Bearcat folklore

I sure do, BigDog! Thanks for mentioning me! I am researching right now and came across this post. Any info I can give or receive I'm game for!

 

Guys and gals, I bought my 72 Comet GT Bearcat the last day of February 1972, as I was preparing to graduate high school. I saw it, loved it and bought it immediately. I had it 2 weeks before I even had my drivers license. It came as a Comet GT from the factory. Once at the dealership, they put on the Prowler wheels and white letter tires, Thrust side pipes, fog lights, wood steering wheel and "Hurst" shifter knob (not shifter or shifter stick). They then put on the "BearCat" insignia. I shopped for the Bearcat at a dealer in Athen, Ga but bought mine at Century Lincoln-Mercury in Greenville, SC. I am from Greenville and there were many bought there. All my friends had Bearcats! All of them had the 302 2-V with either a 3-speed or automatic. Only one Bearcat had a four speed with a four barrel in that town. It was specially fitted with these as a pace car for the Greenville-Pickens Speedway. One of my high school friends that I graduated with bought it when they were finished with it at the track. He wanted to buy mine, but I would not sell, so he bought that one. What else do you need to know for sure about the BearCat? I am currently restoring a 71 Comet GT. It comes out of the paint booth this week. I will finish it to look exactly like that BearCat I had. Pictures will come on the website in a month or two.

 

I can't wait to see your pics, Rev Ron! I was trying to find out how to get paper proof that my car is a true Bear Cat. I know that it is cause my Mother bought it new in Rome, Ga. But, I would like papers showing it is. They didn't list anything on the sales receipt that she received. I'm not sure if it was because she paid in full when she bought it. That is what I'm searching for. Thanks!

 

RevRon, did you ever finish your Comet GT?

 

Yes, I finished it up. However, as an older gent, I have taken out the T-5 and re-installing the C4 automatic. I have a 70 Vette if I want to grind gears. Other than that, it is finished and is very close to the Bearcats that were produced in the early 70's. I couldn't find the Prowler wheels anywhere and didn't want a 14" wheel, anyway. I installed the factory Magnum 500's that look better anyhow and are wheels you could've ordered on the car. I also could not find any good Thrush side pipes. Once again, the chrome pipes I did install look better than the Thrush brushed aluminum. As a matter of fact, when I owned my first Bearcat, I eventually took off the Thrush pipes and installed the chrome pipes.

 

Rev Ron and littlemissstang,

Why don't you both post your cars in the Garage on this site with pictures and detail? I for one would like to see and read about both!!!

 

I'll second that motion!

I like my cars just like my steaks.. the rarer the better.

 

Well, I haven't had too much time to work on mine, Guys. My Dad had a major stroke the year before last and last year was a back and forth Dr. run with him. We also moved into our new house with our new shop last April so we could be closer to my Dad and I started a new position with my job in a different city. I will be glad to post some new pics as soon as it warms up, though. I hope to start dismantling her this spring. I've gotten some of my replacement parts but haven't gotten around to doing any replacing yet. Hoping that the bigger shop will help me a lot with that! My Dad has a 54 Chevy Bel Air Convertible that I am trying my best to help him get done before something happens to where he can't enjoy driving it. So, the Bear Cat has been put on the back burner for now. Sorry, Guys, but I promise as soon as I do more with her, I will update everyone! Glad you got to get yours finished, Rev Ron!

 

this is my 1972 mercury comet gt bear cat