THE COUGAR - M.H.C. 026

"The Mercury Cougar holds a unique position in the realm of classic American muscle cars, and it has always had a special place in my affection for these powerful vehicles. In my design exploration, I aimed to give it a fresh voice, transforming it into something entirely distinctive. Through my design lens, I sought to highlight the Cougar's key features, showcasing what makes it an iconic American vehicle. Each MHC build is a tribute to a facet of the automotive world that I admire, and with the Cougar project, my goal was to express my love for the reimagining of the American muscle car era, tailored to contemporary tastes."

- Ash Thorp 

THE COUGAR - M.H.C. 026

"In crafting this build, my objective was to enhance each panel of the Cougar while preserving its distinctive contours. I introduced a defining feature—a striking, bold sweeping line starting just behind the front wheel. This line cut into the body, creating an accent that gracefully faded through the doors. This key feature infused the side body lines with personality, a design element I extended throughout the entire vehicle. By eliminating door handles, rear bumpers, tail lights, front headlights, and modifying the front hood, the Cougar underwent a transformative metamorphosis, acquiring a new identity."

- Ash Thorp

"My goal was to express my love for the reimagining of the American muscle car era, tailored to contemporary tastes."

- Ash Thorp

"I introduced a defining feature—a striking, bold sweeping line starting just behind the front wheel."

- Ash Thorp

"My aim was to subtly convey my deep admiration for the original lines."

- Ash Thorp

"The overarching objective is to find harmony in the shape language"

- Ash Thorp

THE COUGAR - M.H.C. 026

The collaboration with designer Raf Rennie for The Cougar aimed to push the boundaries of traditional automotive liveries. By bringing Raf's futuristic design sensibilities to an iconic American muscle car, we sought to create a visual fusion of styles and influences. Our decision to go for a more minimalistic look initially involved exploring a black version of the car. However, the graphics truly came to life when we opted for a warmer cream color, adding a unique and distinctive touch to the vehicle.

THE COUGAR - M.H.C. 026

The goal of this collaboration was not just to apply a new coat of paint but to redefine how we perceive this American icon. By integrating Raf's expertise and distinctive style, we aimed to present The Cougar in a way that transcended the conventional expectations associated with classic muscle cars. The final result, achieved through the collaborative efforts and creative synergy, stands as a testament to the possibilities that arise when diverse talents converge with a shared vision.

"The goal of this collaboration was to redefine how we perceive this American icon."

- Ash Thorp

THE COUGAR - M.H.C. 026

In the meticulous crafting of every MHC car, our focus remains steadfast on the build's purpose and intent. Our objective is to achieve a harmonious blend, capturing a classic iconic stance while integrating period-correct components that carry our distinctive touch. Establishing the right stance is paramount, especially for the Cougar, laying the foundation for subsequent design elements. Once the stance is perfected, I meticulously reshape each panel to accommodate the car's newfound expanded width. Each car is a personal endeavor, reflecting how I would authentically approach its construction. In the case of the Cougar, my aim was to subtly convey my deep admiration for the original lines of this magnificent machine.

THE COUGAR - M.H.C. 026

A distinctive hallmark of every MHC build is the deliberate removal of components deemed unnecessary for our design vision. This selective disassembly serves a dual purpose: it not only exposes the inner workings of the machine, creating a secondary layer of design language, but also allows a captivating glimpse into the heart of the vehicle. The strategy behind part removal is not mere subtraction; it's a thoughtful approach aimed at enhancing negative spaces. Filling in lost detail with meticulously machined components, possessing both form and function, is a crucial aspect. For the Cougar, the intentional removal of the iconic rear and front lights was a strategic move, fostering a visual pairing between the front and rear of the build. The overarching objective is to find harmony in the shape language, ensuring that our signature design resonates consistently throughout the entire car. This approach ensures that from every vantage point, a new detail emerges, seamlessly supporting the last.

© 2022 by Make Haste Corp

Ludicrous Speed Science inc 2022
685115888886808576

Creator's
Ash Thorp
Carlos Pecino A.K.A ColorSponge

Incept - 050520

Contact
info@makehastecorp.com