The 1956 Lincoln Continental Mark II was supposed to be the ultimate luxury
car. Based on the legendary design by Edsel Ford, it was to have all the
latest, and advanced luxury found anywhere. At any price, and after a two year
run went away and today is highly collectible. Selling fro $10,000, when you
could buy 5 new Chevies for the same price, it is reported that Ford lost $3000+
on each one sold. Although never designed to be a money maker, one thing they
left off was a retractable roof, a hardtop that disappeared into the trunk at
the push of a button. Topless motoring, sportiness defined in the auto world.
Probably for quality concerns more than cost at that point, it showed up in
production in 1957-59 as the Ford Skyliner, the high end Ford for those years.
At a glance the Skyliner looked like the normal Fairlane, but its rear flanks
were wider and longer, the rear seat narrower, and only limited access to the
trunk, which was only accessible when the top was up, and only a small box where
luggage could be stored when accessed. With over 600 feet of wire, various
relays, solenoids and screw jacks holding it in place, you may have thought it
was a problem just waiting to happen, but few were found. Not a volume seller,
many who preferred open air motoring went with the Sunliner, the convertible,
for less money, less hassle and a full trunk, that cold be opened like any other
car. But for those who enjoy the rare and collectible, they bring big bucks at
auctions today, and still draw interest when the top is in mid-stage, going up
or down. Almost 60 years ago Ford made it happen.
Ecclesiastes tells us there is nothing new under the sun, it has all been
done before, maybe those who write auto ads should be such informed. In 1998
Mercedes Benz came out with the SLK, a small roadster with the same type of
top. The trunk opened clamshell wise, and the top disappeared in it, with no
convertible boot to show, smooth lines like the Skyliner, and the appearance of
no top at all. And the public loved this new concept, forgetting that Ford made
it happen 40 years earlier, and it was a hit. But at first my techs and the
service department were shaking their heads. We could see all the potential
problems and figured they would be a nightmare to fix. We were wrong on both
counts, with very few top problems, just as long as you followed the
directions. Like make sure the cargo cover over the small luggage area in the
trunk was pulled forward, or the top wouldn’t work. An easy fix, open the
trunk, pull back the cover, and it worked. Many who hadn’t read the owner’s
manual, or listened upon delivery never came back once instructed, sometimes out
of embarrassment, yet a few were regular customer when it came time to go
topless. But in 2003 when the new SL500 came out with a similar top, we had
problems. Not with the top, but with customers, who could invent more ways to
foul it up. They would pull covers off in mid-operation, the top freezing in
place. Some would then try to force it, breaking tabs, or bending structures
operating in a tiny area. Some still forgot to fasten the cover over the trunk
area, and sometimes the genius owner would try to open the trunk, he was going
to fix the top stuck in place, and then the real problems began. And of course
these things all happened the farther from home, the later at night, and the
bigger the crowd. But when it worked, which was almost always, the operation
which took 29 seconds was a joy to watch. And one night while test driving an
SL 55 in Mars Red, we parked in front of a restaurant with a glass front and
putting the top up, all faces were pasted to the glass watching...never did tell
them it wasn’t mine, that was our secret. Today top operations like this are no
big deal, but 60 years ago, and even 20 years ago they were, and I still marvel
that they work at all. Not the technology of the top, but the technology of the
user. Which unfortunately still doesn’t come with a warranty. And just like the
cars then and now, stupidity is not a factory defect. Just make sure the cover
is secure....
The definition of insanity is doing the same thing, but expecting a
different result. Many today are seeking something fresh and new, I have two
friends who always end up with a flat tire when trying to reinvent the wheel.
But in truth God tells us nothing is new under the sun, it has all been tried
before, and even variations on the theme are not original. Did you know the
simple calculator is based on Egyptian mathematics formulas, just sped up by
electronics? And the formula is simple enough any 5 year old could use it? So
much for the new math we learned in elementary school. And so from cars to
calculators, it is up to the ad men make it sell, to make it all new and
improved enough so you cannot live without one. Sadly it works in religion too,
as many claim a new gospel, a new revelation from God. A new and better way to
find peace and contentment, all better than the way God provided in Jesus. Some
will even use his name in vain in their name, later claiming he is not deity,
but a created being, and rewriting their own book, to be used instead of the
Bible. Updated they say. Another denies Jesus is the son of God, taking words
out, changing the to an “a” changing the meaning, even denying hell exists,
although Jesus talked of it three times as many times as he did heaven. His
words, “if it were not true, I would not tell you so,” forgotten in their
religion. And sending all to hell who deny Jesus, simply put Jesus said “you
are either for me or against me.” Since he is the way, not a way, denial means
hell. Yes means heaven, a simple gospel for all to embrace. No works needed,
the only law is love, and forgiveness is free and available to all. Yet like
the Skyliner, some just won’t follow the book, and end up with a broken car.
Long ago we decided we were in the job of not only fixing cars, but people too.
And once shown the way, many wouldn’t stray from it. At least not until out of
warranty, then of course it was the car’s fault, and it should be fixed for
free.
The warranty Jesus offers on forgiveness is forever. No end dates, no
deductibles, and no up front charges. Forever, for all, for all sins. The only
unforgivable one is denying him, and you get none for the above. That simple,
and you can live your life knowing heaven awaits. No worries, he doesn’t change
his mind about you. His love is not like ours, and you cannot make him love you
any more, and he will never love you any less. If any questions about a
religious doctrine, ask them who do they say Jesus is? If I only had a few
hours to live, how will I be assured of heaven? The thief on the cross was
faced with that situation, with no time to do good works, to be baptized, or to
study to be found approved. Yet Jesus promised him paradise that night. And
being God since the beginning, he was, he is, and he will forever be. Do you
trust religion on your eternal destiny or trust God? Do you take Jesus at his
word, or those who deny his deity? Your choice-top up or top down, you need
Jesus, and he is the only way.
Going topless, like going without Jesus may be OK until the rains come.
You need him now, so he will be there in the storm, and not get caught trying to
help put up the top. He doesn’t need your help, he doesn’t even request it, his
only orders are love him first, then your neighbor as yourself. Loving him and
then you, because he loved you first. Don’t be like the curious buyer, just
wanting the latest and greatest. Fads come and go, so do religions. Only Jesus
remains, form alpha to omega, from beginning to end. And is with us in the
middle too, where we spend all our time. Heaven awaits, enjoy the benefits now
before the final trip. It has been said and rightly so, only one loose nut
behind the wheel an destroy all the others functions, bringing the car to a
halt. Don’t be that nut, trust Jesus today, avoid all substitutes, and have
nothing to do with them. Read 2 John, a short book, less than 20 verses, and
see why God so loved the world he sent Jesus. And will not tolerate any
substitutes. Nothing new under the sun, find all you need in the Son. He loves
you now as you are, and forever. Love, joy, peace, patience. And at prices you
can afford.....
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com
