Mercury owner keeps 9-year-old Grand Marquis in pristine condition

You could say that colorful World War II veteran Gaetano Benza and his 2003 Mercury Grand Marquis are true survivors.

The story of the 85-year-old Benza, who was on the beaches of Normandy for four months beginning in June of 1944, has been repeated by news outlets numerous times over the years. The invasion of Normandy resulted in the deaths of at least 10,000 soldiers as the United States was invading France.

"Because of my history with the U.S. military, I won't buy anything other than American-made automobiles," said Benza, who has lived in Southern Nevada for 47 years. "I bought the Mercury Grand Marquis in the spring or early part of the summer of 2002. I came down to Signature Lincoln Mercury on East Sahara. I was shopping the lot at the time and a salesman stepped up to help me."

Benza had purchased another Mercury Grand Marquis about five or six years earlier from Signature Lincoln Mercury. His current vehicle now has 189,000 miles on it and he says it runs as well as it did the day he drove it off the lot.

"I loved the car at first look," Benza said. "It has incredible comfort and performs very well. I have never had such a beautiful car."

Benza loves taking his Mercury Grand Marquis on long trips. He and his wife, Kwon, often travel to San Diego; and also take trips to Tecopa hot springs.

"The Mercury Grand Marquis runs beautifully on the highway," he said. "It performs beautifully, and I have never had any problems with it. I have taken good care of it."

Benza takes good care of his vehicle, and the engine is nearly as clean today as it was nine years ago when he bought it. The V-8 engine cruises effortlessly and gets 27-28 miles per gallon on the highway.

"This car is my baby," Benza said. "It has taken us many places and gotten us home safely every time. We learned in the Army to take care of our belongings and that especially includes your transportation."

Benza drives from his home in North Las Vegas to have the vehicle serviced by the team at Findlay Lincoln Mercury.

"My technician is Jose Macias and he is incredible," Benza said. "If he tells me that the car needs something, I trust him. He's literally as valuable to me as a doctor. I never worry when he works on my vehicle. His word is gold."

Findlay Lincoln Mercury is headed by General Manager Nathan Findlay, a third-generation member of the Findlay family to enter the car business.

"With the Mercury line no longer being offered, Ford Motor Co. is offering some special discounts and incentives for loyal Mercury customers to upgrade to a new Lincoln," Findlay said. "Our buyers love their products, and they take pride in their vehicles which last because of that."

Call 457-0321 or visit the website at www.findlaylm.com for more information. The dealership is situated at 310 N. Gibson Road.