This Sunday, Aug. 22, Hassett will take part in the Wantagh Hook, Ladder, Engine Co. No. 1’s second annual Car & Antique Fire Apparatus Show (while Hassett will not be displaying any antique fire apparatuses, it will be showcasing several of its most popular makes and models). A portion of the proceeds from the event will support the Nassau University Medical Burn Center.

And then, on Tuesday night, Hassett will be at the Nikon Jones Beach Theater, showing off the latest Ford and Lincoln models while multi-platinum megaband Creed continues its comeback tour.

On the scale of events Hassett might participate in, these two are pretty far apart. But they have one important thing in common, according to Hassett General Sales Manager Lou Evans.

“These are fun events!” Lou says. “The first Wantagh Fire Department car show was a blast, and we’re expecting a great turnout this year. And anyone who lives on Long Island or grew up here knows there’s nothing like a summer concert on Jones Beach!”

The Car & Antique Fire Apparatus Show, which Hassett is sponsoring, is slated to run from 9 am to 3 pm Sunday in the Long Island Rail Road commuter parking lot adjacent to Wantagh Station on Park Avenue. Live entertainment is planned, along with numerous vendor raffles and food and refreshments provided by Applebee’s and Pepsi.

“It’s a great summer event,” Lou says. “And we’re very happy to be able to support the Medical Burn Center.”

The Creed concert is a special “Low Dough Rock Show” sponsored by WBAB Radio: Tickets are only $20 each, making it the most affordable show in the 2010 Jones Beach Summer Concert Series.

Creed, which rose to fame in the late 1990s, has sold over 26 million albums in the United States alone, featuring such chart-toppers as “With Arms Wide Open” and “My Sacrifice.” The band split up in 2004, but reunited last year for a world tour that continued into 2010 – and has led them to the Nikon Theater.

Along with being a sponsor of the concert, Hassett is bringing a brand-new, fully loaded 2011 Fiesta, a rock star in its own right: class-leading fuel economy, twin independent variable-cam timing, available six-speed PowerShift automatic transmission, electric power-assisted steering, available leather trim, Intelligent Access with push-button start, multifunctional LCD display and a top-rate SYNC ® system featuring hands-free Bluetooth-enabled phone, voice-activated music search, audible text messages, turn-by-turn navigation capabilities, real-time traffic updates …

The list sort of goes on like that for a while. Suffice it to say, the Fiesta is one knockout car, and Creed fans will learn all about it Tuesday night.

“It’s not just the fuel efficiency,” Lou notes. “It’s the driving experience. People get genuinely excited about this car.”

Just like Hassett gets genuinely excited about road trips. Really, is there any better way to spend your summer?

It’s pretty obvious that Planet Earth’s chief inhabitants are turning a corner: Greener, smaller, big efficiency, small footprint … these are the definitions of “new and improved” now, the calling cards of everything “better,” from light bulbs to skyscrapers.

Somewhere in the middle of all that is an automotive revolution. It’s actually the most innovative era for cars and trucks since the Model T; the drive toward fuel efficiency has inspired an all-out environmental race, and enjoying a comfortable lead – as it did a century ago, when founder Henry mass-produced America’s first affordable car – is the Ford Motor Co.

And just when you thought “green” had run out of automotive steam, here comes Ford again, redefining parameters. Years ago, the world of sports-utility vehicles was turned on its ear by the one-and-only Explorer, still the most popular SUV of all time – and the most durable (according to Hassett Automotive Service Manager Marc Zergebel, of roughly six million Explorers ever sold, four million are still on the road). Now, everything about the Explorer is new – the platform, the efficiency, the amenities, the thinking – and once again, the world has changed.

How new? How’s this: The Explorer is no longer an SUV. Built on a smaller car platform that increases fuel performance and handling, the CUV – as in “crossover” – is completely redesigned, inside and out. And it still offers full-size comfort for seven passengers and a 5,000-pound towing capacity, right at the top of an increasingly crowded CUV field.

“The Explorer is just amazing,” says Marc, who attended the invitation-only unveiling of the 2011 Explorer July 26 in New York City, rubbing elbows with Ford CEO Alan Mulally and TV pitchman Mike Rowe.

“I’m blown away,” he says. “It’s beautiful, it’s efficient, it’s high-tech, it’s safe. It still carries seven people in three rows of seating, very comfortably. It still tows 5,000 pounds. And it does it all with class-leading fuel mileage.”

“The shift from traditional SUV to the crossovers has been great for fuel efficiency, but typically, crossovers have two rows and seating for five,” Marc adds. “The market still demands a seven-passenger vehicle with the versatility of all-wheel drive and the ability to carry a full-size family.”

That family is going to want power enough to handle any road, task or weather, and they’ll get it, whether they choose the Explorer’s standard 3.5-liter Twin Independent Variable Cam Timing V6 or the optional 2-liter Direct Injection Turbocharged EcoBoost™ engine (promising 30-percent better fuel economy). Either way, the Explorer packs impressive horsepower and an aggressive six-speed automatic transmission.

That family is also going to prize safety, so they’ll appreciate Ford’s newest anti-injury innovation: the world’s first inflatable rear safety belts, an option designed and tested specifically to reduce head and neck injuries and enhance rear-seat safety for passengers of all ages. “Really a terrific idea,” Marc notes. “That much more protection, in case of an accident.”

And that family, of course, will want to enjoy the ride. In Ford’s exclusive upgrade packages, they’ll find the latest in mobile communications, security and entertainment.

“Automatic parking, Bluetooth technology, turn-by-turn navigation, traffic, weather, movie listings…” Marc says. “All sorts of information, right on a nice LCD touch-screen.”

Those features and more are indeed available via the optional Ford MyTouch™ System, which promises game-changing driver-connect technology. Responding to over 10,000 voice commands, the touch-screen and steering-wheel mounted controls, the latest incarnation of Ford’s groundbreaking SYNC System controls music, climate, phone and navigation systems, interfacing with passengers on three customizable LCD screens and even enabling WiFi.

Out-of-the-box thinking like this has always set the Explorer apart. But the 2011 Explorer represents a quantum leap, Marc says, sure to “capture the imagination and satisfy the needs of existing (Mercury) Mountaineer and Explorer owners, as well as a whole new market of customers we haven’t seen before.”

“This is exactly what they’ve been waiting for,” Marc says. “It’s the ideal choice for the family in search of quality, comfort, safety and efficiency. And it’s a total blast.”

Hassett expects to take delivery of the first 2011 Explorers later this year, but is already taking orders from excited enthusiasts. For more details on the new Explorer’s breakthrough design and topflight amenities – or to reserve the best ride of your life – swing by the dealership on Sunrise Highway in Wantagh today, or visit Hassett online

Long Island’s top work-truck dealer. A networking event sponsored by a trade organization representing over 1,500 Island landscape design and maintenance

professionals. A college campus packed with environmentally conscious young-adult drivers.

Lou Evans is no dummy.

Lou, the hardworking general sales manager of Hassett Automotive, knows a marketing opportunity when he sees one. That’s why he made sure Hassett was at the Nassau Suffolk Landscape Gardeners Association’s July 14 networking picnic/barbecue at Farmingdale State College. That’s why he had Hassett join the NSLGA in the first place – to learn the needs of a critical customer base from the inside. And that’s why he was sure to bring along a shiny new Ford Fiesta when Hassett visited the FSC campus: Though shalt not pass, Lou figures, without offering.

“The kids thought the car was awesome,” he says of the nimble, 40-mpg Fiesta, the European sensation now redefining the U.S. compact market. “They were really intrigued by the economy and surprised at how roomy a small car can be on the inside. It has all the modern features and it’s so affordable … what better place to showcase this car than at a college?”

Clever as it was to showcase that new Fiesta, Hassett was sure to bring the big guns to the NSLGA networking event. Hassett’s pièce de résistance was a Ford F-550 – a Class 5 Super-Duty conventional truck that shares fender, grill, hood and cab designs with smaller pickup trucks – outfitted with what Lou calls a “landscape body.”

“This is the type of vehicle you most commonly see landscapers using,” the GSM notes. “They carry mulch, they carry topsoil, bushes, shrubs … for whatever they need to carry, this is the body of choice, as opposed to a mason body, for instance, that might be better for carrying bricks or cement.

“A landscape body has higher sides and more capacity,” Lou adds. “It’s larger, not necessarily by weight, but by volume.”

Like the Fiesta with FSC’s summer students, the F-550 was a big hit with the NSLGA members attending the July 14 networking event. That’s not surprising, considering Ford F-series trucks have been America’s No. 1-selling vehicles for three decades.

“You go to event where there are people representing companies that sell tractors and riding motors and other things that might interest professional landscapers and gardeners, and something like [the F-550] fits right in,” Lou notes. “It’s a big attraction. This is the vehicle they’re looking for.”

And between the green-   minded fans of the peppy Ford Fiesta and the green-thumbed admirers of the gritty F-550, Lou hopes the NSLGA road trip will generate some green for Hassett Automotive.

“Of course we do these things to increase sales,” the GSM says. “But they’re also educational. We want to teach those kids about Fiesta’s efficiency and affordability. We want to show the landscapers everything the Ford Super Duties have to offer. And we want to learn ourselves – what are those customers thinking when they see these vehicles, and how can we better serve them?”

Teaching, learning and making a few extra sales along the way.

Yeah … no dummy, that Lou.

It’s not a bird. It’s not a plane. But baby, it’s super.

And … you guessed it … Hassett Has It, in stock, right now.

Here’s something Ford knows that the other guys just can’t grasp: When it comes to their livelihoods, hardworking pros have no interest in compromise. Whether they’re executives at corporate HQ or bricklayers at bustling construction sites, professionals with half-an-ounce of work ethic don’t appreciate inefficiencies or excuses. They appreciate results. They do their best and they expect their team to do its best. They can’t waste time wondering if their tools are up to snuff – and if they’re working at that construction site, that definitely includes their trucks.

The F-series of pickup trucks has been America’s No. 1-selling vehicle for decades, and that’s no fluke: Ford has always poured its heart and soul (and considerable sweat equity) into its trucks. But even the mega-dependable, tough-as-nails evolution of the F Series trucks pales in comparison to the latest beasts of the line: The 2011 Super Duties, the ultimate Work Truck.

Start with a new powertrain that redefines tough: Tested over 250,000 miles in temperatures ranging from a frigid 40 below to a searing 120 degrees Fahrenheit, the new Super Duty train takes strength and reliability to new heights by locking down sealing capabilities and juicing up structural integrity. Whatever you need to haul, you’ll haul it better.     

Of course, toughness alone doesn’t make a truck a Ford. These are Super Duties, so they better be strong. And they are: From best-in-class max towing capacity to new diesel engines equipped with center-mounted turbochargers for faster air displacement and reduced turbo lag, every Super Duty delivers extra power when you need it.

All right, tough and strong. A great start, and more than enough if you’re satisfied playing the offensive line. But if you want to call the signals – if you really want the ball – you need abilities. You need skills. And goodness, these Super Duties have skills.

How about Trailer Sway Control? Ford’s exclusive Hill Ascent feature? The patented Hill Descent Control™ system?  How about SelectShift Automatic Transmission™, shifting that power where it’s needed most?

How about top-of-its-class fuel economy that’s achieved without sacrificing any torque or work capacity? Skills indeed.

And how about a line of available accessories that can easily customize your Super Duty to your specific needs? From a factory-installed Gooseneck Prep Package to the unique Electronic Locking Differential (splitting power equally to the rear axle and maximizing off-road traction), these behemoths back their brawn with brains.

Look, you either drive a Super Duty or you know you should. But don’t just take our word for it. It was the reviewers at www.macktruck.org that gushed how the 2011 Super Duty is “raising pickup truck standards.” It was www.4wheelnews.com that cited the 2011 Super Duty’s “best-in-class diesel” and said it was “getting raves for being powered by a 6.7-liter Power Stroke V-8 turbocharged engine that is B20 biodiesel compatible.”

It wasn’t us, but http://www.detnews.com/ suggesting the new Super Duties “won’t shy away from work, they relish it.” And we certainly don’t tell the respected thinkers over at http://www.edmunds.com/ what to think, but they were nonetheless “struck by how much more refined and quiet the Ford Super Duty was in comparison [to the 2010 Silverado].”

Speaking of the Silverado, click on over to http://www.fordvehicles.com/trucks/superduty/ and see the F Series in action against leading challengers Silverado and Ram … and see for yourself Why Ford, Why Now.

The all-new, all-business 2011 F-Series Super Duty is in stock right now at Hassett of Wantagh. When you’re done playing on the Internet, come in and grab yours. You’ve got work to do.

Why Ford? Why Now? More than a marketing slogan, these are good questions.

Fortunately, Ford has good answers, which means Hassett of Wantagh – Long Island’s No. 1 volume Ford, Lincoln, Mercury dealer – has great news. When you’re the hottest dealership around and the mothership pulls out all the stops on a value-laden national promotion, you get a little giddy.

Comparing itself to Toyota, Honda and Nissan, Ford is asking drivers to “get the facts … then get behind the wheel.” Hassett is going one better, inviting enthusiasts to learn Why Ford and then drive off with the deal of a lifetime, including the exclusive Hassett Owner Advantage Program.

“There’s extra value in every Hassett purchase,” notes Hassett of Wantagh General Sales Manager Lou Evans. Best Service, Best Selection, Best Prices! Add things like free oil changes, round-the-clock roadside assistance and the other great benefits of the Owner Advantage Program, and it’s really something special.

“When Ford goes all-out on a national promotion, it’s even better,” Lou adds. “And right now, they’re going all-out.”

In the case of Why Ford, “all-out” is an engine block-to-engine block drive-off with some of the world’s toughest competitors. Ford is facing leading imports churned out by Toyota, Honda and Nissan on everything from safety to efficiency to the bells and whistles that make or break a luxury driving experience – and model by model, category by category, Ford’s blowing off their proverbial doors.

For the moment, forget all those unfortunate recalls – Toyota makes good cars. But not Ford good. Fords are safer (the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration has given Ford more five-star front crash test ratings than Toyota). Fords get better mileage (the 2010 Fusion bests the 2011 Toyota Camry by 2 mpg highway, while the 2011 Fiesta tops the 2010 Toyota Yaris by 5 mpg highway). And Ford’s luxury is in another league (only Ford offers MyKey ® entry and the Easy Fuel ® capless fuel filler, while the Toyota Avalon can only envy Taurus’ 3.5-liter EcoBoost™ V6 engine, BLIS ® Blind Spot Information System and adaptive cruise control).

Honda has been putting quality vehicles on the road for decades – but not Ford quality. The NHTSA has given Ford more five-star front crash test ratings than Honda, too. The Fusion out-miles the Honda Accord by 3 mpg highway, while the Fiesta out-safeties the comparable Honda Fit (seven standard airbags to six). Along with the exclusive Sync ® hands-free system, only the Edge features AdvanceTrac ® safety with RSC ® Roll Stability Control, while the Escape offers a fuel-conscious six-speed automatic transmission and Active Park Assist – amenities absent from the Honda CRV.

Nissan? Fine cars … but why settle for fine when you can love a Ford? More five-star front crash test ratings from the NHTSA. Better fuel economy (the 2010 Fusion beats the 2010 Nissan Altima by 2 mpg highway, the 2010 Taurus beats the 2010 Maxima by 2 mpg highway, the 2010 F-150 beats the 2010 Nissan Titan by 3 mpg highway). And more standard luxury, from Sync to the Escape’s active park assist – unheard of on the rival Nissan Xterra.

Why Ford? That’s easy: Because model by model, category by category, Ford’s the best.

Why Now? Also easy: Because Ford’s quality and value have never been higher. And at Hassett of Wantagh, now and always, you even get a little extra.

The world of sport compacts has been turned on its ear, again, by the Subaru Impreza.

Already the stuff of World Rally legend, the Impreza has always impressed engineers and enthusiasts around the globe with its symmetrical all-wheel drive and the turbocharged Subaru EJ purring under its hood. But the 2011 Impreza WRXs break the mold – widening their appeal by widening their size.

The new 2011s are the first consumer WRX models to share the wide-body design of Subaru’s iconic WRX STI® performance model, which has turned heads at rally, autocross and road-racing events for years. Including the new-for-2011 wide-body four-door sedan and the classic WRX five-door model, the new Imprezas enjoy a roughly 1.5-inch increase in their front and rear track, firmer rear subframe bushings and wider 17-inch wheels – improvingtheir grip and strengthening Impreza’s aggressive road presence.

John Fanuzzi, Hassett of Wantagh’s Subaru sales manager and self-professed “car crazy,” has been an Impreza fan for years. Never at a loss for words when it comes to discussing autos and especially the Subaru line he proudly promotes, even John finds only one word to capture the essence of the 2011 Imprezas: “Wow!”

“What a car,” the auto enthusiast says. “And what a difference with the new wide-body designs. The wide-and-low trim not only improves handling and gives the driver a better sense of stability, but it creates a really consistent flow from the front to the rear. It’s so smooth … a beautiful car that drives beautifully.”

While stellar handling has been a consistent trademark of   the Subaru line, there’s always been something else about the Impreza – power. And the 2011 WRX STI® models don’t disappoint, motivating drivers with high-boost, 305-horsepower, turbocharged/intercooled, four-cylinder Boxer engines and six-speed manual transmissions. (In its review, the New York Times notes that “rocket fuel [is] recommended.)

Depending on their specific handling needs, drivers can also choose from “Intelligent,” “Sport” and “Sport Sharp” automatic driving modes.

Along with all that power, all those racing-grade control options and that patented Subaru all-wheel-drive command comes the icing on this automotive cake: Missing from previous generations, the classic rear-wing spoiler makes a triumphant return on the 2011 Imprezas. (“You have to admit,” notes autoblog.com in its 2011 Impreza review, “the wing is pretty sweet.”)

Factor in better-lit control panels, Bluetooth® hands-free functions, iPod control capabilities, available navigation system and Subaru’s exclusive Ring-Shaped Reinforcement Frame body structure with front and rear crumple zones, and it adds up to a driving experience that’s “a complete joy,” according to AllAutoReviews.com: “If your criterion when choosing a car is impressive performance, safety or comfort, the 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX STI® fits the bill.”

With their debut this summer, Hassett of Wantagh will feature the new Impreza models all season long. John is ready to show a new generation of driving enthusiasts just what makes the Subaru flagship so special, so come on in and check one out. Just remember: Rocket fuel sold separately.

The tagline reads “All Legend. No Compromise.” And as usual, Ford is as good as its word.

The 5.0 is back, big time, in the all-new, all-awesome 2011 Mustang – the newest and greatest incarnation of one of the top-selling vehicles of all time. Recent Mustang models have drawn on the car’s legendary look; now, Ford engineers pay homage to its iconic history as America’s all-time-champion muscle car.

The power that left the Challenger and the Trans Am in the dust is on full display in a 2011 model optimized for speed and performance. Re-mastered to deliver a dizzying 412 horsepower and a whopping 390 foot-pounds of torque, the new Mustang starts with 5.0 liters and never stops: Twin independent variable-cam timing provides topflight performance at any RPM, while everything from piston-cooling jets to high-flow dual exhaust to the lightweight aluminum engine block combines for an unprecedented display of power and efficiency.

Bottom line: This pony rocks.

“The Mustang is always a great car,” says Lou Evans, GSM at Hassett of Wantagh, where interest in the Ford mainstay is at an all-time high. “But this model is special. With the 2011, it’s all about speed … I mean, this car is fast.”

If an innovative, 32-valve V8 is this Mustang’s heart (305 horsepower V6 models are also available.) and a smooth, six-speed transmission is its soul, its masters wasted no effort prettying it up, either. This is the most luxurious pony ever to roll off the Ford line, a combination of classic looks, sleek upgrades and fantastic creature comforts sure to please every driver.

Start with eleven class-exclusive features, including the industry-first MyKey™ system, which allows you to enforce your own specific driving restrictions. Add the seamless, one-piece instrument panel; a floor console designed specifically for more-precise shifting; ambient lighting in seven available colors; and bright aluminum interior accent panels. Then spoil yourself with available navigation systems (featuring integrated SIRIUS Travel Link™) and the Ford-exclusive SYNC ® system, providing hands-free activation of your phone, music and more.

That’s when you understand how different this Mustang is. And with a starting MSRP of $22,145, the super-charged, super-cool ’Stang remains one of the easiest-to-afford luxuries you’ll ever own.

Come start your own legend at Hassett of Wantagh, where the exclusive Owner Advantage Program adds value to each and every great deal. But come soon … Lou, for one, expects the 2011s to fly off the lot.

“There’s truly never been anything like it,” he says. “Ford has really broken the mold.”

We tell you all the time that “Hassett Has It,” and it’s true … but what is “it,” anyway?

Anyone who’s ever been to Hassett of Wantagh knows we’ve got the cars. Anyone who’s ever dealt with us for repairs or maintenance knows we’ve got the service. And anyone who’s ever bought a vehicle from us knows we’ve got the best prices. They don’t just call us Long Island’s No. 1-volume Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, Subaru dealer, you know.

Individually, none of these things are “it.” Not every dealership is as committed as Hassett to the best selection, the best service and the best prices, and these things are critical to our success, but they’re still not “it,” not entirely.

“It” can be hard to define. You definitely know when it’s there and you definitely know when it’s not, but it’s still difficult to pin “it” down. One thing is certain, though: You can’t fake “it.”

And when you’re as good as Hassett, you don’t have to. For instance, consider Hassett’s exclusive Owner Advantage Program: On top of the selection, the service and the prices comes this goody bag of complimentary benefits, which apply to every vehicle Hassett sells.

“The Owner Advantage Program is our way of saying ‘thank you’ to our loyal customers, and our way of saying ‘come on in’ to new customers,” says Hassett General Sales Manager Lou Evans. “We know we have the best prices on the greatest cars, we know we have the most efficient and professional service facilities on Long Island, and we’ve always made friendly and timely customer assistance a priority. But the Owner Advantage Program is the cherry on top … it’s our version of above-and-beyond.”

For a seven-time consecutive winner of the Ford Motor Co.’s President’s Award for Customer Service and a repeat winner of the Subaru Stellar Performer Award, improving customer service can be a daunting challenge. The Owner Advantage Program, therefore, had better be pretty special.

It is.

Free first service for all new and certified pre-owned vehicles. Every fifth oil change free. Unlimited free car washes for the first month of ownership. Free loaner cars available for scheduled service visits. Saturday service hours. Round-the-clock roadside assistance for all new vehicles. Exclusive access to Long Island’s largest parts inventory and the Island’s most skilled commercial truck service facility.

Add to these impressive benefits instant cash off on your next Hassett purchase, a rewards program offering five percent in service/parts credit for every dollar you spend and a plethora of impressive, vehicle-specific incentives – free first-year service and a 4-year, 50,000-mile, bumper-to-bumper warranty on all new Lincolns, and a three-year, 3-year, 36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty on all new Ford, Mercury and Subaru vehicles – and you have the finest customer-appreciation package available.

You have the Hassett Owner Advantage Program. You have Hassett’s definition of “above and beyond.”

You have “it.”

He doesn’t collect stamps, or dress up to reenact Civil War battles, or do much fishing.

Hassett of Wantagh’s Subaru sales manager, in fact, claims only one hobby – one you might expect from a dude who’s been in the auto business since 1972.

“I’m car crazy,” John says, and it shows, whether he’s at Hassett discussing the Outback’s Motor Trend Sport/Utility of the Year Award or at home fiddling with his classic car collection.

John’s award-winning stash includes a 1966 Ford Mustang convertible and a 1970 Mercury Cougar XR-7, each restored to its original glory. While the ’Stang has been “retired” by the Mustang Club of America – it’s won so many awards in the six years he’s owned it, the MCA bestowed this highest honor – it’s still a prominent part of John’s beloved pastime, right there with the Cougar he’s perfected over 20 years.

“It was my first classic car,” he says of the XR-7. “I’ve loved automobiles all my life. I remember driving around with my dad, sitting in the backseat naming all the different makes and models we saw on the road. I decided when I got out of college that I should pursue an automotive career.”

And he did, selling his first car in 1972 and fanning the flames in his spare time as well. “This is my golf game,” John notes, though it’s not like he stepped up to the first tee and ripped a 300-yard drive down the fairway.

At first, he admits, he was a clueless car collector: “I really didn’t know what I was doing. For instance, I had the Cougar painted but I didn’t do the engine compartment.”

John quickly shifted gears. He learned his game well, and eventually the Cougar enjoyed a “ground-up restoration” – everything was rebuilt and restored according to factory specifications, making the car “as close to new as possible,” he says. “To take a car that’s over 40 years old,” he says, “and have it look better than a brand-new car … that’s really saying something.”

For competition purposes, exterior aesthetics rule, so “having the original tires and wheels and the original mirror and things like that is critical,” John notes. “On my Cougar, even the original grill was restored.”

The result was a precision instrument in pristine condition, worthy of first-place awards at “concours shows” around the Northeast. The XR-7 has taken first place at the Rhinebeck (NY) Car Show, the Old Westbury Gardens Concours Show and Long Island’s Vanderbilt Invitational Concours, among other prestigious showcases.

Nothing to sneeze at, but not quite as impressive as John’s Mustang, a crown jewel worthy of any collection. The ’Stang was restored to what John calls “gold-trailered standards,” indicating it’s as close to assembly-line perfect as possible. “Everything has to be factory correct,” John notes, “from the spark plugs to the tires.”

This advanced TLC has resulted in six national and three grand-national awards from the MCA, atop a heap of other first-place nods. These are ultimate honors for an enthusiast like John, especially since maintaining classic cars to this degree is never easy.

“Getting the right parts is tough,” he says. “Original polyglass tires, for instance … they are not made anymore, so you have to really pursue it to find places that have them.”

John’s obviously serious about his hobby, as serious as he is about his work at Hassett. While Hassett is Long Island’s No. 1 Ford, Lincoln, Mercury dealer and John obviously has a history with Fords and Mercury’s, his professional focus is on Subarus – and he tackles this task with the same enthusiasm and knowledge.

“Subarus are great cars,” he says. “The International Institute for Highway Safety awarded Subaru the only manufacturer with 2010 Top Safety Picks for all models. The Outback was recently named Motor Trend’s 2010 Sport/Utility of the year, making Subaru the first car company to take home Motor Trend’s Sport/Utility twice in a row.”

There’s no questioning the reliability, safety and fun of a new Subaru. For John, one of the many keen and dedicated enthusiasts on Hassett’s staff, Subarus are the perfect match to those classic beauties filling the garage in his heart.

The Mercury line has undergone some changes over the years, but remains a mainstay of American ingenuity. Named for the fleet-footed Roman god of commerce, the first car in the line (the Mercury Eight, a.k.a. the “Super Ford”) was designed to be powerful and stylish – and yet economical. After World War II temporarily halted production, the vehicle sped to new heights; by 1950, less than 20 years after the first Eights rolled off the line, Mercury sold its one-millionth car.

By the time “Rebel Without a Cause” James Dean drove a customized ’49 Mercury in the 1955 classic, Mercury’s legacy was set. The 1960 introduction of the Comet (Mercury’s first luxury compact) and the Meteor (a downsized sedan) reflected a growing trend toward smaller cars, but it was 1967 when Mercury burned its indelible mark on American highways with the arrival of the Mercury Cougar, the iconic muscle car.

The line would grow to include models of assorted shapes and sizes, with vehicles such as the well-appointed Grand Marquis and the sporty Capri (now a favorite among niche collectors) capturing the fancy of various market segments. Some models would be swallowed by the tides of history, others would rise to replace them – but the move toward smaller and more efficient vehicles was constant, as was the loyalty inspired by Mercury’s relentless quality.

Today, Mercury is dedicated to the safest, most comfortable ride at the best price. From the Milan Hybrid (granted 4.5 out of five stars by influential reviewer CNET) to the Mariner Hybrid (deemed America’s most fuel-efficient mid-size sedan by R.L. Polk & Co.), Mercury is opening new doors to fuel efficiency, power and style.

The Milan and the Mariner have both been honored for their passenger-safety protocols. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety named the electronic stability-controlled 2009 Milan a Top Safety Pick for midsize cars, while the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave the 2009 Mariner its highest crash-test rating.

The positive trends continued in 2010. Citing a design that’s “more European in style” and a “more contemporary” interior, reviewer AutoMedia.com deemed the 2010 Milan Hybrid “much improved” and praised “the mid-size segment’s best gasoline four-cylinder fuel economy.”

Other Mercuries garner their own positive press. AllAutoReviews.com called the 2010 Grand Marquis “the perfect family car,” while Car and Driver dubbed the 2010 Moutaineer “a quiet and supple driving experience” and “a true SUV for those who still want one.” Edmunds.com, meanwhile, called the Mariner and its smaller-SUV ilk “one of the near-perfect compromises of the automotive world.”

Bottom line: They don’t look like your great-grandfather’s “Super Ford,” but today’s Mercury vehicles maintain the same standards and value. Foreign-bred competitors are good at playing catch-up, but they can’t match Mercury’s automotive depth – or its innate understanding of the American driver.

Looking for the best deals in fuel efficiency, luxury and style? Look no further than the famous Mercury line. Of course, Hassett Has It – and we’re ready to share!