This GM bus revolutionized the industry, and set the template for all over-the road buses to come: forward control, rear transverse diesel engine, the famous fluted aluminum “Silversides” cladding, semi-monocoque construction, high floor and underfloor luggage compartments. But its wildest feature was not replicated: a four-on-the-tree shifter and its mechanical linkage back to the non-synchronized gear box; something had to be left to improve. Let’s check it out and delve into the history and workings of its legendary Detroit Diesel 6-71 engine, which first made its appearance here. (Read More…)

You’re back on a winning streak (of one) with the Civic wagon. poltergeist unveiled it within about 30 minutes; congratulations. Now let’s see if you can keep the streak going. Happy guessing!

Yesterday’s piece  about Honda’s slippage left little doubt that its mojo ain’t quite what it used to be. But there was a time when Honda was on fire, and could do (almost) no wrong. The gen 1 Civic was like a little cherry bomb lobbed into a Weight-Watcher’s convention. Tiny, tinny, rude and crude as it was, the first Civic already embodied the unique qualities, if in somewhat embryonic form, that would revolutionize the American small car market and establish Honda’s meteoric rise. And this gen2 Civic was huge step forward; now instead of wearing a Civic like a badge of honor, one could now actually step into it and think of it as a legitimate car. How civil and civic-minded. But the best was yet to come. (Read More…)

Since the 1946 Continental was missing its eponymous spare tire, I meant to add this shot as evidence that the Conti’s influence is not yet finished (will it ever?). This may be a familiar sight in some parts of the country, but finding this in Eugene?? Either someone took the wrong exit and kept going for a very long time, or someone inherited grandpa’s car and couldn’t resist shocking/amusing the drab Toyota-driving locals. This gets my nomination for the most un-Eugene car to date. Oh wait…I have another contender for that crown somewhere: (Read More…)

Is the Clue too hard or is it too easy? Is the Clue too hard or is it too easy? Is the Clue…that’s what haunts my dreams at night (I guess things could be worse). The last two have been too hard, obviously. This one may be too easy; or not; BTW, it’s the blue roof in front of the red van we’re guessing about. But help yourself to the rest of this eclectic collection while you’re at it.

This car is a jaw-dropper, a true classic, and a lucky find that rivals the CC logomobile, but it’s misnamed. By all rights, it should be the Edsel American. It was Edsel Ford’s fine taste and encouragement that made the original version of this trend-setting car happen, and in the process created a car that set the template that every American personal luxury coupe/convertible has been trying to measure up to ever since. An aggressive face on a very long hood, a close-coupled body, a short rear deck, and dripping with the aura of exclusivity and sex: a timeless formula. All too few of the endless imitators got the ingredients right, or even close, as our recent Cougar CC so painfully showed. But that didn’t stopped them from trying, just like I never stopped looking for this Continental after I first saw it almost two years ago. It was well worth the effort. (Read More…)

Sorry; I was so engrossed in writing Tuesday’s CC that the time got totally away from. Well, it is that kind of car. I also have to apologize for turning the Marauder X-100′s vent spear ninety degrees. I assumed that because it was Mercury Week, the clue would be too easy as is. It threw you, too much so. I will try to avoid doing that again, including tonight’s bedtime clue. Good night and good luck.

The Cougar first arrived in 1967 as something unique and distinct: a handsome, lithe sporty coupe with a distinct hint of luxury and a dash of continental flavor. Although the 1969 Pontiac Grand Prix is often credited with creating the mid-size/mid-price personal-luxury coupe coup, the first Cougar certainly predicted the trend.

What wasn’t so predictable is how quickly the Cougar would slather on the pounds (tons?), and morph into just another bland also-ran competitor in that rapidly crowding field. And if that weren’t bad enough, the once exclusive Cougar name was sullied by four door sedans and even a station wagon. The seventies were not kind to the Cougar, and (surprise) we’re not going to be very kind to it. (Read More…)

Memorable (def): 1. worth remembering 2. easily remembered

Maurauder (def): one who raids for booty

In yesterday’s Cougar CC, I claimed there were only three Mercuries truly worth remembering. The Marauder X-100 wasn’t on the list, and many of you protested. Fortunately, there are two definitions for the word, and the Marauder is certainly easily remembered; more like impossible to forget. And what exactly is it memorable for? Its booty. So how could we possibly not honor that? (Read More…)

As is often the case, owners of the Clued CC have a substantial advantage. But when the very piece of sheet metal is sitting in the next room for handy reference, it’s almost cheating. Our last winner majo8 is restoring a ’67 XR7, so he’s highly worthy even if he was clued in.  And there were a particularly amusing and wide range of guesses. Keep up the good work!