Marcos Maniacs

Hello All;

 I received my build history sheet from Rory yesterday and found out some
interesting things about my car that I never knew (though some of you may
already have knowledge of). One thing that I was disappointed with was the
fact that the history didn't include the serial numbers for the power train.

During a trip to the UK in 1968 or 1969, the President of Ford Motor company
at the time, Semon Knudson, saw a Marcos and fell in love. He placed an
order and in July of 1969 his (now mine) Marcos was built. It was completed
and flown to the US at the beginning of August. Evidently during the flight,
it sustained some front-end damage and new bumpers were ordered. This may
explain why mine doesn't have the front bumpers to this day. Semon seemed to
have regular correspondence with Jem Marsh just before and after the car was
built. As expected the trail goes cold after he took delivery and had the
body work, steering wheel and radiator sorted out.
Curiously around that time he was also actively looking for something new to
spice up Ford's image. Eventually the Pantera won out, but I'm wondering if
the Marcos was ever considered as a possible addition to Ford's lineup?

Semon's Father was president of GM, and Semon ascended to the head of
Pontiac using performance and sportyness as his trademark. Despite bringing
Pontiac from last to 3rd in the GM sales lineup, he was passed over for the
president of GM and went to Ford to assume the presidency there. He lasted
from 1968-1970 and was replaced by Lee Iacocca. He then became president of
White motors, and eventually served as commissioner of NASCAR from 1978
until his death in 1998.

Kinda neat stuff that I hope a few of you would appreciate.
Dano
1970 Essex 3M/5463