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About the car Paul drives a white 1992 Mercury Topaz that is his pride and joy. He keeps the car in immaculate condition inside and out, and waxes the car at least twice a month. The trophies that you see are real. This Topaz may very well be the only Topaz in the nation to earn enough votes by Ford Mustang car owners to secure first place each year at their annual Mustang car shows. Paul is the president and CEO of his own company, the Mercury Topaz Car Club of America. (one member so far) |
You believe that a driver should be defined by the car he or she drives? That's definitely a reason why Paul's car eliminates that stereotype. He drives a Mercury Topaz. Not just any Mercury Topaz. An award-winning Mercury Topaz. In creampuff condition, even after 110K miles. After all, how many Topaz owners do you know whose 1992 cars still earn trophies at annual Ford Mustang car shows? Paul takes care of his car because the art of driving has provided him with a sense of independence. If you were unable to walk for seven years, would you regard driving as an achievement rather than a privilege? Paul does. And he is proud to drive a car with regular foot controls. Paul devotes himself, among other interests, into keeping his car in top condition. Which includes a wax job every two weeks! Though it may have the engine of a lawn mower, Paul believes the Topaz has some endearing qualities. Its 2.3-liter 4-cylinder engine sips gas, so it takes a long time for the gas gauge needle to move. It also has a spacious interior for his 5'2" frame, and with the seats all the way forward, there's enough legroom in the back to exceed that of a Lincoln Town Car. And police officers do not recognize this car on the road, though at Rutgers, that's an entirely different story! He takes pride in keeping the Topaz in top cosmetic and mechanical condition. Paul's friends agree that he drives this car like a Rolls-Royce, but cares for it like a vintage Ferrari. Paul details the car himself, frequently waxing the door jambs, the bottom of the gas tank, the rear side of the gas door, and the bottom of the trunk. He uses a set of toothbrushes and cotton swabs to get into those hard-to-reach areas. Paul is also a very conservative driver, never exceeding 57 mph in this car and rarely getting above 2800 rpm (in order to prolong the life of the engine). He is also fiercely protective of his Topaz, even carrying a set of orange cones in the trunk for use in tight parking spots. Paul also covers the car while visiting the beach during the summers, so that the salt particles do not damage the paint finish. Paul's ultimate dream is to find a no-mileage Mercury Topaz (in pristine condition) that he can proudly drive around to the schools he visits.
The Mercury Topaz Car Club of America
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