Interesting history
2002-01-08 by Dan Orie
Hello All; I received my build history sheet from Rory yesterday and found out some interesting things about my car that I never knew (though some of you may already have knowledge of). One thing that I was disappointed with was the fact that the history didn't include the serial numbers for the power train. During a trip to the UK in 1968 or 1969, the President of Ford Motor company at the time, Semon Knudson, saw a Marcos and fell in love. He placed an order and in July of 1969 his (now mine) Marcos was built. It was completed and flown to the US at the beginning of August. Evidently during the flight, it sustained some front-end damage and new bumpers were ordered. This may explain why mine doesn't have the front bumpers to this day. Semon seemed to have regular correspondence with Jem Marsh just before and after the car was built. As expected the trail goes cold after he took delivery and had the body work, steering wheel and radiator sorted out. Curiously around that time he was also actively looking for something new to spice up Ford's image. Eventually the Pantera won out, but I'm wondering if the Marcos was ever considered as a possible addition to Ford's lineup? Semon's Father was president of GM, and Semon ascended to the head of Pontiac using performance and sportyness as his trademark. Despite bringing Pontiac from last to 3rd in the GM sales lineup, he was passed over for the president of GM and went to Ford to assume the presidency there. He lasted from 1968-1970 and was replaced by Lee Iacocca. He then became president of White motors, and eventually served as commissioner of NASCAR from 1978 until his death in 1998. Kinda neat stuff that I hope a few of you would appreciate. Dano 1970 Essex 3M/5463