1970 Mercury [6] El Gato - AllCarIndex
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1970
Lincoln-Mercury's display at the 62nd Annual Chicago Auto Show features two exotic show cars and internationally-famous members of the division's Sports Panel.
The unique exhibit incorporates 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 will accommodate two of the division's performance-oriented cars — the Cyclone GT and Cougar Eliminator. Three turntables, each containing integrated lighting, will be included. An expansive rectangular background for the Lincoln-Mercury name on the back wall will be illuminated by some 2,000 small lights, presenting a marquee effect.
The two show cars — the Mark III Dual Cowl Phaeton and the Mercury El Gato — will be on turntables.
The Phaeton dramatizes an automobile style which was the favorite of movie stars and millionaires in the early 1930s. In addition to dual windshields the Phaeton features red leather and corduroy interior, a prismatic silver flake finish and a unique Mark III grille that extends under the car. The car is powered by the standard Lincoln Continental 460-cubic-inch engine.
The El Gato is an experimental modification of the 1970 Cougar. Both the windshield and the sloping back window are 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. Unique green body finish is 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, returns. Sports Panel members who will be on hand for the show are: Olympic great Jesse Owens, renowned golf pro Byron Nelson, pretty professional golfer Sharron Moran, pro bowler Billy Welu and famous NASCAR driver Cale Yarborough. As in the past, Sports Panel members will answer questions and autograph 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, will be on display.
