Mike reviews Grateful Dead’s Europe ’72. An album full of classic Dead hits recorded all over Europe! How’d you rate this one?
AJ’s Car of the Day: 1968 Ford Mustang 2+2 Fastback
Car: Ford Mustang 2+2 Fastback
Year: 1968
What makes it special: The 1967 model year Mustang was the first redesign of the original model. Ford’s designers began drawing up a larger version even as the original was achieving sales success. The major mechanical feature was to allow the installation of a big-block V8 engine. The overall size, interior and cargo space were increased. Exterior trim changes included concave taillights, side scoop on the 1967 model, and chrome for the 1968 model side ornamentation, square rear-view mirrors, and usual yearly wheel and gas cap changes.
What made it famous: Changes for the 1968 model increased safety with a two-spoke energy-absorbing steering wheel, along with newly introduced shoulder belts. Other changes included front and rear side markers, “FORD” lettering removed from hood, rearview mirror moved from frame to windshield, a 302 cu in V8 engine was now available, and C-Stripe graphics were added. The fastback model offered the option of a rear fold-down seat.
Why I would want one: It’s a Ford Mustang Fastback. That’s why.
Fun fact: The 1968 Ford Mustang GT Fastback reached iconic status after it was featured in the 1968 film Bullitt, starring Steve McQueen. In the film, McQueen drove a modified 1968 Mustang GT 2+2 Fastback chasing a Dodge Charger through the streets of San Francisco.
1/2/19 – Chaz and AJ Podcasts – Vacation Stories, Gifts, and a Weirdo Singing in the Shower
Chaz Attacked by Bull on Vacation
AJ’s Fantastic Vacation
Special Christmas Gifts
#DumbAssNews – The Viral Shower Singer
AJ’s Car of the Day: 1965 Mercury Comet Caliente’ Convertible
Car: Mercury Comet Caliente’ Convertible
Year: 1965
What makes it special: The Comet was produced by Mercury from 1962–1969 and 1971-197, variously as either a compact or an intermediate car. It was initially based on the compact Ford Falcon, then on the intermediate Ford Fairlane and finally on the compact Ford Maverick. As a Mercury, early Comets received better grade interior trim than concurrent Falcons, and a slightly longer wheelbase.
What made it famous: For 1965, the Comet received updated styling front and rear, including stacked headlights, similar to what Pontiacs and Cadillacs would use at the same time. The base 6-cylinder engine was increased from 170 cid to 200 cid. Still using a single-barrel carburetor, it produced 120 hp at 4400 rpm. The base 8-cylinder engine was increased from 260 to 289 cid and, using a 2-barrel carburetor, it produced 200 hp at 4400 rpm. The standard transmission continued as a column-shifted 3-speed manual transmission. The optional automatic was changed to a “Merc-O-Matic” 3-speed automatic transmission, essentially a Ford C4 transmission. The 289 V8 was available in three horsepower ratings, base 2-barrel 200 hp, 4-barrel 225 hp, and the premier driveline option was the 289 cubic inch, 271 hp, high-performance engine and 4-speed manual transmission found on the Ford Mustang.
Why I would want one: Well, this one’s not to hard to figure out. I love Falcons, Fairlanes and Mavericks, so it’s no surprise that I’d also want the Mercury variants of those sister models.
Fun fact: The “Comet” name was trademarked to Cotner-Bevington as the Comet Coach Company, building ambulance and hearse commercial vehicles. Ford bought the name in 1959.
The Edge Fitness 12/31/18
Pam kicked off the New Year right at The Edge Fitness Clubs in Derby!
AJ’s Car of the Day: 1965 AMC Rambler Marlin
Car: AMC Rambler Marlin
Year: 1965
What makes it special: American Motors billed the Marlin as a new addition to the company’s self-styled “Sensible Spectaculars” model line. The car was officially announced on February 10th,1965, and unveiled in Rambler dealer showrooms on March 19th. It was aimed at buyers wanting a sporty fastback that was also roomy and comfortable, contrasting it with the smaller Barracuda and Mustang fastbacks that had arrived a year earlier. The Marlin followed the signature design features of the Ford Galaxie “Sports Roof”, the Plymouth Barracuda, the Mustang 2+2, and the 1965 fastback models from General Motors, including the Chevrolet Impala “Sport Coupe” versions.
What made it famous: The Marlin emphasized the stretched-out hardtop pillar-less roofline that followed the contemporary styling vogue. Standard features included deluxe exterior trim, individual reclining front seats, front and rear center armrests when bucket seats were selected, and interiors from AMC’s two-door Ambassador model, including dashboard and instrument panel. On the Marlin, the dashboard was trimmed with engine-turned aluminum. 2,005 Marlins were built with the smallest engine option, a 145 hp, 232 inline-6. The AMC-designed 270 hp, 327 cu in 4-barrel V8, often paired with an automatic transmission that had the shifter in a floor console, accounted for 42% of total production, while less than 6% had the innovative “Twin-Stick” manual transmission with overdrive. The center console-mounted controls offered one longer stick for the regular gears, with a second shorter lever for overdrive selection. It can be shifted as a 5-speed: from 1st to 2nd, to 2nd+OD, to 3rd, to 3rd+OD. Other options included “Solex” tinted glass, power steering, heavy-duty suspension, “Twin-Grip” limited slip differential, a/c, adjustable steering wheel, power windows, and a choice of AM radio or an AM/FM monaural unit with “Duo Costic” rear speaker and “Vibra Tone” system to simulate stereophonic sound, since stereo broadcasting was not yet widely available in the U.S.
Why I would want one: I’ve always loved and wanted a Marlin. Trouble is, they’re not easy to find, and either expensive to buy, or expensive to restore.
Fun fact: In 1965, the car was marketed as “Rambler Marlin”. For 1966, the car featured “Marlin” identification only and was officially named “AMC Marlin”, as was the 1967 model. Its fastback roof design was previewed on the 1964 Rambler Tarpon show car, based on the compact Rambler American.
AJ’s Car of the Day: 1936 Plymouth P2 Business Coupe
Car: Plymouth P2 Business Coupe
Year: 1936
What makes it special: The 1936 Plymouth models were substantially changed, but didn’t look it. The 1936 Plymouth frame was redesigned with half-inch deeper side rails, plus a straight front crossmember to replace the previous Y-brace, which allowed extending the X-member forward for greater torsional strength. The new chassis reduced ride height by one inch, which combined with updated styling for a somewhat sleeker look, announced by a taller, narrower “fencer’s mask” grille. Each series got its own designation: P1 for Business models, P2 for DeLuxe’s.
What made it famous: Plymouth’s sturdy, reliable powertrain was basically unchanged, but a low-compression 65-bhp engine option was added, part of a package that also included the longer rear-axle ratio and other economy features of the previous PJE coupe. Also new for ’36 was a unique shift-lever design that didn’t wobble when the car was in motion. A new radiator grille, ornament, headlamps and hood louvers, new heavier fenders and more massive body were also part of the 1936 model.
Why I would want one: It’s a great-looking car, and for those who like to be different, it’s a nice departure from the usual offerings from the other big manufacturers of the day.
Fun fact: The 1935-36 models were a solid success that deserve credit for advancing the state of the art in “common man” cars.
AJ’s “Badass Friday” Car of the Day: 1969 Chevrolet Camaro R/S Z-28 Coupe
Car: Chevrolet Camaro R/S Z28 Coupe
Year: 1969
What makes it special: The first-generation Camaro appeared in Chevrolet dealerships on September 29, 1966 for the 1967 model year on a brand-new rear wheel drive GM F-body platform and was available as a 2-door, 2+2 seat, hardtop and convertible, with the choice of either a straight-6 or V8 engine. The first-generation Camaro was built through the 1969 model year. Almost all of 1967-1969 Camaros were built in the two U.S. assembly plants, in either Norwood, Ohio or Van Nuys, California. There were also five non-U.S. Camaro assembly plants in countries that required local assembly and content, located in the Philippines, Belgium, Switzerland, Venezuela, and Peru.
What made it famous: The 1969 Camaro carried over the previous year’s drivetrain and major mechanical components, but all-new sheet metal, except the hood and trunk lid, gave the car a substantially sportier look. The grille was redesigned with a heavy “V” cant and deeply inset headlights. New door skins, rear quarter panels, and rear valance panel also gave the car a much lower, wider, more aggressive look. This styling would serve for the 1969 model year only. The Rally Sport option, RPO Z22, includes special black painted grille with concealed headlights and headlight washers, fender striping except when sport striping or Z28 Special Performance Package is specified, simulated rear fender louvers, front and rear wheel opening moldings, black body sill, RS emblems on grille, steering wheel and rear panel, Rally Sport front fender nameplates, bright accented taillights, back-up lights below rear bumper, including bright roof drip moldings. This option could be added to any other SS or Z/28 option, making the model an RS/SS or a RS/Z28. The Z28 option was available with the 302 cu in small block producing 290 hp at 5800 rpm and 290 lb⋅ft of torque at 4200 rpm. It was backed by Muncie 4-speed with a standard Hurst shifter and connected to a 12-bolt rear axle with standard 3.73 gears. The 302 featured 11:1 compression, forged pistons, forged steel crankshaft and connecting rods, solid lifter camshaft, and Holley carburetion on a dual-plane intake manifold. A dual 4-barrel Cross-Ram intake manifold was available as a dealer-installed option.
Why I would want one: Never had a Camaro yet, naturally I’d lean towards the first-gen.
Fun fact: The 1969 model year was exceptionally long, extending into November 1969, due to manufacturing problem that delayed the introduction of the second generation model planned for 1970. It is a popular myth late-’69 Camaros were sold as 1970 models due to GM publicity pictures of the ’69 Camaro labeled as a 1970, but they were all assigned 1969 VIN codes.
AJ’s Car of the Day: 1969 Pontiac Firebird Convertible
Car: Pontiac Firebird Convertible
Year: 1969
What makes it special: Designed as a pony car to compete with the Ford Mustang, Pontiac’s Firebird was introduced February 23, 1967, the same model year as GM’s Chevrolet division platform-sharing Camaro. This also coincided with the release of the 1967 Mercury Cougar, Ford’s upscale, platform-sharing version of the Mustang. The first generation Firebird had characteristic Coke bottle styling shared with its cousin, the Chevrolet Camaro. Announcing a Pontiac styling trend, the Firebird’s bumpers were integrated into the design of the front end, giving it a more streamlined look than the Camaro. The Firebird’s rear “slit” taillights were inspired by the 1966–1967 Pontiac GTO. Both a two-door hardtop and a convertible were offered through the 1969 model year.
What made it famous: The 1969 model received a major facelift with a new front end design but unlike the GTO, it did not have the Endura bumper. The instrument panel and steering wheel were revised. The ignition switch was moved from the dashboard to the steering column with the introduction of GM’s new locking ignition switch/steering wheel. Due to engineering problems that delayed the introduction of the all-new 1970 Firebird beyond the usual fall debut, Pontiac continued production of 1969 model Firebirds into the early months of the 1970 model year. while the other 1970 Pontiac models had been introduced on September 18, 1969. By late spring of 1969, Pontiac had deleted all model-year references on Firebird literature and promotional materials, anticipating the extended production run of the then-current 1969 models. There was an additional Ram Air IV option for the 400 cu in V8 engines during 1969, complementing the Ram Air III; these generated 345 hp at 5000 rpm and 430 lb⋅ft of torque at 3400 rpm, and 335 hp respectively. The 350 cu in HO engine was revised again with a different cam and cylinder heads resulting in 325 hp. During 1969 a special 303 cu in engine was designed for SCCA road racing applications that was not available in production cars.
Why I would want one: It’s the more “luxurious” Pony-car offering from GM. Perfect for those who wanted performance and looks, but a few more added creature comforts as well.
Fun fact: Originally, the Firebird was a “consolation prize” for Pontiac, which had desired to produce a two-seat sports car based on its original Banshee concept car. GM feared this would cut into Chevrolet Corvette sales, and gave Pontiac a piece of the “pony car” market through sharing the F-body platform with Chevrolet.
AJ’s Car of the Day: 1975 Mercury Grand Marquis Coupe
Car: Mercury Grand Marquis Coupe
Year: 1975
What makes it special: Marquis was a model line of entry-level luxury vehicles that was marketed by the Mercury division of Ford Motor Company from 1967 to 1986, recieving its name from a French nobility title, Marquis was sold across four generations as the divisional counterpart of the Ford LTD. Initially introduced as the flagship Mercury range, the Marquis line was expanded to include the Mercury Grand Marquis slotted above it, with the Mercury Colony Park serving as a station wagon variant. The first three generations of the Mercury Marquis were full-size vehicles.
What made it famous: For 1973, the Marquis received a minor restyling with a boxier look, giving it new protruding energy-absorbing “5-mph” bumpers and a new roofline. The 1975 models were slightly revised to look longer than the boxier 1973-1974 range. The Grand Marquis was introduced as a luxury trim line in 1975 when the Monterey series was dropped and all full-size Mercury’s took the Marquis name. The Grand Marquis was a trim level in its own right. It was also available prior to 1975 on Marquis Brougham which consisted of leather seats and trim. The 360 hp, 460 Big-Block V8 was again available on this generation and the 400 Cleveland replaced the 429 as the top engine in 1974. The 460 was standard on the Brougham and Grand Marquis through 1977. Paired with the 400 and 460 V8’s was the 3-speed C6 “Select-Shift” automatic.
Why I would want one: It’s a nice alternative to the usual Cadillac’s, etc as a luxury vehicle, plus you can’t get a Mercury anymore.
Fun fact: As Ford transitioned its product ranges to front-wheel drive, the Marquis was withdrawn after the 1986 model year, replaced by the Mercury Sable, which was the Mercury counterpart of the Ford Taurus.