Affordable and solid First Generation pony cars are becoming more challenging to find, but patience can yield positive results. Such is the case with this 1969 Mercury Cougar. It is a seemingly rust-free and largely unmolested classic that makes a positive first impression. Lifting its appearance to a higher level would be straightforward, which might make it irresistible to some enthusiasts. The Cougar is listed here on Craigslist in West Sacramento, California. The seller set their price at $16,200 OBO, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder ToddK for spotting this gem.
The powerbrokers at Ford weren’t keen on the idea of Mercury producing and marketing a pony car, believing it might siphon sales away from the Mustang. Management relented when it became clear that the projected Cougar model would be a more luxurious offering aimed at a different buyer demographic. The decision proved fortuitous because the Cougar badge remained a mainstay of the company’s line-up until 2002. Our feature car rolled off the line in 1969, with its original owner ordering it in Wimbledon White. It is a subtle and restrained shade, and it is interesting to note that several recent surveys confirm that White remains the favored color of today’s new car buyers. The seller admits this Cougar underwent a repaint years ago, but it still looks pretty nice. The paint holds a healthy shine with no significant flaws or defects. There are no signs or indications of rust problems, which would be unsurprising if the car has remained in California for most of its life. There are some imperfections for the new owner to address, but none demand immediate attention. The passenger side mirror requires replacement, a trim piece is missing from the passenger side window, and there is slight panel damage on the rear valance. Tackling those faults during winter would be a productive way to spend quality time with a classic with no other apparent needs. The chrome is in good order, there are no obvious problems with the hidden headlights, and the glass and wheels are spotless.
The luxury leanings of this Cougar become apparent when we examine its interior. The original owner ordered it trimmed in Dark Red Corinthian vinyl, with a console and lashings of faux woodgrain. There is a Phase Linear AM/FM radio/8-track player, which is a later addition since that company didn’t commence manufacturing audio equipment until 1970. The seller claims this interior is original, and its condition is admirable if that is accurate. There are no signs of wear or physical damage, and prone areas like the dash and pad have not succumbed to UV exposure. The console lid has warped, the driver’s door trim vinyl has stretched around the armrest, and the kick panels are scuffed. However, those are the only faults the new owner may choose to tackle to lift the tidy interior’s overall presentation to a higher level.
One of the most profound differences between the First Generation Cougar and its Mustang cousin revealed itself when the hood was lifted. The Cougar was “V8 only” territory, with no six-cylinder powerplants in its model range. The entry-level motor in 1969 was the 351-2V engine, which we find powering this classic. It sends 250hp and 355 ft/lbs of torque to the rear wheels via a three-speed automatic transmission, with this car featuring power assistance for the steering and brakes. Weight is one of the greatest enemies of outright performance, and the 1969 Cougar graphically demonstrates that. This classic tips the scales at 3,534 lbs, but an equivalent Mustang weighs 3,174 lbs. Both can hit the same top speed, but while the Mustang takes 15.8 seconds to cover the ¼-mile, this Mercury would complete the same journey in 16.4 seconds. The difference isn’t dramatic, but it is measurable. The seller recently fitted this survivor with new tires, and the drivetrain remains original and unmolested. They say it runs and drives perfectly, making it a turnkey classic the new owner could drive home.
This 1969 Cougar is a tidy car that would suit a buyer seeking instant gratification. It has no immediate needs, and its shortcomings could be addressed at the new owner’s leisure. Recent sales results suggest the price is competitive, and with values climbing slowly, it could also be a sound long-term investment. It has only been on the market a few days, but are you tempted to give it the new home it requires?
Looks like a clean Cougar in driver condition. To me the white paint makes it kind of plain-looking, though the red interior does perk it up, as do the factory wheels. That aside, these Cougars were attractively styled and packaged, very classy-looking cars which still are eye-catchers today.
I hope our resident Cougar expert CATHOUSE will offer some of his always-informative comments.
Looks like a clean Cougar in driver condition. To me the white paint makes it kind of plain-looking, though the red interior does perk it up, as do the factory wheels. That aside, these Cougars were attractively styled and packaged, very classy-looking cars which still are eye-catchers today.
I hope our resident Cougar expert CATHOUSE will offer some of his always-informative comments.
I’m no muscle car guy (Malaise era rules, don’t change my mind) but the Cougar is amazing. Can’t beat the grille and hidden headlights. Between a mustang of the same generation and this, I would pick the cougar hands down.
76 Chrysler New Yorker St. Regis package optional leather, AM-FM one speaker radio, rich Corinthian lever upholstery, 440 with electronic distributor (I removed the lean-burn junk) along with replace the steering wheel column. I also have a set of wire wheels included if you want them. Tape
Did you by accident mix in a comment for the Chrysler along with your Cougar comment? You’re talking about 2 different cars here.
Whoops, the ad listing for a car got
Mixed in, I’m not good with technology accidentally copied and past
This cat would be absolutely perfect if it had the 290hp 351/4V with the 4 speed manual, anything that looks this good needs the power to back it up. Love first gen Cougars, but not when they’re dog slow. But $16k for this particular one is right on.
Only @6% of all Cougars are 3/4spds. All are somewhat rare.
OK, here you go Bob_in_TN.
This is a very basic standard Cougar. It has the base standard style interior. The door panels have been altered by using some sort of attaching method along the lower edge. Those buttons should not be there, it should just be plain flat vinyl. I question the console being original as I believe that if it was an original part it would be red, not black.
This car has the Sports Special style rocker panel mouldings on it. It is possible that this is an original Sports Special Cougar however that will require a Marti report to confirm. If it is a Sports Special that might help justify the asking price a little more.
You are correct Cathouse, it does have the Sports Special chrome rocker panels, but isn’t there more to a Special? A friend of mine has a 69 Sport Special and he just raves about the special interior. A fancy velour door panel with chrome strips and special seats, I think. He thinks his is one of 1,700 cars ordered this way. Just give me a good ol XR7, I’ll be happy. Do you know Cougar Bill in Denver, CO?
Yes, there is a little more to the Sports Special package than just the rocker panel mouldings. There were actually 4 different Sports Special packages offered. Two of them had the standard style interior, like the feature car, and two of them had the deluxe style interior. There were no velour style interiors offered on any 1969 Cougar. What your friend has sounds more like a custom aftermarket style interior.
There were five exterior features that made up the Sports Special package.
1) Turbine wheel covers
2) E78 X 14 white side wall tires
3) A mid body paint pinstripe in black, red or white
4) Special rocker panel mouldings
5) Remote control left side racing mirror
Two of the four Sports Special packages included the special handling package. This package got you F70 X 14 white side wall belted tires, higher rate front and rear springs, heavy duty front and rear shocks, larger stabilizer bar and 6 inch wide rims.
Package A original cost $95.90 production 10,409 standard basic Cougar with just the 5 exterior items.
Package B original cost $150.30 production 5413 added interior decore group to package A.
Package C original cost $123.10 production116 added the special handling package to package A
Package D original cost $177.60 production 204 added the interior decore group and the special handling package to package A.
I do know of Cougar Bill. I have talked with him via email and on the Cougar forums. I do not believe though that we have ever met in person. Maybe someday that will happen.
Great info, Cathouse. I’ll have to go see my buddy with the Sport Special to see just what he’s got. It’s been repainted and has mag wheels…and velour door panels.
The only way to verify that a 1969 Cougar is an original Sports Special would be to have factory paperwork. Since original window stickers and other such dealership paperwork has usually been lost to time by now the best thing that anyone can do would be to order a Marti report.
I own a Bench seat Sport Special. I`m not familiar with the velour & chrome door panels. The pinstripes have 2 flaws. Full length on the fender extensions, and the pin stripes should follow the body side contour of the car. Bullitt rockers, turbine wheel covers were standard. I think about 16,142 SS cougars were built?
Cool car. Price is a deal imhop, classic in nice shape. Mercury’s like Oldsmobiles are bargains.
This one takes me back to high school. A friend of mine has a 69 that when he got it looked identical. Only difference was his had the 3 speed manual. He and his dad went to Texas to get cars, his dad brought home a Calypso Coral 70 Mach 1 and him this car. Some upgrades came, 4 barrel swap, cam, headers, dual exhaust. Then a 4 speed went in and after the the open wheel 3.00 diff made way for a 3.70 locker. After graduation they ended up moving back to Texas, both cars got restored. The Cougar was repainted red and now looked like an Eliminator. It has since gone further over these last 20 years and is a track only road course car with Nascar drivetrain. He still has it and still loves it, its just different now. Ive been after him to get a normal Cougar again for street purposes, this would be like a fresh start.
It’s a repaint in a brighter shade of white (Oxford?), not Wimbledon white.
The chip off the rear valance reveals the real deal creamier white.
Beautiful looking car. Looks like a car I saw on an old episode of The FBI with Efrem Zimbalist Jr. A friend I know who is a Ford mechanic has one like it. It is an alpine white but it is the XR-7 edition which has a black vinyl roof with black leather interior.
As BillB said, that is not Wimbledon White. Remember that white does hide flaws well.
Those are 1 of the least expensive tires you can buy & you get crossed flags too!, tho i would prefer RWLs or ORWLs. Lexani & identical Lionhart seem to have good reviews.
Oops – checkered flags.
What a clean, driver Cougar, and very fairly priced IMO. Little else to do except add Vintage Air. And adding an Edelbrock dual plane intake and carb down the road, wouldn’t hurt its performance either. Good solid find.