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REALITY CHECK: a handful of people and cars enjoying each other's company is not intended to be an affront to anyone.

For the love of Pete, I am an outsider's outsider, but reconnected with people I see (these days) once every 5, 10, 20 years.

If you set up a "standing tour" in your area of influence, I guarantee people would come.  I'd come, if you allow Cougars/Merkurs.

Jay, you are truly blessed to live in a beautiful part of the world with great roads & lovely people.

Think of it this way: We might be able to cram 15 people in my wife's Suburban, but it would be unsafe & everyone would be uncomfortable.

Times are now listed on the R&S site.  Looks like we go across between 6:30-7 pm on Saturday. 

Good luck Chris!

Wish you could bring it out to Carlisle one last time - this summer we are celebrating the 50th of the class of '69 

- Phillip

You said it Phillip.  I'm really trying to attend the AFN this year, either with the '67, the Merkur, or both (no shortage of drivers around here, lol)

UPDATE: The car is slated to cross the block on Sat evening, run # S719.

I'm very glad they gave it a prime time spot, up there with the big dogs!

If you are at the auctions, stop by & say "hi" to Dave W. (Wed, Thurs), me (Thurs, Fri, Sat) & a revolving cast of characters.

Link to full catalog (downloadable as a PDF)
http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/15df33a3#/15df33a3/1

Adding a link to the R&S site (below).  See you in AZ!

https://russoandsteele.com/vehicle-details/?show_vehicle=173138&current_index=1&total_results=371&tsauction_id=200&=&caryear=&caryearto=&search_text=&page=featured&showpage=2

When I  saw that car the 1st time  my parts managers wife was driving  it back and forth to school she was a teacher . I knew it was rare then  ...  I kept 00212 and passed this one over to  R code .  it was  tough to give it up but  he has  provided a great home for  the cougar!

You & I turned a lot of wrenches on a lot of cars together, old buddy.  Good times I wouldn't trade for all the tea in China.

I appreciate the kind words, guys.  When I bought it back in the 80's, I could never have dreamed of all the cool people I'd meet, experiences, etc. that I'd have in connection with this car.  It has certainly been a trip worth taking.

a few pics

A few pics

800|600|2018|4115.jpg

After 32 year of ownership, I have decided to consign the "R Code" to the Russo & Steele auction this January in Scottsdale.  While lot numbers/auction times have not yet been assigned (R&S assigns them somewhat last minute based on the mix of cars, etc.), I expect the car will cross the block AT NO RESERVE sometime on Fri 1/18 or Sat 1/19, and will provide an update as the dates draw closer.

It feels like selling a family member, but I also know it's time to concentrate on other projects, and pass this amazing car on to a new owner in hopes they cherish like we have.  Thanks to all my Cougar, SAAC & MCA pals for the help, knowledge, and support that have made the car better, and made owning it so freaking EPIC.  We will party with this thing one last time, and send it across the block with good vibes for the next caretaker.

Rest assured, I'm not going anywhere.  I still have the '67 Cougar, '89 Merkur, crew on my father-in-law's '66 Mustang coupe and will keep tinkering with old cars until they take my keys away, LOL

Some particulars on the upcoming auction: 
What: Russo and Steele Scottsdale
When: Thursday, January 17th – Sunday, January 20th  - I expect the car to cross the block Fri or Sat evening.
Where: SALT RIVER FIELDS AT TALKING STICK - 7555 N Pima Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85258

For those not familiar with the car, here are a few talking points:

1969 Mercury Cougar XR-7 "R Code" convertible: factory equipped with a Ram Air 428CJ engine, automatic transmission (C-6 with a cast iron tail shaft & correct R servo), black leather interior, W code yellow paint, air conditioning, tilt away wheel, console, AM/FM stereo, power steering, brakes and top with glass backlight. Originally equipped with a 3.00 open rear, it now sports a 3.25 traction lock in an N case (original gears/N case and the original, re-cored radiator are available).

Production statistics: Per Kevin Marti's research, there were 4,024 XR-7 convertibles produced in 1969, and just 127 of them had the R Code 428CJ engine, 96 of those with an automatic transmission.  Of those, 4 were produced in W code yellow, and only this one had black leather interior.

Survival rate: Per the Cougar Club of America's 428CJ Registrar, Scott Taylor, as of November 2018 only 45 1969 XR-7 "R Code" convertibles are known to the registry (10 4 speeds/35 automatics).

Notable Awards: Cougar Club of America Concours Gold National award winner 2x (judging sheets available), AACA Grand National Senior award (2016).

Other: featured in Speed Channel's American Muscle Car T.V. Show: The Sign of the Cat originally aired June 2nd 2005 (searchable on YouTube).  Also featured on Year One's website, CCOA's ATSOC publication (3x), the 2013 AACA Calendar.

Documentation: Original factory to dealer invoice (Eminger Report), Deluxe & Elite Marti Reports.

Engine is non-original but date coded within reason.  Rebuilt to factory specifications, it has been bored .030 over and align honed, fully balanced rotating assembly, forged pistons (10.5:1), moly rings, Motorsport cam. Correct 735 CFM Holley carb, "X" fuel pump, and distributor.  Factory exhaust manifolds have been Jet Hot coated in cast iron gray.

I've owned the car for 32 years since purchasing it from a longtime family friend, and the rotisserie restoration to concours specs was completed in 2005 by noted FoMoCo guru Ed Gaczek (now retired).

It does have rough and tough cool looks to it, but wouldn't a mechanical restoration now followed by a restoration later be twice the work?

Maybe more than 2x the work.    Just projecting a bit, since my restored car doesn't see 10% of the action that the unrestored one does.

Lazarus!  You know you have a cool car when it shows that much age and still looks amazing.

Well after years of searching I finally found my Shelby..

Great looking car (thx for posting the pics Rich).  Congrats on finding your Shelby.  I think it would be really cool to do a mechanical restoration and leave the outside as is.

Oh THX.  There it is plain as day.