El Matador & American Exceptionalism
Apr 15, 2018 16:18:06 GMT -8
sc397, Captain Awesome, and 1 more like this
Post by drdrunk on Apr 15, 2018 16:18:06 GMT -8
I came late to the AMC world having been reared into a hard bitten Fordman and a full fledged 4 door curmudgeon by the time I was able to get a drivers licence. Having found my self unwittingly moved into Farmguy's country in between the People's Republic of Ann Arbor and the Worker's Paradise of Red Toledo. I took work at the local Napa and was noticed as the only one that did not say nonsense like "Are you sure you don't mean Dodge 360 ?".... This and my unique sense of humor lead to an invite to the Farmguys secret hideout for barley pops and deep philosophical conversations about breaker points, multiple carburation, real meaning of life stuff.... From there I was found worthy to tag along on the sacred pilgrimage to "Kadovah"... Let's just say that it was an eye opener coming from the upright 4 door LTD youth and membership in the Lincoln and Continental owner's club. I made both a lasting impression and many new friends. So much so that on the return to the Mitten state I swore a vow to put an AMC in the stables of Casa de Drunk. But I had to be me.
It would have to be a respectable four door sedan and in a shade of brown as they don't show the dirt... This all came true on the second trip to where the Mississippi meats the Sofa.... In the middle of what should have been declared a class 4 hurricane I was greeted by Mr. Halverson with " Oh Doctor, Do I have the car for you!".... Pictures that began melting in the rain were brought out and with interest peaked we retreated to the shelter of a tent for what are now written in Kadovah history as Trumpian level sales negotiations.... Shannon informed me that this understated barge was a 1971 Matador 4 door. 258 six Auto. Original no AC radio delete, clock delete. I wisely acted disinterested and grumbled about the six banger... "oh but Doc, it's the BIG six and has the 3.15 rear end" Well that is okay I said but no way I'm driving around without the rest of the story from Mr. Paul Harvey, I'll need an AM radio.... " no problem doc, I got a radio to toss in". He then went on to say that the car was converted from manual drum/drum brakes to ultra luxo power disks in the front as well as power steering... Well if thats the case then I cant make a deal unless you supply a genuine Spark o Matic FM converter in case I want some music to go with all these custom luxury features..... Halverson laughing to nearly falling out of his chair replied " I must have about two dozen of those things in the barn.... You've got a deal!" So never let it be said that I don't drive a hard bargain. Art of the Deal piifffft.... So in due time and true northern Minnesota class delivered to me was El Matador. What is Matador, you ask? Well the short answer is it's the politically correct Rebel.... Mine just happens to be the finest of the breed. Acres of gorgeous American metal clad in the color that the suits in marketing would not list as Big Bad Brown, Burnished Bronze Poly. Body color wheels and dog dish caps give it that "for official use only" / plain wrapper look. And the interior with sumptuous Aristocrat seat covers that countless Naughas died to produce. And the 258 ci six. Oh sure laugh... But could you withstand the blistering 18.97 second 1/4 mile passes?
The exceptionalism is the people. I can park my car next to rides with many times the cost, power, and restoration and never fell like anything other then one of the gang. Not something you get with other cars/clubs. Plus the after hours life puts anything at a Lincoln show to shame. Unless one of the few wild ones decides mix a nip of vodka with their metamucil. Then Katty bar the door we're staying up till 10:00..... So far it's been a hell of a ride and the fun aint over yet....
It would have to be a respectable four door sedan and in a shade of brown as they don't show the dirt... This all came true on the second trip to where the Mississippi meats the Sofa.... In the middle of what should have been declared a class 4 hurricane I was greeted by Mr. Halverson with " Oh Doctor, Do I have the car for you!".... Pictures that began melting in the rain were brought out and with interest peaked we retreated to the shelter of a tent for what are now written in Kadovah history as Trumpian level sales negotiations.... Shannon informed me that this understated barge was a 1971 Matador 4 door. 258 six Auto. Original no AC radio delete, clock delete. I wisely acted disinterested and grumbled about the six banger... "oh but Doc, it's the BIG six and has the 3.15 rear end" Well that is okay I said but no way I'm driving around without the rest of the story from Mr. Paul Harvey, I'll need an AM radio.... " no problem doc, I got a radio to toss in". He then went on to say that the car was converted from manual drum/drum brakes to ultra luxo power disks in the front as well as power steering... Well if thats the case then I cant make a deal unless you supply a genuine Spark o Matic FM converter in case I want some music to go with all these custom luxury features..... Halverson laughing to nearly falling out of his chair replied " I must have about two dozen of those things in the barn.... You've got a deal!" So never let it be said that I don't drive a hard bargain. Art of the Deal piifffft.... So in due time and true northern Minnesota class delivered to me was El Matador. What is Matador, you ask? Well the short answer is it's the politically correct Rebel.... Mine just happens to be the finest of the breed. Acres of gorgeous American metal clad in the color that the suits in marketing would not list as Big Bad Brown, Burnished Bronze Poly. Body color wheels and dog dish caps give it that "for official use only" / plain wrapper look. And the interior with sumptuous Aristocrat seat covers that countless Naughas died to produce. And the 258 ci six. Oh sure laugh... But could you withstand the blistering 18.97 second 1/4 mile passes?
The exceptionalism is the people. I can park my car next to rides with many times the cost, power, and restoration and never fell like anything other then one of the gang. Not something you get with other cars/clubs. Plus the after hours life puts anything at a Lincoln show to shame. Unless one of the few wild ones decides mix a nip of vodka with their metamucil. Then Katty bar the door we're staying up till 10:00..... So far it's been a hell of a ride and the fun aint over yet....