The Mercury Cougar is one of those cars that seemed to change and adapt to market trends successfully, starting out as a pony car in 1967 as a corporate counterpart of the Ford Mustang. Buyers loved it, and the Cougar even won the coveted Car Of The Year award from Motor Trend magazine during its first year of production. In 1977, the fourth-generation Cougar was introduced, and the XR-7 model was considered more of a personal luxury coupe, sharing many styling similarities with the Ford Thunderbird. This 1979 Mercury Cougar XR-7 is a beauty, and it’s believed to have covered under 10,000 miles. Barn Finds reader PRA4SNW spotted this one here on Hagerty in Ocala, Florida, and we want to say thanks for sharing it with us! So far, bidding has reached $7,000, but I could easily see that amount increasing.
While the seller can’t 100% guarantee that the 9,827-mileage reading is accurate, he’s convinced the overall condition supports that figure and describes the car as a time capsule. It’s also said to be an unrestored survivor, with a paint depth of 2 mil all around, so the finish is most likely original. No ownership or other history is provided here, and this one’s not completely flawless on the outside either, with some spots near the grille and other cosmetic imperfections that the seller says are consistent with the Mercury’s age.
Standard under the XR-7 hood in 1979 was a 302 V8, but some good news is that this one is equipped with the optional 351 Windsor. However, with a factory horsepower rating of only 135, it doesn’t exactly offer breathtaking performance. Everything in the engine bay seems to be in good order, as it should be with an auto not far from the fifty-year mark that’s claimed to have been used so sparingly.
Inside, the condition also appears to reflect the low-mileage claim, making it unlikely that the ticker is on its second trip around. While the seats look comfortable and inviting, it’s worth noting that this one doesn’t have power windows, but not all luxury cars in the seventies came with every bell and whistle found on most vehicles today. This 1979 Mercury Cougar XR-7 appears to be a very nice survivor, and I’m leaning toward the odometer reading being more likely than not accurate. How about you?
We had an identical ‘78 Cougar XR-7 same colors and trim. It was basically a town car with options & 351M Modified Cleveland/C6/9 inch. It was a tank but rode & drove like a town car.
Being very familiar with the late 70’s FoMoCo vehicles, from what I’ve saw in the pictures, I’d venture to say this could very well be a less than 10k mile car.
Paint on valve cover still has assembly line stamp marks and stickers are very clean and edges crisp. Everywhere I look under hood seems original. Radiator hold down clamps are galvanized finish and NOT painted black like the core support which is correct. Radiator hose clamps are original type. Spark plug wires are numbered and date coded with Ford logo. Air cleaner is bright aluminum and plastic snorkel tube is intact. Even the small round tube beside it going from air cleaner to charcoal canister is intact and it’s usually the first thing to deteriorate because it’s a black paper covered accordion foil and damages very easily. Battery cables are original and in excellent shape. Insulating foam sleeve on A/C suction line going to compressor that runs underneath air cleaner snorkel is excellent. Stickers on fan shroud and radiator support are like new.
Only two things I see not OEM under hood are the battery (obviously, but the hold down is correct) and fittings in the A/C for R-134A refrigerant.
I know a lot of things these days are reproduced to restore vehicles to OEM appearance standards and there are a few NOS parts still out there, but nobody is doing that for these vehicles due to them not being high end collector vehicles.
If it were a slightly over 100k mile car (since the odometer only has 5 digits plus the tenths) it just wouldn’t be this original looking I believe. A close inspection in person could confirm my thoughts easily.
This same car was covered here on BF not too long ago.
Yes, At least this time they are not claiming it has a leather interior.
Beautiful Cougar in downsized form. The 351 may not be a road rocket but is a quiet cruiser. Love the period colors.
I had a 77 w/a 351 and rode (and looked) like a Mark V. Mine had power wind/locks, and odd they were not added on this one.
For what it’s worth, these were of the prettier cars of that boring era. I find it so funny that people constantly chastise the Mustang for growing a mere 7.5 inches (’71-’73), imagine what they’d be saying if the Mustang had followed the Cougar’s path! Lol
These were especially nice driving cars. Dated someone who had Ford Elites
and always thought it was a pleasure to drive. It was odd to me that Ford made many of these with the deluxe interior, nice wheels, cruise control but no power windows.
been for sale for a while. if had a floor shift is most likely would sell. i think the seller is looking for the better side of 20k. it’s nice but a niche market.
These cars were everywhere too. My uncle bought a new 77’ silver with red and white interior. I want to say houndstooth pattern seats it was sharp. Our friend who drove a new Buick regal was knocking it and I thought he must be jealous because I drove both cars and the Cougar wins hands down.
It’s at $7,750 with 2 days to go. These No Reserve Hagerty auctions tend to fly under the radar, so someone might end up with a beauty at a bargain.
SOLD for $14,445.
30 bids.