Since we are about to have our Barn Find Project AMX back on the road I thought is might be time for a little history lesson. Many car enthusiasts think of the American Motors Corporation (AMC) as builders of little economy cars. Some of you younger guys probably don’t even know that AMC ever existed! It’s true they focused on small well built, safe and sane economy cars but they when they didn’t they went all out.

In 1968 they jumped into the sports car world to challenge Chevrolet and the Corvette with their AMX. It was a two seat version of the Javelin poney car. The following video briefly tells the story of the 24 hour speed records set by Craig and Lee Breedlove, and other co-drivers. It is an amazing story and one even more outstanding when viewed within the context of the small AMC.

We are going to start off with TWO cars both owned by Robert Pegler of New Zealand. Robert has visted with us on a couple of vistis to States over the past few years. Although these cars are being built in the US I am sure they will soon be tearing up the streets of New Zealand.

According to the team at Impatient Creations, Robert will be orchestrating this special build from New Zealand where the car will be delivered. One car is the rare Talladega SuperSpeedway car; the second is a equally rare Dan Gurney Mercury Cyclone Spoiler II. The original engine was long gone, so the opportunity to build an incredible Resto-Ride presented itself. Robert wants the exterior to look like Cale Yarbrough just stepped out of his race car, but run better and retain a comfortable interior. Robert selected a new 4-cam 4.6 Fuel Injected engine with stacked DC&O injection system, 6-speed transmission, and comfort fitting seats.

These cars are valuable and rare as originals but when one presents itself a less than restorable it makes for a terrific platform for a wild driver. Like the old saying goes: “Anyone can restore a car, it takes a real man to cut one up.” I am anxious to see this car hit the streets here in the states before it heads downunder.

The second car is a Talladega and will be a great garage mate to the Cale Yarborough race car clone. It will be done up the same way but as a David Pearson Talladega! The car below IS NOT Robert’s car but was the inspiration for his creation.

As found, the project Talladega had been sitting for many years and in need of a lot of work.

The body did appear to be very solid and a great starting point for a project meeting Robert’s plans.

As shown by the date in the photo, the car was in race trim colors in late Novemeber of 2011. As soon as we get updates from Robert on these two car we will keep you posted.

Now, what are YOU working on?

Is there anyone who is into cars that doesn’t know who Carroll Shelby is? Have you ever met him in person or listened to him give a talk? I have been fortunate enough to do both. Here is a clip of an interview you might enjoy. It is a good overall and brief snapshop of a man who, by anyone’s definition is a Legend.

I don’t have a crystal ball and no special insight to the muscle car market but I do love cars and think I have a perspective that isn’t much different than a lot of the car hobbyist. There are those who collect for investment and there are those who collect for fun and enjoyment. Some like to show and others like to drive. I think we are seeing a return to the driver quality show cars. The economy has brought change to our hobby. It is now often cheaper to purchase a restored car than it is to do it yourself. The 100 point frame off restoration is beyond the reach of most of us and the thought of just looking at such a car without driving it soon becomes unfulfilling and unsatisfying. My Top 10 Collector Car picks for 2010-2020 were for the average car guy and were just a guess on my part based on what I wanted. These were what I thought the average “Joe” was willing to purchase and could afford. In this update I am not trying to predict how to save your 401k with a single purchase. No million dollar get rich quick cars in this pick. The theme remains the same; what do you want to have fun with and still be able to afford.

One thing that is different from two years ago is what I think are a couple of emerging trends. The first is the desire to drive something different than everyone else. This is also reflected in response to the demand vs supply cost issue. More hobbyist, I believe, are moving away from the highly sought after over priced cars such as the 57 Chevy, MOPAR Hemi etc. and moving towards the less common cars like Studebakers (50s low slung coupes) and any non-Chevy GM intermediate like the Buick Skylark, Olds Cutlass and Pontiac Le Mans derivatives. The second is what I think is an increase interest in real high quality drivers. These are not perfect restorations but they are solid high quality drivers. I would even put the lower cost resto=mods into this category. The best part of owning a car is driving it, in 2012 we will be driving our cars more!

Top 10 Collector Cars for 2010-2020; The 2012 Update

These are not presented in any order. I believe the economy’s depressed condition will have a major impact on our hobby for the remainder of this year. Few of us will be investing large sums of money in things we can’t use and have fun with. Since the year 2000 I believe we have seen a turn away from the Rat Rod rage but station wagons are hot, and trucks are growing even more in popularity. The high end museum collectors will still pay big bucks and will be looking for the rare and memorable cars of the past. The rest of us will be looking to have fun and drive the wheels off our cars before the gas is gone and electric outlets replace parking meters.

1. 1970-1972 Chevrolet Camaro: The second generation Camaro has been ignored for way too long. It is a wonderful car and far more refined than the first generation. As with all the cars on this list, they are currently under valued but the prices have increased significantly in the past two years. If you see 10 first generation Camaros at a car show today you will be lucky to see one of the second generation. In my opinion, these cars could easily end up more valuable in the long run than the 67-69 vintage. If you purchase one now restore it to original or make it a pro-touring car just get one of these before the price jumps $10,000 over night, I know I will be looking for a Z28 RS very soon. The Pontiac Firebird and Trans Am sister car also fits into this category.

2. Ford F 100 and Chevy Silverado pickups through the early 70s: Today’s pickups remain very popular and practical. They are far better than old ones. However, just like the modern muscle car is superior to the vintage from the 60s and 70s they build a desire for the old versions, people want one of each!

Older Ford and Chevy pickup have always been popular but now any truck over 30 years old is fair game for the restoration magic and love. Heck, even restore the camper and take your kids along.

3. 1968-1970 AMC AMX and Javelin: I already have my AMX! These are terrific cars, can still be obtained at a reasinabke oruce but I predict that will change in the next few years. These cars are far under rated and in many ways superior to the more recognised brands of Pony cars. A well done AMX or Javelin will stand out in a crowd and can be made to go like crazy. The market is starting to acknowledge their role in the history of having fun with cars. They didn’t make of lot of the AMX cars but they are out there and they have a great reputation on the drag strip. The Javelin was more plentiful and also won the Trans Am series championship twice. Bet you didn’t know that.

4. Rat Rods: This version of the legendary Rat or sometimes called the Rot Rod is going away; the rusted out hulks that are a danger to anyone on the road will disappear. I got to the point there were more Rat Rod Trailer Queens than high end Trailer Queens. Those Rat Rods were so bad they were not even capable of being driven on the road.

This theme of hot rod will morph into the creation of the Traditional Hot Rod.

5. Traditional Hot Rods: I believe this could be a very hot market this year. These will be reproductions made of more junkyard parts and less polished Billet. The owners of these cars will put lots a miles on them every year. Some will be traditional in every way and authentic Hot Rods; others will be recreations with a pro-touring flare. If it looks like it might be at home at a car show, it isn’t a traditional rod. If it looks like it is driven by a high school kid with a pack of cigarettes rolled up in his sleeve, it is a traditional rod.

These versions will have the old school look but will use some modern mechanical components to make them safer and more convenient.

6. 1966-67 Ford Fairlanes: These are arguably some of the most beautiful designs to come out of the Ford design studio. They are clean, simple and yet very attractive. Engine options were wide and there is no shortage of aftermarket stuff to make them fast. Fords in general (exception being the Mustang and Shelby) are way undervalued when compared to their Chevy and Mopar competitors.

There are lots of Ford loving gearheads out there and they are quietly building there machines.

When you show up with a unique Ford at most car shows there is no shortage of interested folks asking questions and admiring the car. It is about time that these cars get their due recognition.

7. 1969 Ford Talladega: Everything said about the 66-67 Fairlane is true about the Torino and especially the Talladega. These cars are hardly ever seen today but are terrific rides. They and the sister Mercury Cyclone Spoiler and Spoielr II cars are very rare but way undervalued. They are excellent drivers and with a 428 CJ engine are extremely fast. Why so many Chevelles are saved and so few Torinos is beyond me. You Bow Tie guys don’t start to scream and leave the site, we love them all. I am not suggesting fewer Chevelle restorations, just more Torinos. I, for one, just enjoy seeing a lot of variety when I go to a show.

These cars have seen recent increases in value just as some of the more traditional muscle car “must haves” have decreased. It is time to jump on one of these.

8. 1967-1971 Plymouth GTX: Roadrunners get all the attention but the GTX was an upscale car. MOPARS seemed to have gone flat in value. Has hobbyist want to drive their collector car the upscale models from each manufacturer should be more popular.

However, beware most MOPARS may continue to slip in value.

9. 1964-1970 GM Intermediates: This is a broad category that includes the Buick and Oldsmobile intermediate models.

As the population ages more and more of the potential owners will be happy to purchase one of the luxury, air conditioned muscle cars for less cost than a Chevelle SS or Pontiac GTO. These are similar cars but with greatly different personalities and cost points.

Other cars that fit into this category are the 1958-1966 Ford Thunderbirds, 1963-1970 Buick Rivieras and Chrysler 300 letter cars.

10. 1964-1972 Sleepers: As stated previously most of us have far less money to spend on our toys than we did 2 too 5 years ago. I believe this is going to lead to the traditional street look or Day Two look. These muscle cars and their lesser more traditional grocery getter two door sedan versions will be very popular this year. Many will be in primer or appear to be “under construction”. These cars are the muscle car version of the Traditional Street Rod. The GTOs and SS Chevelles bring top dollar because of what they are. The grocery getter versions are more common but provide nearly identical appearance at lower cost. Many times these were purchased new, taken home and modified to out perform the factory muscle car version. This year we will see history repeat itself. I am not saying everyone will be putting the correct muscle car badges and stripes on their cars to make more clones or tribute cars. The sleeper was king of the street back in the day. In 2012 the plain Jane two door will be the car to own. It will be the Day Two car with mags, intake, headers and other traditional modifications done in the vintage style. Owners will not be concerned with owning historically correct restorations. They want a cool look with high performance that is dependable, easy on gas and can be safely driven long distances weather it be on a Hot Rod Power Tour or just a couple of hundred miles to a big show in a neighboring state. Rock chips will be a badge of honor.

Being different, being driven and being built for reasonable cost will rule.

Well, there you have it, my 2912 Update to the Top 10 Collector Cars for 2010-2020! What do you think?

We don’t talk much about the 1968 Cyclone GT 500 because we know so little and there just aren’t any around. It has been a great draw for this site and people seem to really want to know more. We recently received an email from K. Peppers with some information and photos that we thought deserved a little special attention. If you want to know more about these cars we have listed as much as we know on this site. We would also direct you to our sister site www.TalladegaSpoilerRegistry.com where you can view even more photos and register your GT 500.

This car is not for sale so don’t ask.

Peppers states that he is planning on restoring the GT 500 for his cousin whose father bought it new. He hasn’t started on the restoration yet and based on these photos I think he should keep it original un-restored. What do you think? He is going to get a Marti Report before doing anything.

 

Two of the most modified Mustangs to ever come out of the Midwest are brought to you by Auto Kraft in Lincoln, Nebraska. The blue one was built in 1990 By Doug Kielian. It is a 1989 GT with a hand fabricated & widened 3″ chopped top! In addition it has BMW haedlamps, extended rear wing, GT 40 create engine with Paxton Supercharger. Remember this car was built over 20 years ago and was quite a head tuner back in the day!

The new “Kid” on the block  was built by ‘Johnny Sparks’ aka John Heermann. It is a 2011 Ford Mustang GT completely cut apart and fitted with aftermarket sheetmetal of 68 and 69 vintage Mustangs. The sheetmetal was hand fabricated to blend together with the new structure  to represent a look of yesteryears styling with today’s modern high tech features and comfort. It is powered by the new 5.0 Ford Coyote engine with 6 speed. The engine also has a set of Dynatech headers, a JLt cold air intake, SCT Tuner, with wheels and tires from Late Model Restoration Supply,  and engine cover by APR Carbon products.  It is the new head tuner today!

It was a cold today in Lincoln but a good day to play as well, thought you might like to see the two cars together.

We sometimes have historical paperwork and videos donated to us which provide invaluable background context to our collector cars. On our sister site, www.TalladegaSpoilerRegistry.com, we have been providing a series of Ford Intra-Comapny memos regarding the development of the 1969 Ford Talladega, Mercury Cyclone Spoiler II and Boss 429 engine. Prior to jumping into the NASCAR aero wars with the Talladega and Spoiler II Ford Motor Company had already made a lasting racing, “Total Performance”, name for itself around the World when it won the 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans. That effort was beyond any similar attempt by any Ameriacan car company.

This video provided by Mike Teske and Rick Toombs is not the highest quality but it extremely interesting and provides real insider’s look at Ford’s engineering department back in the day. This is the heritage our aero cars are built on!

The next time you are out with your collector car and feel the need to do a burnout or accelerate around some corner just keep this video in mind. I am sure each of the owners/drivers of these high dollar exotics never thought they could wreck their car let alone all their buddies.

It seems that one of these videos or newsclippings comes around every few months just to remind us that we and our cars are not invinciable. Thanks to CNN for bring this to our attention.

I was Car Crazy plus I was a Car Idiot!

Dad’s 1959 Rambler was similar to this picture.

This is an anonymous story on “The Most Idiotic thing I ever did With a Car, To a Car or In a Car!”  Send in your “Idiotic Car Story” NOW.

I am not an angel but street racing is for punks.

Today, I have nothing but the highest disdain for the idiots that street race. I don’t mean the old stop light to stop light stuff we did as kids. Likely this was most often done from a rolling start and lasted a very short distance. When it was done it was often in remote areas without houses or people near by. Unfortunately, today it happens in front of elementary schools or in industrial parks with rows of young spectators. Or even more commonly on crowded freeways and interstate highways. You have seen them, usually small economy cars with loud exhaust racing through traffic. They rush up on cars passing on either side and cutting in and out of traffic like everyone else is simply an orange pylon cone to navigate as fast as possible.

I will admit to being guilty of some stupid actions in my youth. However, today I know what can happen. Many years ago I lost a very young and very close relative to a horrific auto accident that claimed the lives of several teenagers, and I have also seen friends scarred (physically and emotionally) for life from stupid actions in a car. Although I have witnessed terrible crashes and have come close I have never been involved. With all that said, I was an idiot in high school and would often street race down narrow alleys in the dark, speed around city streets and charge blindly through intersections. Although I had my own car, on special date nights I would get the family car. It was a red 1959 Rambler. What it missed in horsepower it made up for in smallness and good cornering.

On one Friday night back in 1964 a friend had his parents 1964 Ford Galaxy 2 door with a 390. I had a special date and my parents 1959 six cylinder Rambler. In those days I liked to play cat and mouse more than drag race. (Remember it was a six cylinder automatic Rambler; trying to drag race anyone would have truly been idiotic.) In cat and mouse you chase a friend and try to catch him or he chases you and you try to loose him. This was real TV type stuff accept no film crew to clear the streets for you. Like I said, I was a real idiot.

Not only were such actions dangerous but what was I thinking; a six cylinder Rambler against a 390 Ford? This should not have been a race at all. That big block torque should have eaten me up. However, I was the rabbit being chased by the big dog so I got to set the path.

The 1964 Ford Galaxy chasing me was like this but turquoise and white top.

On the straights that Ford could haul but I would dust it off in the turns. So, my plan was to turn at EVERY possible corner, the sharper the better and the narrower the road the better so I mostly went down alleys. Every time we got on a stretch of straight he was on my rear bumper.

I began to turn at every alley and looked for the narrowest ones I could find and I began to pull away. Suddenly, there were no headlights in my mirror. My thoughts were typical youthful optimism: “Wow, I am good! Can’t believe I got away from that new Galaxy with a 390.”

I figured I had some bragging to do!

Unfortunately, Monday at school I heard the rest of the story. It seemed that as I, the “mouse“, made my get-a-way from the “Galaxy cat” he got caught by the “black and white dog“! The Sheriff had spotted us and nailed the Galaxy. The “man” with the badge asked the Galaxy driver who he was chasing. With some “man in uniform” coaxing and a promise of getting only a warning ticket he gave me up. When I heard that, I knew I was in trouble, big trouble. I wasn’t worried about the ticket as much as what my Dad would do. I was sure my Dad would not get a call right away. This wasn’t the first time I had been in this predicament. The police knew that for most of us teenage idiots waiting was the worst part so it would be a few days before Dad would get THE call.

Are you like me, the waiting is the worst? I just can’t stand waiting for the call to come so I can get my punishment. I waited and waited but no call; every night when I got home from school I was waiting for the TALK. A week passed and then two. It had never taken this long before. The call never came!

Then I figured it out. We lived in a small town and there were only two other families in town with the same last name. I am sure the wrong father got the call! How cool is that?

I actually got away with that one, but not all of them. More on that on another day.

These photos show the car while it was still under construction. If you want to see more details check out Rad Rods by Troy web site.

This rear view with the spoiler is the way the real Talladega should have looked.

This picture gives you a unique look into the inner construction of this wild machine. Note the Boss 9 engine.

That called for a soda blast and minor body massaging to get it laser straight. New paint couldn’t be done without out putting a new interior in it and gosh new tires and wheels are a must. You get the idea!

The Barn Find was scheduled to be revealed at the Good Guys show in Nashville last May; its now November and little progress has been made since last spring. It was time for a new plan. After visiting with the Rod & Custom Machines Shop I told you about a few weeks ago I decided that was the route to go. I called Jeremy up at 615-496-1789 and asked him if he and his dad, Mike, would like to finish the AMX. His response as an immediate yes.

I asked what it would cost and when he could start. The answers to both questions were pleasant surprises. The price was excellent and the work could start as soon as I could get the car there. In two days I had all the parts sorted and loaded along with the AMX on the trailer and we were off to Mike and Jeremy’s 10,000 square foot shop in Middle Tennessee. I hope to be able to pick the AMX with fresh paint and all the exterior details and chrome placed back on the car in less than a month. I can then install all of the new interior parts along with the new tires and wheels.

This year’s Christmas present to me is going to be a bright red and fresh 1969 AMX with 390 4-speed and factory air! Think I’m not going to have some fun next summer with this set up?

As way of an update, the AMX has been primed and blocked and should get color around Thanksgiving week. I will bring you more photos then along with a little more info on Mike, Jeremy and their Rod & Custom Machines.

We have two Project Cars that have been getting neglected as of late. However, we are now back on both of them full speed and will have both on the road very soon. The first is our Gloriana Mustang. It is the 1967 Mustang that was featured in the Gloriana Music Video, How Far Do You Want To Go? The second is our Barn Find AMX.

Here is a sneak peek of the AMX update!

Today, we are going to give you the status of the Mustang and in a few days an update on the AMX.

One of the big problems in getting the Mustang done has been choosing a theme for it. I have owned the car since the late 1980s. I purchased it from a recent high school graduate who had gotten married and needed some cash for his new family. I drove it as a daily driver for awhile and then each of my 3 kids eventually drove it to high school. It was one of the “hot cars on campus” for several years. Unfortunately, high school kids learning to drive have a way of leaving their mark or dent on a car over the years. When the last little fender bender put it out of commission I retired it to storage for a long time with resultant deterioration.

With the interest in Rat Rods and Day Two cars I was struck with an idea. What if I took the Mustang and built it the way I would have done it if I was still in high school and only had the money from summer and part time jobs to keep it on the road? That is what I did!

Gloriana Mustang Fastback is AKA High School Hauler. The main part of the theme is that the body was roughed in, the paint was left faded and scratched with primer on body repairs; new tires and wheels were added; interior freshened but not redone; and the engine was tuned but not detailed; all of the soft hoses were replaced and the brakes upgraded. Next year if we drive it as much as I plan the factory air system will be refurbished to keep us cool during those hot summer days.

These pictures were take this past weekend and give you a good overview of the look. What is your opinion of the High School Hauler look? It is an inexpensive way to keep a classic on the road and harkens back to the good old days when these cars were used as daily drivers and not pristine pieces of mobile art. I can get in this car today and quickly travel back to when I was in high school and life was way different than today. Maybe I should name it the “Time Machine”?

Give us your comments on this approach.

Here is another of the great vintage drag racing films provided by Tim Lopata of the Forge Muscle Car Show. This includes a feature on Danny Ongais when he was a drag racer before he went Indy Car Racing.

We have some new information on the 1968 Cougar GT 500 we told you about last week. We have known about these cars for sometime but we are just now beginning to get some good details on an actual car. The owner and I still need a lot more information about these rare Cougars and the NASCAR race track promotional programs Mercury ran back in 1968 and 1969.

It is interesting to note that the Elite Marti Report does not mention the “Cyclone GT500″ option on this particular Cougar where the regular Deluxe Marti Report did.  I am now wondering if it was only listed on the other report because it was destined for the Charlotte Raceway program like the Cyclones? Possibly the “Cyclone GT 500″ option was only listed on those Cougars and Cyclones that were actually used at the tacks on race day or delivered to their new owners at the race track. You will also note that the emblems on the back of the Cougar do not say “GT 500″ only “500″! So is this a GT 500 or a Cougar 500? We have also seen similar differences on the Cyclone 500s and Cyclone GT 500s but that is another issue.

This particular Cougar GT 500 was taken to the NASCAR Charlotte 600 race on Memorial Day weekend in 1968. The build date was April 30, 1968. It was then shipped to the Speedway in Charlotte leaving the factory on May 5th and arriving on May 11, 1968. The car may have been on display at the track or used as a courtesy car for race officials and staff. It is assumed the dealer picked the car up at that location and had it shipped back or more likely it was driven back to his dealership for retail sale. It was sold in July of 1968. The original owner’s family stated he was upset because he had to wait to take delivery due to the car being used at Charlotte.

The current owner does have the original title showing the July date of sale.  The Cougar was purchased from the family of the original registered owner, who died a few years ago.  There is no evidence or memory by the family of the owner ever going to Charlotte to drive the Cougar. The original owner purchased the car at the dealership but did not order the car built.

Here are some questions for you:

1. Do you have any Race Programs, Newspaper Ads, or Magazine articles that might further explain or document the Cougar or Cyclone GT 500 participation in the Charlotte 600 in 1968?
2. Are there any dealers or anyone who worked for a Mercury dealership in 1968 who can help with this task?
3. Have you ever seen any other Cougar GT 500s?
4. Were there any other colors besides Polar White in the Cougar GT 500?
5. How about engines? Where they all 428 CJs? Were they all Ram Air?
6. How were other cars equipped?

IF YOU HAVE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON THE CYCLONE OR COUGAR GT 500 CARS PLEASE LET ME KNOW AT RFLEENER@COMCAST.NET.

A big part of what we do here at Legendary Collector Cars is to bring you pictures and stories about car related events and places that you might not ever get to see on your own. This includes car shows, museums, private collections as well as restoration and custom speed shops. We recently completed just such a tour at the father son team of Michael (the father) and Jeremy (the son) Goodstein Rod & Custom Machine & Fabrication shop in rural TN.

I wasn’t sure what awaited me when Jeremy contacted me by email and invited me to visit their shop. I always am very careful with such invitations. I expect high quality and ethics in people I deal with and I don’t want to promote anyone who is out to make a fast buck on the wallet of a car guy. Too many shops are more than willing to clean out an unsuspecting client who may not have the time, equipment and/or talent to do his own work. Such shops will take your money, tear your car apart and never start the promised build you so dreamed of. After a few brief email exchanges and phone calls I felt safe in investing the time to tour the Goodstein’s facility and see what they had to offer.

I am glad I did. Not only is their shop one of the best equipped I have seen for a small team operation but 10,000 square feet gives them plenty of room to work. The name of the shop, Rod & Custom Machine & Fabrication really says it all. They can build a car from scratch to show winning trophy condition in short order. They are partial to the Chrysler cars and especially the Hemi engine. The father son team are long time drag racers and have even built their own aluminum 426 Hemi blocks and still build their own Hemi heads on site. They have two CNC machines and make most of their own custom one off brackets and other billet items for the cars they are constructing.

Two of the vehicles I inspected in their shop were recent graduates from other shops. The results of the prior work was far from acceptable to the owners and they immediately sent their dream rides off to graduate school with the Goodstein’s to make everything work and look just right!

We hope to make this only the first of multiple articles, we hope to show you some more of the cars in their shop during my visit and we plan to visit again. At that time we will give you more details on a couple of the finished cars to give you a more complete idea of what this father son team is capable of.

If you would like to know more about these two and talk to them about how they might be able to assist you just call Jeremy at 615-496-1789.

Remember, this is simply a review of this shop and reflects only our opinion; it in no way should be considered a warranty or guarantee of any work or abilities past, present or future.

We are often contacted by individuals wanting assistance in locating or selling very rare cars. We also obtain a great deal of our knowledge about these cars from our readers. It is next to impossible to be an expert or even knowledgeable on all the various collector cars. Each of us tends to have a specialty and when we step out of our comfort zone it is nice to know someone who is an expert in that area.

Although I do not consider myself an expert in Cougars, I do have some knowledge about the 68-71 models. Over the past few weeks I have been contacted by two individuals with totally different rare Mercury Cougars. Since one of the Cougars is closely related to one of the cars we have been researching on this site for sometime we have decided to bring it to your attention and see if anyone here can help.

The car is a 1968 Mercury Cougar GT 500. As far as we have determined so far this car is quite similar in construction and intent to the 68 Cyclone GT 500. We, and others have done a lot of research on the Cyclone GT 500s and a few examples have been documented and found. There has always been a rumor around the Cyclone GT 500s that a similar Cougar program was undertaken at the same time. To find out more about the Cyclone GT 500 you can go to our GT 500 page.

At the request of the owner of the car in question I must not release any information that would hint on its location or VIN. What I can tell you is that it is a rather plain 68 Cougar, Polar White with a 428 CJ Ram Air, PS and automatic transmission.

This car also has the GT 500 option per the emblems on the side and documented by a Marti Report. The most strange part is that the Marti Report states that it has the Cougar 500 option as well as the Cyclone GT 500 option! How can that be? We have seen Cyclones with the Cyclone 500 option and others with the Cyclone GT 500 option. However, how can a Cougar have a Cyclone GT 500 option?

Does anyone out there have more information on the 1968 Cougar GT 500 or the Cyclone GT 500 or any similar specialty Ford product related to NASCAR? If so contact me at Mailto:rfleener@comcast.net

If you would like to know more about the 1968 Cyclone GT 500 and its ties to NASCAR just click here.

For more information on the Mercury Cougar GT 500 just click here.

I can not release any information on the other rare Cougar at this time but I can tell you it is a 71 Convertible and we will have that story later.

Our friend Tim Lopata has a large collection of vintage racing moving from back in the day and agreed to share some of them with us. Here is one that all of you drag racers will find interesting. It is vintage 1970 lots of action from the Bristol Drag Strip.

This is a little long but if you like racing you will love this. If you are too young to know what it was like in the beginning this will help explain it all. If you were there you most likely don’t remember it! Sit back and enjoy the way it was! The closing says it all…..

“Drag Racing? Well, its anything but a drag!”

We thank Steve and Nancy and hope you enjoy this brief coverage. I have this event on the calendar for 2012 and hope nothing gets in the way between now and then.

Look close at the photos and see if you can find Dennis Gauge from the TV Show My Classic Car.

I was always a Corvette kid more than a hot rodder back in the day. When I first saw photos of the Mako Shark my heart would not stop pounding. Living in Iowa it was several years before I actually got to see this car in person and up close. It had been on the show circuit for many hard years and was looking very ragged around the edges.

However, it was not a disappointment and excited be all over again. By this time the new C3 design had been on the street for some time so the Mako Shark was not as shocking as when it was first unvailed back in 1965. It remains a swoopy design that is over the top but has its place in Corvette lore and history.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Displays were held on the infield on Friday, Saturday and Sunday but the big activity was the “on track” event on Saturday immediately following Cup qualifying. These are all Legendary cars and to see them and to drive one on this most famous track of all was a thrill that will not soon leave the gearhead!

I hope you enjoy this video as much as I enjoyed putting it together!

I was at Laguna for the Monterrey vintage races when these beautiful cars (pre-production models) were on the track. It was one of the very first public viewings and I was in love! The GT 40 remains one that I lust over but will never obtain. Watching this video is as close as I will likely get but I can dream.

I remember this car from when I was a pimple faced teenager in love with cars and this was a dream machine. It was like nothing else out of Detroit. It was like the futuristic 50s show cars but this one drove and the public could drive it even if they couldn’t purchase one.

A few years ago I was able to see the car up close and personal and watch it start up and drive away. WOW, what a piece of art and machine. You can see more on this car in our Feature Car Pages.

What would you do if you and the family went out on a Friday night to the local Mug n’ Bun, A&W or Dairy Queen for a little summer fast food and found yourself surrounded by fabulous and rare Superspeedway Muscle Cars from the late 60s? That is just what happened to some folks in Indianapolis last weekend. We were there with a 100 of our fastest friends to show our cars in the infield and take a lap of the famed Indy Speedway during the Brickyard 400.

Part of the ritual of such events is a night at a local old school fast food drive-in. This Mug n’ Bun is only a few short blocks from the historical Indy Speedway and was the perfect spot for our informal gathering. Obviously, this site caused quite a traffic jam in the parking lot and surrounding streets.

To see anyone of these cars on the street is a rare sighting but to find them gathering in one location for a regular night out on the town will take your breath away. To top it off some NASCAR TV announcers even showed up at the same time to chow down and take in the sights.

So, what would YOU DO if you found this site at your local drive-in one Friday night? Leave us you comments below.

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She is scared silly but loves every minute of it and wait until you see what she does when they get to the pits!

I hope you enjoy this as much as I did putting it together.