Concept Car Of The Day: 1970 Mercury El Gato - AllCarIndex
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Lincoln-Mercury's display at the 62nd Annual Chicago Auto Show featured two exotic show cars and internationally-famous members of the division's Sports Panel. The unique exhibit incorporated a "floating" ceiling of formed polypropylene supported by chromed steel over the Lincoln Continental salon, designed for the 1970 season by Ford Motor Company's Design Center.
A curved, double-ramp platform in striking black-and-white checks accommodated two of the division's performance-oriented cars — the Cyclone GT and Cougar Eliminator. Three turntables, each containing integrated lighting, were included. An expansive rectangular background for the Lincoln-Mercury name on the back wall was illuminated by some 2,000 small lights, presenting a marquee effect.
The two show cars on display were the Mark III Dual Cowl Phaeton and the Mercury El Gato. The Phaeton dramatized an automobile style which was the favorite of movie stars and millionaires in the early 1930s. In addition to dual windshields, the Phaeton featured red leather and corduroy interior, a prismatic silver flake finish, and a unique Mark III grille that extended under the car. The car was powered by the standard Lincoln Continental 460-cubic-inch engine.
The El Gato was an experimental modification of the 1970 Cougar. Both the windshield and the sloping back window were at rakish angles to enhance the low, sleek look of the car, with this being the first appearance of a fastback roof on a Cougar. The unique green body finish was lighter in hue above the sculptured character line, with a tapered paint stripe calling attention to the color break.
The Sports Panel, an annual favorite at the Chicago Auto Show, returned. Sports Panel members who were on hand for the show included Olympic great Jesse Owens, renowned golf pro Byron Nelson, professional golfer Sharron Moran, pro bowler Billy Welu, and famous NASCAR driver Cale Yarborough. As in the past, Sports Panel members answered questions and autographed photos for show visitors.
In addition, 19 of Lincoln-Mercury's 1970 production cars, representing the division's full line of luxury, medium, intermediate, and sports specialty models, were on display for all to see and admire.
