet.com years who asked if he could photograph Ed’s car. or sallyebrown@btinternet.com. Span the pond…we’d love to hear from anyone. car

10 At the Sign of the Cat

1967 GT 4-Speed Giveaway SALEM, OR. -- West Coast Classic Cougar

is preparing to give away a 1967 Mercury Cougar GT 4-Speed during the first months of 2013. The contest will be run much like one they held in early 2012, in which they gave away a 1970 Eliminator. Contestants will have to submit essays in written or video form, on the subject “Why I’m the right person to bring this car back to life.” The essays will then be judged by various elected members of the Classic Cougar Community. Also, participation will be limited to those who are members of the Classic Cougar Community Forum (www.classiccougarcommunity.com), which is free to join, in order to better regulate the process. More specific rules and procedures will be outlined with an official contest announcement sometime in early 2013. The car originally sported a two-tone Lime Frost Green body with Polar White roof, and Ivy Gold bucket seats inside. It’s a Standard model, with a few options including the GT package, 4-Speed manual transmission, styled steel wheels, door edge guards, deluxe seat belts, tinted windshield, and AM radio. Unfortunately, the S-code 390-4V engine and 4-speed are missing. Otherwise the car is mostly complete, but needs total restoration. “The right candidate will need to have the skills, the time, the funds, and the dedication to see this project through,” said WCCC

owner Don Rush. “You aren’t going to win just by saying, ‘I can’t afford a Cougar, so give me this car!’ It needs to end up in the hands of someone who is actually capable of bringing it back to life and enjoying it.” It will ultimately be up to the winner what

direction to go with the car. It could be restored back to its original configuration, or be turned into a wild restomod, or something in between. In fact, contestants are encouraged to outline their general plan for restoration in their essays. “We couldn’t justify scrapping a car this unique,” said Rush. “It makes more sense for us to give it to an enthusiast.” To stay up-to-date on contest information, keep an eye out for an official announcement in January on the Classic Cougar Community forums (www.classiccougarcommunity.com) and on WCCC’s website (www.cougarpartscatalog.com), Facebook page, and email newsletter.

Page 11: AT THE SIGN OF THE · c.course@btinternet.com years who asked if he could photograph Ed’s car. or sallyebrown@btinternet.com. Span the pond…we’d love to hear from anyone. car

www.cougarclub.org 11

Cougars in

Miniature Bill Quay #1515 This article deals with the 9 Inch Plastic toy 1967 Cougar. These Cougars were from the Structo toy Co. as part of the Auto Hauler toy . The underside, Bumpers and the Interior are molded in an off white color. There is no glass in these toys , and very little detail. The interior has bucket seats and a console. There is no dash or steering wheel features. I have seen these in only two colors. The medium Green car pictured and a Red color. These toys are molded in a rather hard plastic, unlike the promo Cougars that were a softer plastic. There are no markings on the underside to denote the manufacturer, or country of origin. These were not mass produced so they are rather hard to come by. All of the toys shown in my Cougars in Miniature articles are from my personal collection.

Financial Director’s Report

Greg Fritz #5269

[email protected]

Page 12: AT THE SIGN OF THE · c.course@btinternet.com years who asked if he could photograph Ed’s car. or sallyebrown@btinternet.com. Span the pond…we’d love to hear from anyone. car

12 At the Sign of the Cat

Regional Reports & Events

FordNutz Cougar

Club - Vancouver BC BY: HEATHER WHITAKER

(#7477)

EVENTS DIRECTOR

Once August is behind us things begin to slow down here on the west coast but September’s Mega Ford Weekend keeps the action going—and at high speed, I might add. This fast-growing three-day event in Mission, BC features quarter-mile drag racing as well as a classic car show for, as the name suggests, FoMoCo products. This was the perfect venue to showcase one of our members’ new acquisitions—a genuine, super rare 1964 A/FX Comet Cyclone 427.

Maybe some of you read about this car in a magazine or saw it advertised earlier in the year on e-Bay but when Fordnutz’ own Tom Wood came across it, he simply had to have it. Tom has a lengthy drag-racing history and owns several high-horsepower Fords and Mercurys so when he read about the racing provenance of this old New England Dragway regular he would not rest until

the name “Wood” was on the registration. The complete story of this rare find is a fascinating one, beginning at a Mercury dealership in Quincy, Massachusetts, through its racing career at Sanford and New England Dragways to nearly being lost forever in a salvage yard to its discovery and resurrection as a racer again on the west coast of Canada. Suffice to say Tom is thrilled to put this car through its paces let alone be the saviour of a racing legend. In his own words…”The fire still does run deep and the car was raced at the Mega Ford Weekend. I still have the grin on my face from launching hard, going straight and feeling like a kid again. Some people never grow up. That was the first time that the car had seen a drag strip since 1971.

After the first run I came out of the car looking like a chimney sweep. I was wearing thirty years of dust particles and anything else that was not glued down from under the dash, but that did not bother me a bit.” After the excitement of that race weekend, it was time for one final road trip to Ponies in the Sun, a show for Mustangs and Cougars in the Yakima Valley, Washington. Our Cougars hit the road in a brilliantly-coloured “cat-avan” for the trek east to share one of the last car events of the year. We arrived mid-afternoon Saturday in time for a catnap and car cleaning before settling in for a relaxing dinner at a nearby Mexican restaurant. On show

Page 13: AT THE SIGN OF THE · c.course@btinternet.com years who asked if he could photograph Ed’s car. or sallyebrown@btinternet.com. Span the pond…we’d love to hear from anyone. car

www.cougarclub.org 13

day, despite the many activities available at this venue, most were content to simply wander the show field talking with fellow car enthusiasts or relax in the shade with a cool drink. At the end of the day, I’m happy to report that all Fordnutz members received awards for their Cougars before their return home to the coast. As we moved ever closer to the holiday season, there were several local fundraising and toy run events as there are, no doubt, throughout the country and as I write this, we look forward to our annual Fordnutz Christmas dinner. Over the years, we have held our get-together at a number of restaurants throughout the area but this year our club treasurer offered her home as the venue. The Friesens are among the original members of the club and being recent “empty-nesters” are perhaps longing for the sound of many voices—although I think hosting this crowd might just be a little overkill. That’s about it for another year but I’ll be back in touch in 2013. Have a great holiday season.

OHIO BY: BEN BRACE (#2796)

"Save the date" for the 2013 Arthritis Auto Show which is the only show in central Ohio -- or for that matter in the State of Ohio -- that features a Mercury Cougar class and hands out recognition (trophies) for folks that keep their Cougar intact !!! The show dates are July 11, 12 & 13, 2013 and our TV and radio coverage is being expanded with the 2nd annual Rolling Legends tour, this time to the Mid-Ohio race course in Lexington, Ohio---which in 2013 NASCAR will be there (Nationwide Series) for three years.... More info is found on the web site www.ArthritisAutoShow.com and registration will open up January 6, 2013.

Page 14: AT THE SIGN OF THE · c.course@btinternet.com years who asked if he could photograph Ed’s car. or sallyebrown@btinternet.com. Span the pond…we’d love to hear from anyone. car

International Mercury

Owners Association BY: JERRY ROBBIN

IMOA PRESIDENT

CCOA members are invited to be part of largest Mercury Vehicle Car Show - Mercuryville In Springfield, IL on September 27th-29th, 2013 as Part Of The Route 66 Show. Registration for the 2013 IMOA Mercuryville Show is Officially Open!

This Will Be The Largest Gathering Of Mercury Vehicles At Any One Show So Make Sure You Are Part Of This Mega IMOA Event. Please contact Me with Any Questions [email protected] or 847-997-8624

Page 15: AT THE SIGN OF THE · c.course@btinternet.com years who asked if he could photograph Ed’s car. or sallyebrown@btinternet.com. Span the pond…we’d love to hear from anyone. car
Page 16: AT THE SIGN OF THE · c.course@btinternet.com years who asked if he could photograph Ed’s car. or sallyebrown@btinternet.com. Span the pond…we’d love to hear from anyone. car

16 At the Sign of the Cat

eBay Cats a sampling of recent auctions compiled by Kamran Waheed.

See an auction result that you think should be featured? Send the link to [email protected]

Condition: #1 Excellent; #2 Very good; #3 Average; #4 Fair/Poor; #5 What are they thinking?

Year/Model: 1973 XR7 Convt. VIN: 3F94Hxxxx

Miles:54,233 Condition: 2

Final Bid:$6,500

Total # of bids: Comments: XR-7 convert with new

paint and interior. 351C runs smooth and strong thru new exhaust. Rust

repairs were professionally done.

Very nice cat, both mechanically and cosmetically. Ready to drive or

restore to its original condition.

Year/Model: 1969 Eliminator

VIN: 9F91Mxxxxx

Miles: Condition: 2 (project)

Winning bid: $7,500 Total # of Bids: 23

Comments: True Eliminator that is

fully documented/numbers matching with Marti Report. Original 351w fully

rebuilt (zero miles), original FMX rebuilt by previous owner. The

restoration was started by one shop

and then moved to Tom Lawrance's KTL Restorations where over $16k

was invested by previous owner. It comes complete with all the hard to

find and expensive "Eliminator Only" items. Originally white with a black

decor interior, now in primer to keep

the rust away after being sandblasted. There is still some

finishing work to do before the will be ready for paint.

Year/Model: 1975 XR7

VIN: 5A93HXXX Miles: 61,849

Condition: 2 Winning bid: $1,075

Total # of Bids: 18 Comments: This XR7 runs and

drives great!! Has PW, PB, PS, AC

and everything works! Brand new tires and rims with only 500 miles,

original rims and hubcaps go with it. New aluminum radiator and

hoses, rebuilt carb and newer

battery. It has a few dents and dings, but nothing major.

This is a great car for someone to enjoy and appreciate it.

Year/Model: 1977 XR-7 VIN: 7A93Hxxxxx

Miles: 45,707

Condition: 1 Final bid: $4,500 (buy it now)

Total # of Bids: N/A Comments: This Cat only prowled

the streets for 45k miles! All original

in/out and drives like a dream. No rips/tears in dash or

seats, even the carpet looks great. No rust at all, paint shines like new.

Tires and rims are in great shape. This Cat only needs one thing, a new

and loving home!!!

Year/Model: 1989 XR7

VIN: 1MEPM62R0KH695xxx Miles: 64,552

Condition 1

Final Bid: $3,000 Total # of Bids:

Comments: This XR7 has the rare Supercharger V6 with only 64k

miles. This Cat is all original

with no modifications (accept Air Silencer removed). New battery

installed 6mons ago. Overall this Cat is in great shape. Not driven in

the winter and never any rust. Cat has pretty much sat still for

the last 10yrs.

Year/Model: 1995 XR7

Miles: 92,338

Condition: 2 Final BidL $1,325

Total # of Bids: 14 Comments: V6. Newer tires, brakes

and exhaust. No rust. One minor

dent on quarter panel. Interior with almost no wear. Needs upper ball

joints soon, and the odometer stopped working. Overall this is an

excellent, well maintained XR7. All windows, mirrors, radio,

cruise, climate control work as they

should.

Page 17: AT THE SIGN OF THE · c.course@btinternet.com years who asked if he could photograph Ed’s car. or sallyebrown@btinternet.com. Span the pond…we’d love to hear from anyone. car

CC

OA

ME

MB

ER

SH

IP F

OR

M

Du

es a

re:

$20 f

or

mem

ber

s w

ho

rec

eive

the

new

slet

ter

by e

mai

l (v

alid

em

ail

addre

ss

req

uir

ed).

For

mem

ber

s w

ho

wan

t th

e new

slet

ter

by m

ail,

the

dues

are

$30 f

or

U.S

.

ad

dre

ss o

r $35 f

or

no

n-U

.S. a

dd

ress

(pay

able

in

cer

tifi

ed U

.S.

funds

only

)

Na

me:

_____________

__

__

__

__

__

___

__

__

__

__

______________________________

E-m

emb

er (

$20)

____

U

.S. m

ail

mem

ber

($

30)

_____

N

on

-U.S

. m

ail

($35)

_____

New

Mem

ber

_____ R

enew

al

__

__

_ (

If r

enew

ing, n

ote

an

y c

han

ges

bel

ow

)

Ad

dre

ss:_

___________

___

__

__

__

___

__

__

__

__

_______________________________

Cit

y:_

_____________

__

__

__

Sta

te/P

rovin

ce:_

__

________ P

ost

al

Cod

e:___________

Co

un

try:_

__________

__

__

__

__

__

___

__

_ P

ho

ne:

____________________________

E-m

ail

:____________

__

__

__

__

__

___

__

__

__

__

__

_____________________________

(ple

ase

in

clu

de

email

ev

en i

f ch

oo

sin

g r

egu

lar

mail

mem

ber

ship

)

Ma

y w

e sh

are

you

r co

nta

ct i

nfo

wit

h r

egio

na

l cl

ub

s an

d o

ther

even

t org

an

izer

s?

Yes

__

__

_ N

o _

____

Tel

l u

s ab

ou

t you

r C

ou

gar(

s):

To j

oin

or

ren

ew, p

lea

se f

ill

ou

t th

is f

orm

and m

ail

it

wit

h p

aym

ent

(Make

chec

ks p

aya

ble

to C

CO

A)

R

ob

Mer

ritt

M

emb

ersh

ip D

irec

tor

2

8 W

est

8th

Str

eet

D

ulu

th, M

N 5

5806

-2515

MEMBERSHIP REPORT

Rob Merritt (#8323)

[email protected]

NEW MEMBERS

Joining the Club since the last ATSOTC, are the following new Members: FRANCES LONG LONG BEACH CA LOREN RUTZ GREELEY CO ROBERT BROTHERS JR ELLINGTON CT ANDY GRITTMAN TOPEKA KS NATHAN & JULIA KNOLL MINNEAPOLIS MN DONNA PEBSWORTH STILLWATER OK ROB HAMLETT FREDERICKSBURG VA

Welcome to the new members!

If you know someone who enjoys Cougars, but who isn’t a CCOA member, feel free to share this newsletter with them and invite them to see the web site at www.cougarclub.org.

RENEWING YOUR MEMBERSHIP: If you receive the newsletter by mail, keep an eye on the address label. If your renewal date is coming up, it will show that date on the label. No date – no worry, you’re not coming due for a while. For email readers, the email sending the download link will notify you if it’s time to renew. If your renewal is due, use the handy PayPal button at www.cougarclub.org/about/membership.aspx or send a check, payable to CCOA, for your choice of delivery method (email - $20; US mail $30; non-US mail $35) to Rob Merritt, 28 W 8th St., Duluth, MN 55806. Use the form below or from the web site. Be sure to let me know if you change your postal or email address.

Page 18: AT THE SIGN OF THE · c.course@btinternet.com years who asked if he could photograph Ed’s car. or sallyebrown@btinternet.com. Span the pond…we’d love to hear from anyone. car

18 At the Sign of the Cat

Classified Ads

Send your “Wanted” and “For Sale” ads to [email protected] or [email protected]. Please send them by March 15 to ensure inclusion in the next ATSOTC. Ads run twice unless renewed. FOR SALE: Body and Collision Parts catalog sheets. 15 pages of parts identified for 1969 Mercury Cougar $12.00 USA. Checks only. [email protected] * Wanted: Carburetors part # on air horn C8OF-AB & C8OF-AA; FE distributors Part # on housing C8OF-D, C8OF-F, C8OF-H. 1968 red dash pad. (314) 351-1789 Keith Litteken St. Louis MO or email: [email protected] / Wanted: Roof emblems for 1969 Cougar XR7. For Sale: Cougar Car Cover $50. Call Gail at (540) 896-6525 (leave message). Linville VA. /

FOR SALE: PARTS. 1968 stroker 302: Eagle 347 rotating assy, ported & polished heads, roller rockers & stud girdles, Ultradine solid lifter cam, Edelbrock Victor Jr intake, Holley carb, MSD dist, ARP main & head studs, etc. $4,800. 1967 GT 390 carb cast # C7OF-9510-A, list 3793, date784, good core $250.00; 390 short block $450.00; N.O.S. 87-88 Cougar red headliner part number E7WY-6651916-ABD, $150.00; 1972 351C 4V intake, $100.00; 351W heads, cast #E7TE, date codes 4B16 & 4B18, $100 for pair (314)351-1789 Keith Litteken St. Louis MO or email [email protected] /

Page 19: AT THE SIGN OF THE · c.course@btinternet.com years who asked if he could photograph Ed’s car. or sallyebrown@btinternet.com. Span the pond…we’d love to hear from anyone. car
Page 20: AT THE SIGN OF THE · c.course@btinternet.com years who asked if he could photograph Ed’s car. or sallyebrown@btinternet.com. Span the pond…we’d love to hear from anyone. car

Co

ug

ar C

lub

of

Am

eric

a

28

Wes

t 8

th S

tree

t

Du

luth

M

N

55

806

-25

15

Ad

dre

ss S

erv

ice

Req

ues

ted

FIR

ST

CL

AS

S M

AIL