Karl Ludvigsen has an interesting article in Winding Road on the past and future of Mercury. The brand is one of several being kicked around by the motoring press, along with Pontiac, Buick and Lincoln, as being ready for redundancy. Based on what I've seen from Mercury lately I'm inclined to agree although the sentimental side of me hates the passing of a familiar name. For example, I have a special fondness for the 1949 Mercury Meteor sedan above, not because I ever owned one but because of a novel experience with a certain young woman. I don't recall her name but I remember the Mercury, which says something about my male attitudes of the time. Later, I had a 64 Comet convertible with 289 V-8 and heavy-duty suspension, a car I liked for its straight-line performance. A few years ago a nice old lady who could no longer drive loaned me her like-new 72 Mercury Comet until one day she decided to take it back. Never could talk her into selling it. Ludvigsen suggests a Mercury on the Mustang platform could work; a new cougar, maybe? By the way, if you haven't read Winding Road, check it out. The world's first online automobile magazine and an enjoyable read. Best of all, it's free.