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Something that always stops me in my tracks while surfing the web for classic cars is coming across a car similar to one I owned. That’s what happened when I saw this 1978 Mercury Cougar XR-7 Midnight Chamois Edition. It immediately brought back memories of one I owned and eventually had to sell cheap when the transmission gave out. My 1978 Cougar XR-7, also with the Midnight Chamois package, mixed luxury and looks and got plenty of compliments wherever I took it. If you’re looking for one of these limited-edition cars, this 1978 Mercury Cougar XR-7 Midnight Chamois Edition from Frenchtown, New Jersey, is available here on Facebook Marketplace for $6,900.
The Midnight Chamois Edition on the 1978 Mercury Cougar XR-7 was a one-year limited package built at the Lorain, Ohio plant, with about 3,000 units produced. When you chose it, the Midnight Chamois Decor included Dark Midnight Blue metallic exterior paint, a tan-colored chamois vinyl roof, and matching pinstripes. A reverse tan-and-blue color combination was also available and called the Regular Chamois Edition. The original owner of this Cougar XR-7 chose the base 15-inch wheel hubcaps and chrome mirrors. The exterior paint looks shiny but should be inspected more closely, especially along the rockers and rear quarter panels.
The interior of this Cougar XR-7 features a full bench seat, manual windows, and door locks. The cabin looks clean and should provide a very comfortable ride for the new owner. The seller states that this largely original, unmodified example has 79,6555 original miles.
While the 1978 Cougar XR-7 offered an optional 351 cubic inch V8 with 144 hp or a 400 cubic inch V8 with 166 hp, the seller’s car has the standard 302 cubic inch V8 engine, producing 134 hp. This was a far cry from years earlier, but it will move the Cougar quite well down the road. All three engines were paired with the SelectShift 3-speed automatic transmission paired with power steering, and power front disc brakes. The seller’s claim that the car ran when parked, along with a video showing the engine being manually cranked, raises questions about the vehicle’s current running and driving condition. The seller ends their ad stating this Cougar remains complete and presents as an excellent candidate for preservation, recommissioning, or restoration. Would you consider adding this Mercury Cougar to your garage?
Wild and rare Special Edition Gullo.
Love it. The last new car my father bought was a 1979 XR7 with that chamois color on the trim and interior, but the car was white. Had the 351. Thing was stunning. It was in 1980, the dealer was very eager to sell this last 79 hanging around. He passed in ’82 and my mom sold the car soon after. To be fair he left her with about five cars, as he loved buying and selling cars all his life. I offered to buy it from her, but she was adamant it had to go. I suspect she had her reasons. I’ve never seen another that color combo, but this one is close. Beautiful car.