In an ideal world, this 1970 Mercury Cougar XR-7’s Houndstooth vinyl roof would be only one of the many highlights that make it highly desired. However, the world isn’t ideal, and much has changed since the day this classic rolled off the line. It isn’t all bad news because this Cougar is rock-solid and could be an ideal candidate for a first restoration project. It deserves a closer look because recapturing its glory days should be straightforward.
Mercury’s First Generation Cougar reached the end of its production life in 1970, having undergone a significant revamp the previous year that brought more pronounced Coke-Bottle styling. The new model was longer than its predecessor, although the height and width decreased marginally. The first owner ordered this 1970 XR-7 in Deep Gold Metallic, but its vinyl top could be the star of the exterior show. They passed on the idea of Black or White vinyl, opting for the Brown Houndstooth version. The company sold 72,343 Cougars in 1970, but only 1,549 buyers selected Houndstooth. That makes the car distinctive, and that feature is a guaranteed conversation starter should the new owner rock up to a Cars & Coffee with this classic returned to its former glory. Achieving that goal is realistic because although the paint looks tired, the underside shots seem to reveal peeling underseal and steel that appears free from penetrating rust. If that is accurate, this restoration should be straightforward. The panels need minor massaging, and some trim pieces require replacement, but the tinted glass looks pretty good.
The surprise packet with this Cougar could be its interior. It doesn’t make a positive first impression but look beyond its generally dirty state, and the news appears positive. The Medium Brown leather seatcovers are free from rips and significant wear, and the remaining upholstered surfaces share that trait. The dash is is in good order, and while the pad is slightly faded, it hasn’t split or cracked. Its most significant cosmetic weakness is the tired carpet, but with replacement sets retailing for around $250, that is a cheap fault to address. The first owner equipped the car with some desirable options, including air conditioning, a console, a rear window defogger, a tilt wheel, and an AM/FM stereo radio. The air conditioning system is incomplete, and the console is missing, but the interior is otherwise complete.
Under normal circumstances, this Cougar’s 351ci V8, four-speed manual transmission, Traction-Lok rear end, and power-assistance for the steering and front disc brakes would be a reason to rejoice. After all, with 300hp and 380 ft/lbs of torque on tap, this XR-7 should storm the ¼-mile in 14.8 seconds. However, the Marti Report tells a sad story, because this car rolled off the line as 1-of-274 featuring a 428 Cobra Jet powerplant and a three-speed automatic transmission. It placed 335hp and 440 ft/lbs at the driver’s disposal and would have inevitably increased the Mercury’s desirability. It is unclear when or why the change occurred or whether this car runs and drives. The mechanical components enjoy a well-earned reputation for ruggedness, but factoring a rebuild into the restoration budget might be wise.
Considering all that it offers, I am surprised there has been no action on this 1970 Mercury Cougar XR-7 since the seller listed it here on eBay in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin. The auction shows it has received plenty of views, but there have been no bids since it opened at $10,000. The situation would undoubtedly be different if it retained its original drivetrain components. Could you be tempted, or will you sit out this dance?
In many ways, much nicer than a Mustang.
Too bad someone butchered it by changing out the motor and tranny. I love the houndstooth though!
Nearly every non-Mustang CJ car doesn’t have its original engine. When they were cheap the engines were stripped and installed in a race car or Mustang. Several friends have had Torino Cobra’s, Cyclones, etc., not one had the original engine. This car can easily have a 428 reinstalled, the seller isn’t asking an arm and a leg, unlike an original 68-70 factory CJ equipped Mustang fastback. It’s appears to be a good starting point for anyone who wants a factory CJ car but doesn’t have the budget for a Mustang. Sometimes you’ve got to make a compromise, or go without, this car isn’t a bad in that light.
Steve R
Or maybe someone wound her up too tight and blew her to kingdom com. 428s were never known to be very forgiving. The 351 4sp is a pretty good engine, esp if it is a Cleveland.
Could be, but this car was built as a cruiser with 3.0 rear gears and AC. Don’t forget, the 351C had issues of its own such as oil supply to the main bearings.
Steve R
True. Maybe its a Windsor. As far as the 3.0 rear end and an auto, that does not protect it from stupidity.
It’s not a Windsor, you can tell by the angle of the upper hose goes into the block, not intake manifold. Besides, the ad specifically says 351 Cleveland. As for 3.0 gear, you are right, it doesn’t guarantee the engine is protected from stupidity, but it makes it so you have to try a lot harder to blow it up than if it had 3.91’s or 4.30’s.
Steve R
Nothing like reving her up in neutral and power braking to try and impress a girl.
In agreement with Steve R. and Cimarron. Excellent starting point here. Not a vinyl top kinda guy. But houndstooth well that’s a different animal. Good color also. As long as the tin worm didn’t get fat n sassy under the top. Manual trans. is desirable and adds value.
Hard to tell but looks like the Windsor not the Cleveland…which would be 290hp with the 4bbl but the picture is terrible..it’s only the black plug at rear of valve cover that makes me think Windsor.
The Cleveland motor has the upper radiator hose coming up on the motor and the Windsor motor it comes out the front of the manifold. I had a 70 XR7 with this motor and houndstooth top and seats to match. Nice car. Only problem I had was the air tank for the closing of the headlights leaked and by morning the lights were opened.
Was on Bring a trailer & look at prices of cars of interest & saw a Mercury Cyclone 429 with 4 speed in petty amazing shape sold for 15,000 dollars ! So why buy this car? Sure the Cyclone needs work but in pictures this car was complete & a 20 footer or better!
That Cyclone is an absolute mess. Lots of shoddy work on top of the questionable rust repair. The price might make sense if it still has the 429CJ engine I’d you are going to use it as a weekend bomber, but isn’t a good starting point if you want a stock style or mildly modified restoration.
This Cougar is in much better overall condition, other than the NOM it’s much more complete.
Steve R
I like it. Things underneath don’t look terrible and it’s largely complete. 351 and a four speed sounds pretty good to me. I wouldn’t even paint it the original gold. Go for a dark brown instead, the luxury color.
Relisted? This is confusing.
I owned a 1970 Cougar with a 351 and 4 barrel, auto shift. It’s most outstanding feature was the black and white houndstooth interior. Green outside with a white vinyl top. Pretty car. And of course, as has been said many times by so many, should have kept it.
The console was optional equipment, and the Marti report indicates this car was built without one.
You might want to go back and relook at the Marti report as it very clearly shows that a console was ordered. The probable reason why the console is not currently in the car is because it is very hard to get a toploader 4 speed into reverse with a console made for an automatic transmission.
About 15 years ago I saw a white one with black and white houndstooth roof at an abandoned house in Oceanport, NJ. I left a note on the car and never heard from anyone. Months later, the car was gone and the house was torn down, a beautiful victorian too. I wish I could have gotten both the car and the house!