The owner of this 1969 Mercury Cougar XR7 describes the car as a Mustang in a tuxedo. That seems to be a fair assessment because it offers all of the performance and presence of a classic pony car wrapped in a package loaded with luxury features. It presents beautifully, and the icing on the cake is that it features the potent 428 Cobra Jet V8 under the hood. The time has come for the XR7 to find its way to a new home, so the owner has listed it for sale here on Barn Finds Classifieds. It is located in Midlothian, Texas, and it could be yours for $69,000.
Some classics will capture your imagination with their looks and condition, and this Cougar is one such car. It is finished in its original shade of Black, and it presents superbly. The owner states that it is an older restoration that has been stored in a climate-controlled garage, and it shows when you look at the XR7’s overall condition. The paint shines beautifully, and it caused me to do a double-take at one point when I was examining the photos. I initially thought that I saw flaws in some shots, but the depth of color is so good that what I was actually seeing was the clouds reflected in the paint! The panels are laser straight, with no visible defects or problems. The Mercury started its life in California before finding its way to Texas. Therefore, it is no surprise to learn that it has managed to remain rust-free. The panels show no evidence of problems, while the underside shots reveal floors that are spotlessly clean and structurally sound. The trim and chrome shine impressively, while the factory tinted glass appears to be perfect.
It would be fair to describe this Mercury as lion-hearted, and when it came to drivetrain combinations in 1969, this was about as good as it got. The original owner ordered the XR7 with the barnstorming 428 Cobra Jet V8, a 3-speed Select-Shift automatic transmission, a Traction-Lok rear end, power steering, and power front disc brakes. Performance figures are all that you might expect in a car of this type and specifications. Point it at a ¼ mile, and the journey should be over in 14.9 seconds. Keep the foot buried to the floor, and the XR7 should run out of breath at 129mph. That makes this Cougar an iron fist wrapped in a silk glove. The engine bay presents superbly, and it doesn’t flatter to deceive. The owner has meticulously maintained this classic, and it is ready to be driven and enjoyed by its lucky next owner.
The original owner wanted a car that went hard but was civilized, and you can see that when you take a look inside the Cougar. He ordered the car with Saddle Tan leather upholstery, head restraints, a console, an AM/FM stereo radio, air conditioning, and power windows. The Marti Report indicates that this XR7 is 1-of-3 ordered with this combination of paint and interior trim. That makes it a rarity. However, this is pushed a step further because this was the only one ordered with power windows. The next owner will be buying a genuinely unique classic. As is the case with the rest of the car, there’s nothing to fault with the interior condition or presentation. There is no visible wear on any of the upholstered surfaces, the carpet is clean, the dash and pad look factory fresh, and there are no issues with the console. It is also refreshing to see a classic from this era where no one has added any aftermarket equipment. The radio is usually the first thing to go, with many owners substituting a radio/cassette player or CD. That fate hasn’t befallen this car, with everything remaining as ordered by the original owner.
One of the very few downsides of writing for Barn Finds is that I occasionally see cars that I would genuinely love to park in my garage. This 1969 Mercury Cougar XR7 is one such classic. For the performance enthusiast who is seeking a complete package, that is what is on offer here. It presents beautifully, it should have power to burn, and it is fitted with a rare combination of options. It seems that someone will soon be the proud owner of a stunning classic, and if I’m honest, I will envy them for that. The big question is whether it will be you that I’ll envy.
It’s nice, but not 69K nice.
What makes you an expert??
He expressed an opinion. The price seems high to him. So?
Common sense makes him an expert !
Good write-up Adam. This Cougar fits the bill for someone looking for a classy ride, and for someone who is looking for top performance. Very very nice. Great colors. Well-equipped. Won’t see yourself coming and going. The price is up there, not unlike prices for similar year Bosses and Machs, and I don’t think it is out of line.
The person who originally ordered this car checked all the right boxes. I would never accuse any car for being over restored but I think it’s safe to say the restoration probably makes this car better than when it rolled off the line. Paint and panel fit being one of them. It’s a beautiful car that’s hard to find fault in. As far as the asking. Certainly top dollar but given the right venue I’m sure it will bring close to the asking.
Really. Nice. Car.
If I had 69 beans to spare, it would wind up in my garage without a doubt.
GLWTS
What a beautiful car ! If I had an extra $69,000 I’d be on this in a hurry, the only thing it’s missing is a 4-speed ! I love this car!
What makes you an expert??
What makes you such a “Richard”?
It’s really nice.
A friend had been looking for a 69 Cobra formal roof for a couple of years, over that time span all 428CJ cars were appreciating. If this car is matching numbers it should have no problem getting close to the asking price. Even if it isn’t, with those options, someone might pull the trigger since it’s hard to find matching number CJ cars and serious buyers will adjust their expectations for the right car.
Steve R
Anybody else see a big Mercury Capri? The XR7 was just the coolest car, a Mustang in an evening gown, as it were. Couple things with this car, as usual, I don’t care for black anything, and the 428 is a slug, in this configuration. While in 1969, 2 lanes were still the norm, and “power to pass” was needed. With .34 cent/gallon fuel, let ‘er rip, baby. Fast forward to 2021, a small block would be much better suited in a car like this. A 2 barrel, maybe for a shred of economy, save the RA 428 for some auction car that will never be driven. All that aside, someone did a nice job here.
Oops, let me rephrase that in these touchy times, I don’t care for black CARS. I’ve got nothing bad to say about black people.
LOL.Gotcha Howard.I don’t know about anybody else but I knew what you meant having owned and owning several black vehicles myself.
Lol!!! Funny comment Howard. But at the same time also very sad that a comment so innocuous gave you pause. It’s a sign of these very sad and crazy times. Although your meaning was very clear for the record.
I think the big block is a perfect choice. This isn’t likely to be a daily driver, so the gas consumption shouldn’t be an issue. $69,000 is a lot of money, but this is a lot of car. I’d be more concerned about the unleaded fuel not being ‘good enough’ for this beast.
I am not an expert , but I know I like this car, I am also not wealthy, but if I were rich and still not an expert, this car would have a spot in my gigantic garage.
I’m close to expert, and this car is worth the $$$$. Wish I could put some finances together !
This is the nicest example of an XR-7 that I have ever seen, even back in the day. Serious gem here, imho. I too am envious of the caretaker. Very cool.
Just my opinion here, but this is the best year, best drive train and best options for a Cougar. I’ve never seen a better one.
I owned one of these, the only difference being the exterior and interior colors.
It was a car you could get in a lot of trouble with. The exhaust note from it was so seductive.
Had such fun and of course I wish I had kept it.
The doctor I worked for in 1969 ordered a convertible version just like this for his wife, who had complained about her ’66 Mustang six cylinder being a “gutless wonder” !!! I drove it just about as much as they did ( running errands, kids carpool etc ) I’ve owned a few “muscle cars” myself since then, but this combination would keep up with just about any of them. Right from the factory, it had a perfect sound.
I owned a 1970 XR7 convertible, burgundy with black top and burgundy interior. Loved. That. Car. See I
This example made me sad that I sold mine long ago.
Wow what a beauty, this might do better at a big name auction.
I’m going through my 1968 xr7 gt390 fully loaded all factory 4-speed. This Cat has all the bells and whistles but it’s 1969. In my opinion the 67, 68 are the best looking years of the Cats. This is a beauty for the person that loves that year and will have a ton of fun and the price is up there but so is everything else in this crazy world. The cat has basically the same driveline as the Stang but the price is still at a price for the average Joe to buy or the Farther & Son projects. Three weeks ago I dyno my fresh 428cj engine and I’m looking to put it in something and yes it will not be numbers matching but I don’t care, it will be a 428cj Ford, ( Cougar, Mustang, or? ). Good luck to the new owner.
No body is buying this beauty for its MPG numbers…
Very nice Kitty!
Friend of mine has a ‘69 convertible with the 351W that’s been “tweaked” a little bit.
Do not see near as many Cougars as you do Mustangs of this vintage…
People don’t buy these for gas mileage and that Movie, Bullet made the Mustang Fastback famous so then all the nutcakes are paying stupid cash for a Cougar with Mustang body panels or visa versa..
Lol!!! Funny comment Howard. But at the same time also very sad that a comment so innocuous gave you pause. It’s a sign of these very sad and crazy times. Although your meaning was very clear for the record.
The 428 officially puts the “7” in XR-7. Awesome car. Overpriced? The market will decide. Really would like to see one with a 427 (they exist, just extremely rare.) Unfortunately the 427 that was available had been hamstrung with hydraulic lifters by 1967.
The last 427 was put in a 1968 Cougar GTE. The 427 was not available after that in any Ford, Lincoln or Mercury product.
I wonder where the xr7 emblem came about Cav427, have any ideas?
The big cat, in black…loads of power and at the same time not a stripped down street menace. Fuel economy? The worse the better it runs,
the 428 CJ was Fords best street sweeper engine back then, maybe all the way up till a few years ago…..nah, all time.
For me, the worse thing about 69 large is that I’ll never own it, the best thing is the next owner will take great strides to maintain the big cat’s condition.
The phrase that comes to mind when I see this car is “velvet hammer.”
Beautiful car. Is it worth 70K? Maybe, maybe not. That will be up to a potential buyer and the seller to figure out. Personally I think that it is worth at least very close to that number. The only non stock item that I see is that someone added the intermittent wiper option to the car.
I see nothing wrong with a $69k asking price. Its a big block top of the line Cougar. It a same optioned Mach 1 can grab around $100k on s good day, why can’t this have $69k?!? Big block muscle hasnt been cheap in a long time, if ever (considering inflation through the years). Well optioned car that appears to be well cared for, only thing missing for most is the 4 speed. Someone is going to get their moneys worth if these pics are worth anything.
Its twin is here in Phoenix and does well at car shows. I’m sure it doesn’t have PW, maybe leather also.
There is no reason these SCJ and even CJ cars shouldn’t be getting six figures. Just drive one and you will be sold!
Having owned more than twelve 1969 Cougars and 1/2 with 428 engine since 1978 and kept up with the price they sell, this Cougar is worth $69,000.
it is worth double that amount
14.9 1/4 miles are nothing to brag about :(