Although I have long harbored a desire to park a 1966 Mustang GT in my garage as my ideal 1960s classic, the First Generation Mercury Cougar holds a special place in my heart. I’ve always felt that the company did a stellar job in adapting Ford’s pony car to suit the tastes of buyers wishing to combine performance with luxury. This 1967 Cougar is a perfect example of that approach, and is a tidy driver that anyone with the cash could buy and enjoy immediately. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting the Cougar listed here on Craigslist in Kennewick, Washington. They are asking $15,000, although they will negotiate a cheaper figure or entertain trades under the right circumstances.
The 1967 model year proved to be a benchmark in pony car production, with Chevrolet and Pontiac producing worthy adversaries to Ford’s Mustang in the form of the Camaro and Firebird. Mercury also joined the party with the Cougar, a car designed to appeal to potential Mustang buyers seeking an extra touch of luxury. This first-year example makes a bold statement in Turquoise with a White vinyl top. The seller makes liberal use of the word “nice” in their assessment of every aspect of this classic, and that seems appropriate. The paint looks extremely nice, the panels are straight, and there are no visible issues with the vinyl. I can’t spot any rust problems, and the seller doesn’t mention hidden problems in their listing. The distinctive grille with its hidden headlamps is in good order, with the same true of the remaining trim and the glass. The 15″ wheels are a recent addition, but the seller may consider a lower sale price if the buyer decides they would prefer the original steel wheels with good whitewalls and factory hubcaps.
The First Generation Cougar shared most of its mechanical components with the Mustang, although, unlike the Ford, the Mercury was V8-only territory. This car features a 289ci powerplant, a three-speed automatic transmission, and power steering. The company’s 1967 Sales Brochure quotes power and torque figures of 225hp and 305 ft/lbs, which, unsurprisingly, match the numbers quoted by Ford for the equivalent Mustang. I would describe this car’s engine bay presentation as honest. The seller hasn’t gone overboard with detailing sprays or rattle cans, allowing potential buyers to see precisely what they will receive for their money. They state that the Cougar runs and drives extremely well, meaning that all the buyer needs to do is hand over the cash before heading over the horizon in this classic.
Apart from its exceptional presentation, the first thing that I noticed about this Cougar’s interior was the front bench seat. This feature rates a special mention in the company’s Sales Brochure, with Mercury explaining how it provides additional passenger space, but with the comfort of traditional buckets. The predominantly Black trim is in good condition, with no significant wear or other problems. The dash and pad look crisp and clean, and the carpet is excellent. The seller added an aftermarket stereo, which will relieve boredom on extended road trips.
This 1967 Mercury Cougar looks like a gem, and the seller’s asking price looks very reasonable for a driver-grade 1960s pony car. However, their willingness to negotiate a lower figure if the buyer wishes to swap out the existing wheels for the factory steelies increases the temptation for those preferring authenticity. It has only been on the market for a short time, and I won’t be surprised if it quickly finds a new home. The big question for me is whether that person will be one of our loyal Barn Finds readers. I will understand if that proves to be the case.
This is a nice Cougar. Period-correct colors. The aftermarket wheels look good. I’m not sure I’ve ever seen one with a bench seat. I wish it had a Marti Report with a data extraction for the bench seat. Thank you Adam.
I had a ’67 with the bench seat and found it quite comfortable. It was a regular production option on standard Cougars (not offered on XR-7s) and also offered on the Mustang. Bench seat cars had their own body code on the door data plate (65C).
This car may be turquoise but it’s a repaint in a non-factory color. Cougar turquoise is not this color, which seems more of a ’50s shade, especially with the white top.
This car’s 4V 289 is more desirable than the base 2V 289 and probably fairly rare with the bench seat. Asking price is now $14k. Sounds like a decent deal if you don’t mind the color change.
A bench seat was available in 1967, 1968 and 1969 Cougars. In 1967 there were 7395 built, in 1968 there were 2673 built and in 1969 there were 1616 built. All were installed in standard coupes. There were none installed in the XR7 model or in the 1969 convertibles.
How many V8 pony cars can you buy these days for $15k that you can just jump in and drive? If this car is as good as it looks it’s a great deal.
Mighty clean!! $14k now.
I’m a Mercury guy but this Mercury is clean and the price is right. Yes you can tell it was resprayed by the under hood pictures but it looks very clean inside and out1
Really love these first gen. Cougars and this is incredibly clean for the price. Not crazy about the respray color and I’d definitely put the original wheels back on it but overall it’s a great looking driver. Seems like a see a plethora of cars on BF coming out of the northwest.
These first gen Cougars are like a hidden treasure. I don’t know why they aren’t more sought after. Classy looking car and V8 power! Love the hidden headlights and sequential taillights. Can usually find these at reasonable prices. They’re kind of like a bigger Mustang coupe but no regrets getting one of these as there wasn’t a comparable Cougar fastback available.
It must have sold as the listing was deleted. Another Northwest gem. I think someone got a good deal.
Here I go again. In the early 1980’s I worked for a guy turning wrenches in Kirkland, Washington. His son, a high school student worked part time at the shop and drove a 1967 Mercury Cougar 289 with 4 speed manual. It was triple black, a very nice looking car, but he didn’t appreciate it and was always complaining to his dad that all his friends had new cars and he should have a new car as well. His dad a clever business man explained to his son the economical advantage of driving a well maintained older car over that of a new one. Didn’t impress the youngster at all. And he was really angry when his dad bought his stepmom a new car. But that’s a whole different story.
God Bless America
Ad gone already