I don’t know the meaning, but in medieval times they called this pose, usually done with lions, “passant.” England’s coat of arms has three lions passant guardant. Scotland’s has a lion rampant (standing).
They probably were trying to push that European styling mantra.
Why do you say that it was sand cast? Does it have the sand texture?
Bill…I am going by memory, that’s what someone with aluminum expertise told me a few years ago. But yes it also has a lot of imperfections and bumps. Its paint coat sort of covers up a lot of the surface, but…
Are you getting something different from the pics?
That’s awesome Brian! Looks like it’s either saying “Stop!” or going for a high-five.
Chauncy…is that you?
Thanks, Brian - That is way cool!
OK, upon further reflection (and with the benefit of the internet showing a lot better/bigger photos than I could find 8 years ago) the black one I have is definitely not the same as SOME that were on the early Mustang prototype. On one at least, It’s cougar was a lot more “straight” in it’s body and leg lines (for lack of a better description)…
I did get an email with a copy to another Ford employee this morning. She had made the same comment that it is “similar but not the same” too… That might have just been a comment about one of the known prototypes. I had to go back and look at the site that Jan-O posted and noticed some differences.
We’ll see if the copied person on the email chain knows more 
In my reading, and for the moment I can’t remember where I read it, There was a quote form A Ford senior executive possibly Iacocca, that they wanted to use the Cougar name because they had already designed every possible cat.
I’ve gotten in touch with Dean Weber, manager of Ford North American archives. Via email thus far. Nice…
