Is it one and the same? Is Merkur just a transatlantic interpretation of merkin? Those Yanks are always bastardising our language! (The Yanks on this forum are honorary Brits, so they aren't counted.)

If anyone were to get creative with the word "merkin". it would have to be the Aussies, using it name toupees or pot-scrubbers.

Silly, wasn't it, for Ford to Germanize "Mercury" to attempt to create a European mystique about the Sierra? I've got to admit it worked, though, because I am amazed at how British Locosters pick up decent-looking Sierras for pocket change. Merkurs cost a bundle when new, and still have a good resale value.

I always thought the Mercury brand was for chumps who could be tricked out of their money with a little (ugly) chrome trim. Funny how Toyota/Lexus and Honda/Acura accomplish the same thing (with the entry-level models) by removing trim...and get a lot more money!!

Merkurs and merkins do have a little in common, as far as both have to do with gilding the lily

Pete

As I understand t, the usa Merkur was a top end sierra, with a 2.3 litre turb four making pretty good power? That would make a great donor.

In the UK the sierra was one of the two main 'sales rep mobiles' and sold loads with 1.3 litre (yeah really - didnt last) 1.6, 1.8 2.0 2.3 and 2.8 engines. Most were 1.6 - 2.0 and made average to low power.

Cos they are all 10+ years old, have low street cred, and arnt rare, you cant give one away that need work, having failed the MOT test.

I have seen running ones in backstreet garages for 200 dollars equiv.


On the other hand, I have see people use mazda mx5 miata as donors in the states, but here even the oldest road worthy ones are 6,000 dollars or more.

Using an RX7 would be out, cos they are rare and likely expensive as a result.

atb

steve

[Edited on 10/9/03 by stephen_gusterson]

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Originally posted by Rorty
......The Yanks on this forum are honorary Brits, so they aren't counted......

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id rather drink the pool than the bud.

have you forgotten what beer really is!!!!

traditional english brands, like stella artois, grolsh, heineken and kronenburg for instance

A Merkin is a pubic wig. It is a very old English word. The merkin was worn by prostitutes, who had no hair due to sexually transmitted disease, to hide the fact from prospective clients.

yours, Pete.

To follow on from Peteff...

Said wigs were then later used as mops to clean cannons.

Apparently.

I'm assuming they removed the prostitute first.

Where did the prostitutes wear these wigs, and how did they lose them to the cannon cleaners?

All kinds of strange images in my head!!!! )

Click: At least everything you ever wanted to know about merkins

Now that is what the internet is for! Somwhat ironic that these same ladies nowadays "probably" would rather have a "kojak" or even a "Mohican" wig.

But what a great job. A Merkin manufacturer/fitter.

Would robotic prostitutes use brillo pads?

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Originally posted by Rorty
......The Yanks on this forum are honorary Brits, so they aren't counted......

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Originally posted by Alan B
Must not have meant me....

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Originally posted by sgraberBrillo Pads on Robotic Prostitutes! ?
Where exactly would the brillo pad be located on that device!?

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Mark H:

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But what a great job. A Merkin manufacturer/fitter.

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Rorty, you're from 'down under', are you a displaced Brit?

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Spending all day with your nose almost in a woman's nasty?

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Fairly close to the grommet*, one would imagine

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