Tidy presentation, a V8 under the hood, and affordability. It is sometimes difficult to bring those three traits together in a classic purchase, but this 1976 Mercury Cougar XR-7 does a respectable job of trying. It is guaranteed to turn heads and is said to be a survivor with a genuine 76,000 miles on the clock. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting the Cougar listed here on Craigslist in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. The seller set their price at $12,500 for a classic with plenty of strong points.

After initially basing the Cougar on the Ford Mustang platform, Mercury followed a different path with the Third Generation model. This made sense because the Mustang II was significantly smaller than its predecessor, and wouldn’t have been the first choice for many buyers seeking a luxurious motoring experience. The other factor in play was engine choice, with the Mustang II lacking a V8 option when the latest Cougar broke cover for the 1974 model year. The first owner ordered this Cougar XR-7 in 1976, teaming Bright Blue Metallic paint with a Dark Blue Landau-style vinyl top. The car presents nicely for a survivor, with a healthy shine and no evidence of significant bumps or bruises. The vinyl hasn’t split or cracked, with the seller stating that there is little to no rust. It appears that the Cougar has been stored away from adverse weather and UV exposure, which has undoubtedly helped its cause. The trim looks excellent, and the glass is clear. Some readers will question its survivor credentials due to the American Racing Torq Thrust II wheels, but the original wheels and a new set of tires are included for those preferring a stock appearance.

While there are no engine photos, the seller confirms that this Cougar features the optional 400ci V8 under the hood. A manual transmission wasn’t available, meaning that this Cougar features a three-speed automatic, along with power-assisted steering and brakes. Manufacturers were coy about providing official power and torque figures at this time due to losses brought about by emission regulations. However, these could be found via Dealer Specification Sheets. Those for the ’76 Cougar XR-7 are listed as 180hp and 338 ft/lbs, providing respectable performance that isn’t in muscle car territory. The seller states that apart from the low odometer reading, which they don’t verify, this Cougar recently received new brakes and a tune-up. It appears that it is ready to hit the road with a new owner behind the wheel.

Trimmed in Blue cloth and vinyl, this Cougar’s interior is guaranteed to draw attention and positive comments. There appears to be no significant wear or signs of abuse, and I can’t spot any aftermarket additions. It is unclear whether it features air conditioning, but the first owner did equip the vehicle with cruise control and an AM radio.

Some readers will argue that with an asking price of $12,500, this 1976 Mercury Cougar XR-7 is not the most affordable classic on the planet. I understand that sentiment, but the term is probably relative when assessing what a vehicle offers for the buyer’s cash. This car has no apparent significant rust issues, it presents well, and the mileage is well below average. The seller’s price looks competitive in the face of recent successful sales, but are those factors enough to convince you to pursue this Mercury further?