Saturday, October 20, 2012

A Snapshot of the Past

A Snapshot of the Past

The Savoy camera made Mercury shoppers feel like winners



Savoy Camera

Feature Article from Hemmings Motor News

May, 2012 - Words and Photography by Mattnew Litwin

Pop quiz: What's the fastest means to get foot traffic into a dealership? A mass mailing claiming that the countless recipients won some sort of prize (no purchase necessary); from the mundane straight up to a chance to win a new car. Just last year, dozens of Bennington, Vermont, residents were subjected to such hopes and dreams, most of whom received $5 gift cards--courtesy of a local dealership--to a mega-chain store; on the way out the door, the less-than-excited salesman told us not to spend it all at once. This tactical approach to potentially increasing one's sales figures is hardly new to the industry.
Exactly 52 years ago, the Lincoln-Mercury Division of Ford Motor Company--more specifically, Mercury-Comet--sent out thousands of letters to their client list, all of whom were considered prospective repeat buyers, proclaiming that they were lucky winners. In a fit of creative thinking, it was called Prize-O-Rama, and each envelope hid a numbered prize certificate within. A letter would accompany the certificate stating, "First prize is a beautiful 1961 Mercury. Second prize is a fully equipped 1961 Comet. In addition, thousands of other valuable prizes have been awarded, including cameras, television sets, stereo Hi-Fi consoles and portable typewriters. These and all other exciting prizes are listed in the attached prize folder." There was just one catch: The winning certificates could only be "validated" at your local Mercury dealership. And while you were there, "We hope you take a minute to inspect the 1961 Mercury and Comet."
Not unexpectedly, seventh-place winners far exceeded others and, of course, were given the most cost-effective gifts, including this Savoy box camera. Shipped to winners from the Mercury-Comet Gift Headquarters in Detroit, Michigan, the Savoy, and later Savoy Mark IIs--with their space-themed faceplates--were products of the Imperial Camera Corporation of Chicago, Illinois. This was a 1961 name change from Herbert George Camera Company, makers of the Imperial camera. Made from solid Bakelite and plastic, they were simplistic in that there were no adjustments available to the user; it was yesterday's version of point and shoot, with a standard roll of 620 film that provided just a dozen 2.50-inch square exposures. More notable was the fact that Imperial was one of the first camera companies to employ eye-catching colors other than black: they were available in beige, gray, light blue and this mint green example, as well. A simple flash attachment was available.
Although Imperial ceased production in 1965, their products are still affordably available if you are looking in the right spot. For owners of the 1961 Mercury and Comet models, finding a pristine example to complement your car's interior appearance at the next car show could be an interesting swap meet scavenger hunt.
This article originally appeared in the May, 2012 issue of Hemmings Motor News.

Friday, June 15, 2012

Carlisle All-Ford National Winners


Cometeers Below is a quick list of the winners for Carlisle..

Carlisle All-Ford National Winners



Best Paint- Ron Kussrow  63.5 Comet 2dr

Best Interior - Phil Heller 69 Cale Yarbrough Special

Eye Catcher Award - Den Tatro  66  Cyclone

Owners Choice - Bob Coorson 63 Custom Comet

3rd Modified - Dong Thirkettle 65 404

2nd Modified0 Tim Mouh 70 Cyclone Spoiler

1st Modified- Mark Santee 63 racer

3rd Stock -Randy Cook 70 Cyclone Spoiler

2nd Stock -Tim Moar  70 Cyclone Spoiler

1st Stock- John/Kim Jones 71 Cyclone Spoiler

Kevin Klotz- Carlisle Celebrity Award 3rd Place


Friday, April 27, 2012

Comet Gathering on June 8th, 9th, and 10th in Pigeon Forge

Dear East Comet Owners and Comet Enthusiast,


I would like to invite all members of the East Comet Club to gone a Comet Gathering on June 8th, 9th, and 10th in Pigeon Forge, Tn. I'm trying to get members from all of the Comet groups to meet and just have some fun.


Location: Mountain Breeze Hotel in Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg, Tn. Here are the details that have been work-up to this point. Room cost 52.00 dollars per night plus taxes (normal cost is 78.00 plus taxes). Those in attendance have a choice of either a king or two queen size beds. The hotel has the following: outside pool, all rooms face the parking lot where the cars can be seen at all times, a trolly pickup stand is right in front of the hotel for those that would like to shop or go into Gatlinburg (Gatlinburg is five miles further), a place will be provided to wash the cars, and there will be a place for any person that trailers their car to unload and secure their trailer. The hotel is in the center of Peigon-Forge on the main-drag (HWY 441, 2926 Parkway). All cars will park in front of the hotel and are in plain view from the rooms. The rooms come with a refrigerator, micro-wave and coffee maker. I'll stop for now. Bring a chair and at lot of car stories (true or not) to this gathering. Although I'm posting this for 1964/1965 Comet owners, I welcome any comet owner to attend and show off their car. By the way, there will be a trip to the Classic Car Museum on Saturday for all that would like to attend. There is plenty of shopping and various shows that you can also attend during this Gathering.


To make reservations please call Suzy Campbell at (1-888-453-2659). This is a toll free phone call. Make sure to identify that you are with the Comet Gathering in order to get the Show room rate. You will need to let the phone receptionist know if you want a king or two queen size beds. Also, The Motel has two floors, make sure you let them know if you need to be on the first floor. If you need more info feel free to contact me by calling (270) 978-0100 or emailing me direct  at corky.broughton@murraystate.edu>

2012 Comet East Upcoming Events

Cometeers,

 Below is a list of upcoming shows for the 2012 show season. More information will be posted when available. 

Rock and Roll Comets...


Carlisle All-Ford NationalsJune 1 - 3, 2012

Comet East will be a part of the All Ford Nationals. You’ll find hundreds of
vendors with a variety of parts and accessories for sale, Ford & Lincoln-Mercury
vehicles for sale in the corral, special events like beauty & burnout contests, rock
crawling and much more. The best description of this show
Fun for the Blue Ovals!



International Edsel Meet July 25-28, 2012

Buren St Shipshewana, IN 46565
260-768-7688
Mention the Int'l Edsel Club for the special
rate of $84.99.