UPDATE 10/25/2023: Selling a classic car can be challenging, and some owners must be persistent to taste success. That appears to be the case with this 1969 Mercury Cougar XR-7. This is the second time we’ve seen this classic, and it is worth noting that although the last auction closed at $22,100 after strong interest, that figure fell short of the reserve. Nothing has changed with this car since, and the owner has listed it here on eBay. With the bidding only at $9,600 at the time of writing, the previous result makes it unsurprising that it hasn’t hit the reserve.
10/14/2023: While some enthusiasts prioritize originality over all other factors, others are willing to accept modifications to a classic as long as those changes are tasteful and sympathetic. That brings us to this 1969 Mercury Cougar XR-7. Its presentation is impressive, and it has no apparent significant needs. However, the documentary evidence suggests it has undergone a color change. That may motivate some to give it a wide berth. In contrast, others will view it as a one-owner turnkey proposition with a claimed 10,000 original miles on the clock, offering immediate motoring enjoyment. The XR-7 is listed here on eBay in Peoria, Arizona.
There’s no doubt this Cougar makes a positive first impression. Its combination of Dark Ivy Green with a White vinyl top oozes class, with the seller admitting it has undergone a repaint. However, those craving originality might come up short when they examine the Window Sticker and discover the first owner ordered it in Light Ivy Yellow. Regular readers know my stance on originality, but I think the change is positive. I find the darker shade considerably more attractive and in keeping with Mercury’s desire to market the Cougar as a more luxurious alternative to the Mustang. Of course, that opinion is subjective, and yours may be different. One of the classic scene’s greatest attributes is its ability to encompass differing views. The paint and vinyl look excellent, with no evidence of deterioration or distress. The Cougar has spent its life in Arizona, making the lack of rust in its beautifully straight panels, floors, or other prone areas unsurprising. The trim and tinted glass look spotless, and the Mercury rolls on its original wheels wrapped in tires from the good folks at BF Goodrich.
If first impressions count, the news seems optimistic when examining this Cougar’s interior. The contrasting trim and upholstered surfaces in White and Black look classy, with no significant wear or signs that Arizona’s sun has taken a toll on vinyl or plastic. Closer examination reveals deterioration in some faux woodgrain, a cracked wheel rim, and a broken driver’s door pull handle. Replacements for these parts are readily available, but a brief online search confirms the wheel will probably be the most expensive to replace. However, the overall presentation is acceptable if the buyer seeks a driver-grade classic. I would probably exercise patience if I found this Mercury in my garage. I would regularly scan the usual auction sites for another wheel because they appear occasionally at reasonable prices. The air conditioning, AM radio with the optional rear speaker, and center console emphasize the feeling of luxury inside this beauty.
The original owner ordered this XR-7 powered by a 351ci V8, producing 290hp and 385 ft/lbs of torque. The Window Sticker confirms they also selected a three-speed automatic transmission and power assistance for the steering and front disc brakes. The combination allows this Cougar to cover the ¼-mile in 15.9 seconds, which brings us to a point to ponder. Mercury marketed the Cougar as a luxury pony car, and most people recognize that this approach could involve compromise. The Cougar features more luxurious trim than an equivalent Mustang, and occupants benefit from increased sound-deadening material. Those changes add to vehicle weight, and the Cougar/Mustang cousins are no exception. An equivalent Mustang will cover the ¼-mile in 15 seconds, and because they both benefit from the same drivetrain combination, the several hundred extra pounds being dragged by the Cougar’s V8 accounts for the difference. The seller doesn’t indicate whether this XR-7 retains its original drivetrain, although they claim it has a genuine 10,000 miles on the clock. They don’t mention verifying evidence. However, it could be hidden in the collection of documentation that includes the Window Sticker, Build Sheet, Owner’s Manual, Warranty Book, and Dealership Paperwork. Potential buyers should consider it a turnkey proposition where the new owner can fly in and drive it home. I will sound one cautionary note, which stems from this gauge cluster shot. It shows an odometer reading of 190 miles. That may suggest it has rolled over and is a question worth raising with the seller.
I view this 1969 Mercury Cougar XR-7 as a mystery machine. Verifying it is a one-owner vehicle will not be complicated. Confirming the odometer reading may be straightforward if that owner has been meticulous with the maintenance and recordkeeping. My biggest qualm with this car, which seems to also play on the minds of our readers, judging by the feedback, is the mileage. The claim and the current odometer reading aren’t consistent, and I suspect the seller may need to field questions on that topic. The reason why it has undergone a color change is also never explained in the listing. That question is worth asking unless the color on the Window Sticker is incorrect. One glance at the Trim Tag would reveal the truth, and requesting a shot of that might be the easiest way to uncover the answer. Could you be the one to contact the seller to determine whether you would join the bidding party? I would love to know the result if you do.
Sadly, these cars have been completely ruined for me since I saw the 1970 Cougar convertible on Uncle Tony’s Garage with a floor pan literally made up entirely of bondo! That could have sent the nice retired owners to their early grave!
Nice Cougar, but with the color change it leaves me wondering what else has been changed. I doubt this left the factory with the Cougar road wheels–likely full wheelcovers when new. It’s clean, and the dark Ivy Green is a factory offering for `69, but not original. The chances of the window sticker being ‘incorrect’ as to the original paint are slim to none. I worked in the new car business and have yet to see that kind of error on a monroney label.
The window sticker that the seller shows clearly shows that the car was originally equipped with the styled steel wheels.
10 miles and a color change????
Engine bay is to filthy to have that low of miles.
I was thinking the same thing about how filthy the eng compartment is. 10k miles, I kinda doubt it.
I thought that same thing about the engine compartment more dirty than I expected.
If you don’t have the paperwork don’t make the claim. As a seller you’re just guessing, just say TMU.
That’s honest.
The seller claims 10K miles but the five-digit odometer shows under 200 miles. Without documentation any mileage claim is bogus.
In looking at the photographs, I myself believe there’s a genuine 10,000 miles on the clock.
I believe that could be true because it’s mounted nicely on the passenger side with no divots around it in the dash.
As to everything ELSE on the car, I dunno…
Regardless, though it appears to need very little, I’d look closely and if it pans out at a decent price someone could get a nice Cougar-and Mercury XR7 too.
This or a boring dime a dozen 69 Mustang? I will take the Cougar. Who cares what the mileage is? Based on the photos, it is in very good/ condition. But you have to physically inspect any vehicle this old.
All of the discussion of mileage, condition, color change aside, I think the dark green/white combination looks great. These Cougars especially in XR-7 trim were classy and stylish cars.
Agreed Bob. Nice car anyone would be proud to drive to their next cruise night.
By the looks of the engine, it must be a very hard 10,000 miles.
I like the color. I remember when I was a kid and had gotten a new Hot Rod magazine someone featured a nicely done early Cougar in a beautiful dark emerald green. From that moment on I decided that THAT was my favorite color on an early Cougar. This does look nice. And a color change doesnt necessarily mean its high mileage, just a change in taste. This still looks nice.
Love the photos of the documents. “Mammogram” notification on the owners manual and you’ll get a folder marked “Cougar Sh*t.” Sounds like a pretty informal owner, but it’s a heck of a nice car.
Poppy, you beat me to those 2 humorous observations.
I wouldn’t buy this because of the mileage claim. I would buy this because the owner supplied enough photo evidence that this is a very nice car.
Anyone passing this off as 10,000 miles would deceive you about anything.
As an owner of a 1968 XR7 GT390 PDB PS AC Tilt Tilt-Away Steering 4-Speed, all factory Cat, who in their right mind would repaint a factory 10.000-mile car? I would have to see it in person and do some serious homework on it but if it is a true 10k it needs a ton of work and cash to bring it up to a 10k car appearance. Good luck to the new owner.
I agree painting it was a bad move, but yellow is butt ugly in my opinion. It’s a female’s or retired old guy’s car (I’m 62 btw) in that color – either way it’s objectionable. All that said, I do believe it to be a 10k car just because of how it sits. It certainly isn’t a 100k vehicle as the suspension drops with age. It’s also not replacement springs because they NEVER look 100%…
Also. The thing about this car is it hasn’t been cared for the way somebody into cars might take care of it, hence the condition of the interior and even the engine compartment. It looks like that because it’s 50 years old and although it was no doubt garaged, no other special care was taken I guarantee it.
100,190 miles
My first car was an XR7 in the dark metalic green. God I loved that car!
I remember installing an 8-track tape player in the armrest and the first tape I loaded was ELP’s Tarkus album. I’d buy this car in a second if I could, and get rid of the white top.
The 80% positive feedback on eBay says it all…
I dunno, I seriously doubt it’s a true 10k mile car. That being said though, I love the color combo and having an affinity for 67-70 Cougars, I really like this cat. I’d source some what seem to be pretty hard to find, wheel well trim (why it’s missing on a 10k mile car…?) and I’d be really tempted to go old school and keep it classy with some thin BFG Silvertown radial white walls. I think those would fit the aesthetic of this Cougar and really pop against the dk ivy green and white top and guts. Could be a really sharp cat with some TLC. Color me green with envy to the next owner…
At least 3 of the wheel opening mouldings are laying in the trunk.
Okay door handle broken on a 10K mile survivor and a repaint? Love the color don’t trust the mileage.
I love these. I doubt this is 10k but it is nice none the less. I drove a 70 XR7 for years this same color, only a black top with dark green interior. mine has a 4 speed and tilt wheel along with ac and bunches of other options. Mine is more or less a parts car due to rust in various areas but still runs well. These are highly underrated and just great to drive. I LOVE IT!!!!!
Don’t you people go to the sites and read the postings? This is clearly not a 10k car!! Look at the odometer.
You are absolutely correct. The odometer says 00190. That’s probably 100,190 not 10,000.
Odd that they put the red side marker lenses in the front and the clear ones in the back.
I think this would make a classy car for either work or the weekend
Who cares if the mileage is correct or not! The car’s 53 years old. If it runs and drives good, WTF
Lots of people care, if it wasn’t a selling point the seller wouldn’t try to use it to sell the car.
Another case or whoever did the work on this car never finished it. It is missing the door weatherstripping, the door bumpers, and the hood bumpers. It also appears to be missing the hood to cowl seal and the decklid weatherstripping. It is also missing the lower dash steering column cover. and has the wrong console compartment lid.
Being around cars as long as I have and my awareness(?) of how they look, I’m going with that’s legit mileage. It has more to do with two specific things: the way the car sits and the interior condition. The busted door pull and steering wheel are both issues strictly related to age, not wear – I can just “tell”. I know that doesn’t instill much confidence hearing that, but I would bet money I’m right. It’s a shame they changed the color even though the new shade is much more attractive than yeller. As for the wheels, one guy said he didn’t think they were what came on the car and I totally disagree. On the XR-7 sub-model, a good number were ordered that way. It looks pretty normal to me. Wish I had the cashish to buy it cuz I would.
We usta call cars like this “Ford Chariots”
Definition : Any Ford or Merc COUPE with
Big motor, Buckets, Luxurious, – usually they were made in the seventies,but they began in the sixties. Sorry, -No early Mustangs or Fordor T birds or Lincolns
-But some were BIG..XL’s..Marauders
Continental Mk.III’s,IV’ s, Torino Elites.. Mustang Grande’s…- Lack of power windows or AC or center console were “venial sins” -but not disqualifying.
OMG. I just saw the odo: 00190… It’s got OVER 100k. Sorry for all the “it’s a legit 10k car” talk. When you’re wrong, you’re wrong. Oops.
Anyone who believes the mileage on this Arizona car, I have some oceanfront property there for you to consider.
Drive it to me in san diego I will give you seventeen five
Still hasn’t corrected the mileage. Hard pass.
Clearly car has rolled over one time now at 100k look at engine bay and drivers door panel for wear. In the end its still a very nice cougar and would be proud to drive it.
bro it is a sweet car for sure !!!
Has anyone else noticed that the hood has been removed and replaced with possibly with a new one ? The hood mounting bolts have been marked for reinstalling. I think !
We’re it only the 390 ci, 4 speed….
Cool old cat here.
Walter may or may not be, but likely he is no fool. His eBay reviews mention he upset a customer wanting to pay 100% with a cashiers check. The seller wanted half in cash.
With so many cashiers check scams this seems like a good idea.
He isn’t selling on eBay to his friend down the street an customers can be dishonest too.
GLWS