Originally conceived as Mercury’s entry into the emerging pony car market, the Cougar eventually morphed into a personal luxury car that offered buyers plenty of creature comforts. The brand’s demise could have allowed the badge to disappear with barely a trace, but this 1997 Cougar XR7 proves that there are some nice examples that are begging to find new homes. Its presentation is all that you might expect from a car with under 12,000 miles on the clock, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Rocco B. for spotting this beautiful XR7 listed here on Craigslist in Decatur, Alabama. You could drive it away after handing the seller $19,500.
Mercury launched the Seventh Generation Cougar range on December 26th, 1988, providing buyers with a belated Christmas gift. It remained on sale until 1997, with our feature car emerging during the final year. It is a genuine survivor with a documented ownership history, meaning that the claimed odometer reading of 11,900 genuine miles may be verifiable. Mercury offered buyers a choice of twelve paint shades in 1997, with this Cougar’s first owner selecting Laser Red Metallic. Considering the service this classic has seen, the lack of visible flaws and imperfections is unsurprising. The paint retains a mirror shine, the panels are as straight as an arrow, and there is no evidence or mention of rust. It rolls on a set of optional 21-spoke 15″ aluminum wheels that are immaculate, and the same appears true of the trim and glass.
Mercury introduced the 4.6-liter “Modular” V8 to the Cougar range for the 1994 model year, with this XR7 featuring that powerplant. The company quoted power and torque figures of 205hp and 280 ft/lbs, which feed to the rear wheels via a four-speed automatic transmission. Naturally, power assistance for the steering and four-wheel disc brakes was standard fare, reinforcing the Cougar’s luxury leanings. Performance was considered respectable by the standards of the day, with the Cougar capable of devouring the miles effortlessly if pointed at the open road. The seller doesn’t mention verifying evidence for their mileage claim, but it may exist within the comprehensive collection of included documentation. It recently underwent a complete service, receiving a new battery as part of that process. It runs and drives as well as it did in 1997, offering the promise of many years of trouble-free classic motoring pleasure.
Mercury loaded the XR7 with plenty of standard safety and comfort features, including airbags, air conditioning, power windows, power locks, power mirrors, a tilt wheel, and an AM/FM radio/cassette player. The first owner accentuated the luxury feel with leather on the wheel and shifter, cruise control, a six-way power driver’s seat, and tailored floor mats. The interior presentation is consistent with the odometer reading. The leather and cloth seatcovers exhibit no evidence of significant wear or marks, and the matching pale carpet is equally impressive. There is no evidence of UV deterioration, and no aftermarket additions.
Mercury and Pontiac are but two of a selection of marques that succumbed to economic rationalism during the early 2000s, but these are the ones that tend to hurt enthusiasts the most. Both brands produced iconic vehicles, and it would have seemed unthinkable twenty-five years ago that either would disappear. However, they suffered that fate, and there are dedicated individuals whose mission is to preserve the cars that left those factories. Starting with a pristine example is always wise, and that is the opportunity provided by this 1997 Mercury Cougar XR7. Are you the type of person who would grab this classic to protect it so that future generations can appreciate what has been lost? I will understand if you do.
Wow super lo mile cat. I always thought the XR7 pkg brought along handling and suspension equipment as well. What a nice car.
With the 4.6 instead of the lousy V6 they came with, he just might get that price.
Good looking and driving cars, four wheel independent suspension and that nice V8. This one is a winner.
It’s a good example of a car that became a dead end from bad choices by corporate executives. The original Cougar was a sales success because it was an upscale Mustang, handled well, excellent power choices, a bit more comfortable. So naturally, it had to became a Thunderbird spinoff instead, and pretty much an also-ran.The same mindset applied to the retro Baby Bird, denying it the manual transmission that everyone wanted, and the same for the Jaguar XK8 under Ford management. Because of course the buyers of either car will want a Mustang instead if they want a stick shift.
boy that’s stiff number yea low miles but still a lot
Working at a Ford Mercury dealer when this body style came out. I took up the hill (twisty road up to Lake Tahoe) for a test drive. It did an admirable job and was smooth to boot. I never liked the “T-bird” chopped off rear window/roof treatment. But you don’t have to look at it when you are driving. Nice car!
Working at a Ford Mercury dealer when this body style came out. I took it up the hill (twisty road up to Lake Tahoe) for a test drive. It did an admirable job and was smooth to boot. I never liked the “T-bird” chopped off rear window/roof treatment. But you don’t have to look at it when you are driving. Nice car!
My dad’s finally car was a 96′ Cougar XR7 just like this but a different color. I think it had the traction assist but he still had to put snow tires on it in the winter so he could climb the hill to get out of our neighborhood. Overall wasn’t a bad car but the first gen. Cougars are certainly my favorite. Really low miles and beautiful condition but I’m not so sure about $20K.
That 4.6 is a great little 8. Some Ford enthusiast of the right generation might appreciate this cat and buy it.
The car has a 6 digit odometer. It can verify itself by just looking at the dash.
The last of the real Cougars. Absolutely beautiful. My favorite color on this gen. For 19k it’s going to have to become someone other than my self’s beautiful last real Cougar