A forgotten bodystyle that may be cool.....

As I've discussed before NASCAR and Trans-Am racing had a great influence on the musclecar era.  If your a Ford fan and can't find the Mustang, Torino, or Cougar of your dreams this may be the ticket. I'm talking about the Mercury Montego that was built from 1969-76.  As for the NASCAR influence, who could forget the Wood Brothers Mercurys that won numerous races in the '70's with Bobby Allison and Cale Yarborough driving. ( Before Yarborough switched to Chevrolet ). The Montego was basically a Torino clone. 1969 models have 302, 351W or 390 power. 1970-71 models included the "Cyclone" and "Cyclone Spoiler" that had hidden headlights and swoopy styling. Power choices included the 302, 351C, and even 428 and 429 big blocks. Obviously the 428 and 429 versions are rare and pricey, but 351C versions are quite reasonable. There is a ton of speed equipment for the "Cleveland" engines, and the bellhousing pattern is the same as the 429/460 so that makes swapping a little easier. 1972 came with a major redesign-( along with the Torino ). Instead of unit-body construction they were now body-on-frame. They rode and handled better, and the new body, especially the fastback version was great-looking. Most 72-74 models had 351C motivation, although the 429 was optional. 1975-76 models had 351/400M power, and the 460 was optional, but pretty emasculated by then because of emission controls, but still have potential. In 1977 the model was dropped. However they are fairly plentiful and are usually less expensive than a same-year Torino or Cougar. I can see one with raidiused and flared fenders, fat tires, painted like the Wood Brothers famous #21 -( ala-Popular Hot Roddings "Project Talledega" 75 Laguna ) with a high-revving 351C or a stompin' 460.  Or something less gaudy-but you get the drift. Mastermind