An Email List, a Bygone Dealership, and 13 Cars: How It All Began

The idea didn’t get much of a response at first, and only four people in the immediate Washington area showed interest in the proposed meeting. Then, Cat fans south of the Potomac chimed in.

The planned cruise-in caught the attention of Cougar enthusiasts in central and southern Virginia. Soon, excitement started building for a “Mid-Atlantic Cougar Cruise-In.”

After an exchange of email messages between interested parties, it was decided that, given the number of Virginia residents involved, the group would meet in Richmond, Va. So, on June 28, 1998, 13 classic Cougars stood side-by-side with the all-new, 1999 Mercury Cougar on the lot of Capitol Lincoln Mercury of Richmond. Capitol LM (the dealership later closed) agreed to sponsor the cruise-in as a way to promote the ’99 cat. The dealership went the extra mile, providing hot dogs, drinks, and a welcoming atmosphere for the Cougar enthusiasts.

Capitol LM provided one other important amenity: use of its conference room, where the Cat enthusiasts met to talk about establishing a regional Cougar club. Within an hour, they decided to do just that. They traded contact information and agreed to stay in touch online, select officers, and conduct other business necessary to bring to life what ultimately would become Delmarva Cougar Club.

At the end of the day, the Cougar fans parted and eagerly looked forward to more meetings and other club activities with their new Cat family.

Postcard advertising the 1998 Richmond, Va., cruise-in that gave birth to the Delmarva Cougar Club