The Mercruzer
The mercruzer...what a fine automobile. This car was not only a machine, it was a way of life. When traveling six deep in a vehicle of this caliber one becomes transported to a different time and place. A different time where 8-tracks were not standard, they were a frivolous option. A time when a car was large, a car carried weight, and the gas milage was measured in yards per gallon. Ah, those were the days.
Although we never actually got to live through those days our selves, per say, we did live vicariously through this car. It was a brilliant purchase of Travis Dittmer's, for a measly $275. This American made automobile was obviously worth much more than that! He bought it from a family which I imaging didn't respect what this car was made for, didn't understand how it needed to be treated. I could be wrong, however, for the selection of 8 track cassettes that came with it certainly said otherwise (case and point; American Gigilo Soundtrack).
The car was large, that was its major selling point to Travis. To his surprise he found the car to be a gem on the inside too. The before mentioned factory 8-track player worked like it had just come off the conveyor belt. Also factory options were four power windows (not an option commonly found in cars made in the 60's), two plush cloth bench seats, cruise control, and an amazing 454 cubic inch engine which would roar at the slightest preasure from the lucky drivers foot. This car was no joke.
The car was resevered for rare occasions. It was not the most popular car too drive in winter due to the broken electric window. But when we all got a little anxious for spring to arrive we would hop into the mercruzer for a little sunday drive. The regulars of the car were the Apple gang, Travis, Jon, Scott, Sean, and Myself. We would take the car out for a while, usually accompanied by a sixpack or more of our favorite tall boys. Cigarettes, beer, good friends, and the hum of that powerful engine would send shivers down our spines and devious thoughts into our heads.
The mercruzer had a home at 2940 Apple. It was loved. To this day people from that neighbor hood still claim that late some nights, when no one is around, a car comes barreling into the grass at 2940 Apple. Voices are heard hollaring and laughing. Grass is thrown in all directions as the trademark bald tires rip through the yard.
LONG LIVE THE MERCURY!