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?
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