Detroit Autorama Success!

[MI2QWK4U]

As some know, the Detroit Autorama is one of the largest shows on the Autorama circuit. I was honored to be invited by Jerry Barnes to be his guest and bring my Marauder down to the show. I was there when the judges were going over my car, and I couldn't believe how picky and in depth they were! They checked the inside the wheel wells for dirt, and actually crawled underneath to see how clean the undercarriage was. Then the caught hold of the wide Nittos, exhaust work, gauges, and of course the Supercharger, one judge commented the car had a real aggressive hot rod feel to it now. For a daily driver, they noted the car was one of the cleanest at the show.

Bottom line, in spite of all the seasoned entries, and stiff competition in my class, my Marauder took FIRST place in her catagory, which was:
Contemporary Hardtop Musclecar, 2001 to present.

Needless to say I was stoked, Jerry said it is a real accomplishment to win at a show like this, I have go tell you, there were some nice cars there looking for that same trophy! Steve Babcock happened to be at there when I got the trophy and was impressed the big merc won! Felt it was time for another group picture! I think it goes to show that our cars are LOVED and admired. I heard that for 3 days, I dont think I sat down for more than 10 minutes at a time with folks asking questions about the Marauder in general, and specifically about the Supercharger and various mods that have been done. It was an exhausting 3 days, but what an experience. I need a bigger shelf for the trophies the Marauder has won! But this one by far means the most to me....

[Lowell]

Congratulations. Your car is a fine example of a properly modified vehicle. Hats off to you and your suppliers.

[MM03MOK]

Bottom line, in spite of all the seasoned entries, and stiff competition in my class, my Marauder took FIRST place in her catagory, which was:
Contemporary Hardtop Musclecar, 2001 to present. Congratulations!!!! :banana: http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/12/12_1_28.gif (http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb001) http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/23/23_13_6.gif (http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb001)

[TAF]

Hey Dave...CONGRATS MAN!!!!:banana: :beer: :banana2: :rock: :up:

Way to represent!

Did you thank the "Academy"...your high school shop teacher....that girl from that party in the sixth grade??!!

[usgecko]

Congrats - that is awesome !
:beer:

[PhastPhil]

C O N G R A T U L A T I O N S

A W E S O M E !!!!!

[bigslim]

That is why it is an honor to have you as the President of our club. You represent us to the best of your ability. Congrats to you for the first of many awards. It was nice seeing those cars down there and seeing all the people the expressed interestin the MMs.

[TripleTransAm]

Spread the Good Word, Missionary man!
Congrats.

[MI2QWK4U]

Few more pics from Autorama....couldnt forget the trophy girl!

[Bigdogjim]

Congrats!
Job well done!!

[TripleTransAm]

Few more pics from Autorama....couldnt forget the trophy girl!


Hmm... wouldn't mind mounting her on my mantle piece... (did I just type that out loud? Crap...)

Hey, that pic of your car on the highway from behind... you DO realize that we now have full license to call you a trailer queen! ;)

[MI2QWK4U]

Ok....TTA..you got me...whats a trailer queen? I am afraid to ask? Lots of construction and generally messed up freeways in Detroit (thats a shock eh), Jerry offered to trailer it down for me....so what the hell...

[Long Live #3]

Very nice! Congrats!

[jobrien8]

Congrats on the trophy:up: . Know that stretch of East I-94, travel it from SCS to Dearborn to SCS daily.:cry: Then again, being trailered to and from the show makes cleanup easier.http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/images/icons/icon14.gif Congrats again.

[merc406]

Congratulations Dave :rock: :rasta: :bows: :beer: :up:

[dwasson]

Alright Dave! Congratulations on your win. Your evangelism is being rewarded. After all, what's cooler than a big black car with too much motor?

And you won a "Booth Babe" too! Where are you stashing that prize?

[2005Marauder]

CONGRATULATIONS again.

Story reminded me of the first time I took my MM to the Track in July of 2002. More than 300 people came by and asked so many questions that by the end of the night I could barely talk.

[MI2QWK4U]

And you won a "Booth Babe" too! Where are you stashing that prize?

Uhhhh, I dont know what you are talking about, and neither does my wife as far as she knows!

[SergntMac]

Bravo! Nice work Dave, congrats.

[Marauderman]

Same Here--Congrats--Now if only we all could have a trailer too......but
thats what friends are for.....they're the ones that usually have the trailers....
Nice going---....
...BTW...people driving up the road from the rear I'm sure got the intimidating feeling just from those tires alone- and feel relieved it's on a trailers --LOOKS TERRIFIC!!!...........Tom

[martyo]

And you won a "Booth Babe" too!
:puke:

They should really feed that girl once in a while. :D She has less curves than a 1/4 mile dragstrip!

[MM03MOK]

:puke:

They should really feed that girl once in a while. :D I know someone that could show her how it's done! ;)

[Hack Goby]

Nice going Dave It`s a fine way to start your Year off.:up:

[Dr Caleb]

Well done 2 Quick!


Ok....TTA..you got me...whats a trailer queen?

A car that spends more time on a trailer than being driven. You know, those old classic cars that go from show to show - on a trailer instead of being driven because the owners are too scared if they get a smudge or a scratch they won't win next time.

(Steve was picking on you *hint* *hint*)

[Hack Goby]

Dr. I can assure you that Dave beats that stepchild on a regular basis!

[Lidio]

Good work bro.... Hey who's your mechanic ;)

[Paul T. Casey]

:bounce: Way to go :bounce:

[MI2QWK4U]

Well done 2 Quick!



A car that spends more time on a trailer than being driven. You know, those old classic cars that go from show to show - on a trailer instead of being driven because the owners are too scared if they get a smudge or a scratch they won't win next time.

(Steve was picking on you *hint* *hint*)

I can assure you that she gets driven hard and often! Hack is right about beating it like a red headed stepchild! On the way home I raced a bunch of guys that left the Autorama the same time I did, I may have fractured a speed limit or two....but not by much..honest.

[CRUZTAKER]

I read this first thing this morning and couldn't reply, now I will...

Dude, congrats on the award, and well deserved. I can't wait to see that car in person. Haven't been up your way in a few weeks, but next time, if the weather is good, I'll bring mine as well.

Rock on man!!:coolman:

[MI2QWK4U]

Good work bro.... Hey who's your mechanic ;)

Don't you even think I didn't praise my master mechanic and tuner! The judges were impressed with the engine compartment and one of them thought the Supercharger was stock, when I told him it was aftermarked, he was VERY impressed. Not to mention prominant mention on my mods poster, and singing your praises. They all know who to see to handle their Marauders!

[Smokie]

Thank you for representing and getting others to appreciate what we all love, our Marauder.

[Dr Caleb]

I can assure you that she gets driven hard and often!

I have no doubt!



(Steve was picking on you *hint* *hint*)

*Hint* *Hint* - I'm not Steve :) You wanted to know what he meant by "Trailer Queen". I was just answering your question.

[TripleTransAm]

Hey, you trying to start sumthin' here, Glenn????? eh?????

;) :lol:

[MarauderMike]

Great Job Dave!!!! Your car looked great. Sorry I missed you on Sunday afternoon I didn't see you around the car, but I think I saw you coming back in on the People Mover as I was heading to Greektown.
Great Car, Great Show, Great Trophy! I owe you a cold one at the next meet.
:beer: :banana2:

[TAF]

I have no doubt!



*Hint* *Hint* - I'm not Steve :) You wanted to know what he meant by "Trailer Queen". I was just answering your question.I wouldn't claim to be /Steve...either, Glenn...:depress:;)

[jgc61sr2002]

Dave - Congrats. :up: A job well done. :beer:

[cruzer]

Dave, congrats on a well deserved award. You are our shining star--our inspiration. THANKS for presenting the Marauder to the elite of the muscle car world and walking away with all the marbles. Hope to see you in Indy :rock: :rock: :rock: :up: :up:


Was good to see You, Steve and Jerry--the 3 Maraudereers :help:

[MI2QWK4U]

Dave, congrats on a well deserved award. You are our shining star--our inspiration. THANKS for presenting the Marauder to the elite of the muscle car world and walking away with all the marbles. Hope to see you in Indy :rock: :rock: :rock: :up: :up:


Was good to see You, Steve and Jerry--the 3 Maraudereers :help:

I will tell you Cruzer, I think we changed the minds of a few Mercury owners that looked at the car. I must have talked to at least 10 people that work at St. Thomas, half dozen engineers that designed various parts or systems for the car, my Dealership's Service Department Manager stopped by to see if I still loved him enough to stop by so he could drive it again! He wants to host a Marauder meet here in Metro Detroit like the one in Columbus last year, and may see if the Owner would like to have an Autorama Trophy winner in his showroom for some PR.

[TAF]

my Dealership's Service Department Manager stopped by to see if I still loved him enough to stop by so he could drive it again! He wants to host a Marauder meet here in Metro Detroit like the one in Columbus last year, and may see if the Owner would like to have an Autorama Trophy winner in his showroom for some PR.
And you said "Yes sir!....And you know why (Mr. SM)...'cause it is SO cool how you've taken care of all my Warranty needs...true customer service....you BET you can drive it again, and again, and again..."

I KNOW you Dave!!!:up:

[MI2QWK4U]

And you said "Yes sir!....And you know why (Mr. SM)...'cause it is SO cool how you've taken care of all my Warranty needs...true customer service....you BET you can drive it again, and again, and again..."

I KNOW you Dave!!!:up:



UHHHhh something like that!

[JET]

We're number one, Yeh!

:rasta: :fire: :banana: :bows: :bounce: :bows: :banana: :fire: :rasta:

[DetGeno]

Excellent job Dave!!!! CONGRATS!!!!! :bows: :beer: :banana2:

[MI2QWK4U]

Excellent job Dave!!!! CONGRATS!!!!! :bows: :beer: :banana2:

Thanks Gene, it was a blast. Im glad they picked the big Merc, we need to get some recognition on this car. Steve Babcock looked tickled!