Say it with me "ThunderCougarFalconBird." Now say it again 10 times fast. Addicting huh? Well I have to say it's a memorable piece of Futurama fiction. Apparently the future's version of manliness is a mash of classic car names and parts rolled up in a big fancy hover car. Episode S2E10 entitled "Put Your Head On My Shoulder" introduces us to the car. In the beginning of this episode Amy decides she needs to go car shopping. They go to see Malfunctioning Eddie and his Rocket Car Emporium. Where Fry is nearly swayed by the salesperson to buy the car.
Nothing makes you feel more like a man than a Thunder Cougar Falcon Bird
Nice pitch isn't it? The car reminds me much of Simpson's: The Homer in it's terms of oddness. It does pay great tribute to the old big fin cars of the 1950's. You can see the artist had the 50's Ford Thunderbird in mind. The grill is kinda a mix of a Ford Cougar and Ford Falcon. Hints the name ThunderCougarFalconBird. Check out that super-charged V8 poking up from the hood. Rarrr! I like the rest of Fry and Salesperson's conversation.
Fry: "Sorry, I'm not here to buy."
Sales Person: "I understand and it's wonderful that you don't care whether anyone questions your sexual orientation."
Fry: "I care! I care plenty! I just dunno how to make them stop!"
Sales Person: "One word: Thundercougarfalconbird."
I think this car would have an interesting emblem to it as well. Take a 80's Mercury Cougar emblem (I still think it reminds me of a ThunderCats logo). Throw some wings on the cougar, thunderbolts and there ya go an emblem for the ThunderCougarFalconbird! Last but not least check out this Flickr post on a LEGO version of the ThunderCougarFalconBird. Nice job LEGO Ambassador Matt De Lanoy! aka Pepa Quin on Flickr. Well that's all I have for now on the topic of the ThunderCougarFalconBird. Let's hear what you have to say! Post in the comments. See ya next time!
Last minute arrangements leave you under the care and supervision of John Candy's character Uncle Buck. Sounds like a party doesn't? Well maybe not if you're Tina a teenage high schooler portrayed by Jean Louisa Kelly. But for good reason. Uncle Buck is going to be driving you around in his beat up float boat, brown turd looking street cruising machine for all your friends to see. He'll drive you to school in all it's smoking glory.That's right OnScreenCars.com is proud to present Uncle Bucks's pride and joy the mighty fine 1975 Mercury Marquis. Hold your ears and wait for the bang! But let's rewind time a little bit and look at what Uncle Buck or the previous owner may have started with.
"Bug: Ever hear of a tune-up? Hee hee hee hee hee.
Buck: Ah, heh heh heh. Ever hear of a ritual killing? Ah, heh heh heh heh heh
Bug: I don't get it.
Buck: You gnaw on her face in public like that again and you'll be one. Ah, heh heh heh heh! "
From the factory the 1975 Mercury Marquis was your typical big american land yacht of a car. The Marquis was the sister car to the Ford LTD. While the boys in blue hauled the bad boys in the Ford, business-persons where being floated along down the street in luxury. 1975 was the first year of the luxurious Grand Marquis trim level. Two engines were available this year, 460 V8 Ford BB and 400 V8 from the Cleveland family. No shortage of power to move this beast around. Something noteworthy, this was the first year for catalytic converters. This was nearing the end of an era of gas drinking beasts. Not to mention the mid-dawn of cautious insurance companies and strict government regulations. Dispite all of that mess the Mercury Marquis was voted over Olds 98 LS and Cadillac's Sedan de Ville in 1975, 1976. Check out this great video of a pristine looking 1975 Mercury Marquis. Now to clear up any confusion.
"Stand me up today and tomorrow I'll drive you to school in my robe and pajamas and WALK you to your first class. 4:00 okay?" - Uncle Buck
Uncle Buck's car was a base model four-door Mercury Marquis Brougham not a Grand Mercury Marquis. Complete with smoking exhaust, back firing V8, ripped up interior, banged up body, large CB ball mount antenna on the rear driver's quarter panel and CB radio sticking out of the glove box. Let's not forget about years of dust and dirt coating the exterior of the car. I love the classic scene (see the clip below) of Uncle Buck dropping his niece Tina off at high school. The car comes smoking furiously down the street as it turns into the drop off lane. Kids are coughing and gagging on the exhaust flumes. All the while Buck is paused and waiting for that magical back fire that sounds like a cannon going on. Then BOOM! Everyone hits the ground like their being shot at. If that doesn't embarrassed you nothing will.
Just a classic scene. There were some other notable scenes from the movie involving the car. But much more of the same and I'm out of time today. But look forward to seeing more from us here at OnScreenCars.com!
