Envisioned as a “man’s car that a Mustang owner could step up to,” the Cougar debuted in 1967 at six inches longer than its Mustang sibling and with three extra inches of wheelbase. These dimensions and Mercury’s styling gave the Cougar rear seat space and an upscale image that Ford’s pony car could not match. Vacuum-operated hidden headlights made for a clean and purposeful grille. Mercury marketing stressed a decidedly European flair for the Cougar as well (some details courtesy of MustangAndFords.com). This 1968 Mercury Cougar XR-7 in Grand Junction, Colorado is open for bidding here on eBay. With No Reserve, this vehicle will sell to the highest bidder.
By the age of eight or ten I knew these Cougars had the amazing sequential tail-lights and always hoped to see them in action. Looking fairly complete, original, and straight from all angles, this cougar has some rust, but the seller includes a host of under-car pictures that don’t look too bad. The vinyl roof appears thoroughly weathered or possibly gone. Comments from readers with keen eyesight welcome below. Newly mandated for 1968, the side markers distinguish this second-year car from the 1967 Cougars.
This car’s XR-7 package included leather and vinyl upholstery, additional and upgraded gauges, burled walnut applique (peeling badly), and a nifty overhead console with warning aka “idiot lights” and map lights. This car also came with air conditioning.
What’s said to be the original “J” code 4v 302 appears largely stock, though now equipped with a Holley carburetor in place of what may have been an Autolite 4100. We can see power brakes and power steering as well, which may have been standard on a Cougar. This is a pretty straight original car, and the 302 will do fine for cruising, but it’s not so special that it must be rebuilt to stock. These cars were raced by Mercury and accept many of the mild-to-wild suspension kits and other goodies available for Mustangs. It could also become the basis for a wild Pro-Touring style resto-mod like this awesome ride at utpracecars.com. Who plans to put in a bid on this Colorado Cougar? What would you do with this big Cat?
Looks like someone put this in the oven @ 450 degrees and forgot it! Still if it looks no worse in person than it does here, it looks like a good winter project..
427 GT.E clone, most of them came with autos so that will works, are you sure it should have the autolite 4100 think all 68 302 4Vs had it but they leaked and could crack if over tightened as typically were replaced with the better 4100.
The Autolite 4100 was the simplest and most reliable 4barrel ever made. I’ve owned many, never a problem.
Not most, but all, 1968 427 GTEs left the factory equipped with a C6 automatic. Later in the model year the R code 428CJ became an option and 3 of those cars left the factory with a 4 speed.
missing part…302 4Vs had the 4300
A friend had one identical to this one in high school, for sure my personal favorite Ford vehicle. Don’t think I’d monkey with this one too much other than make it look good, run, turn and stop.
That’s a “J” code 302 that replaced the 289 HIPO for 1968. Same engine that came in the 1968 Shelby GT350. Not terribly powerful, but a good overall engine. The rear quarters are remarkably solid. It is an A/C, Power Disc Brake, RX-7 so it has a lot going for it. Good car if it is not to expensive by the end of the auction.
Always liked the early Cougars better than Mustangs.
I had one of these in high school, but not an XR7. 302, 3 on the floor. The front markers also served as cornering lamps, the rears were simply reflectors. Btw, that’s a Holley carb on this one.
Todd,
Power steering and power brakes were not standard equipment, they were both extra cost options. The majority of Cougars left the factory with power steering, 98,398 out of 113,741 1968 Cougars had power steering. By comparison only 47, 809 on those same Cougars had power brakes.
It has an 8″ rear diff. as it should with the 302. Only big block Cougars(’67-’68) had 9″ rears. ’69-up with 351W -351C came with 9″ also.
Back in the early 70,s I bought a black on black Cougar XR-7. It had the 390 C I engine with wide oval tires on ford magnum spoke rims. It had A C but no power steering. ( Go figure ) Driving it in a straight line on the highway was ok but it was living hell trying to park it or turn in tight spaces not to mention all the gas it used.