RE: Silhouette Mark IV
These cars were made FOR FoMoCo by American SunRoof Corp. (ASC) in Southgate, Michigan. It is unknown WHY, but they were marketed only in Ohio and West Virginia, by the Lincoln Mercury Ford Zone Office there. The cars were specially made by Ford, at the Wixom Plant where they were made, and then sent via rail car to ASC for finishing. Most all of the unique parts were actually fabricated BY Ford, and packed into the trunks of the cars, for off-line finishing. (read: By Hand).
Besides the above Mark V there was also a T-Bird. The 'Bird came only in what had been an exclusive Mark V color, "Black Diamond-Fire" metallic. (Sales Code 1L). The T-Bird buyer normally had to choose between either a Power Glass MoonRoof *OR* the rear Landau Vinyl top. IF he/she wanted a moonroof, they had to get the full length vinyl top. However, on this special model, Ford installed the rear 1/4 heavily padded vinyl top AND then ASC installed the moonroof, making the 1976 the only T-Bird to ever have the combination of both items, up until that time! In addition, the T-Bird also had red velour interior, but red leather was an option. The 'Bird also came with an ASC installed trunk lid simulted spare tire, similiar to that used on the Stutz Blackhawk. 32 of the 'Birds were made. I have read, elsewhere that 200 was the MAX number of the 1976 Silhouette Mark Vs to be made, but that considerably FEWER actually rolled out of ASC. ASC has been known to keep lousey production records of specialty cars it does. I had loads of help from an insider there to obtain the info I have on the ascMcLarens, otherwise.....forget it!
Frequently it has been said that these twins were made to celebrate the Bcentinel taking place in America then. This is incorrect. They were made to comemmorate something else....and I can't recall what THAT was.